Jeffrey Barker Crowther, ‘Jeff’ to family and friends, passed away peacefully at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on 8.07.24.
Born on 14.03.1949 in Todmorden, (now in West Yorkshire), Jeff grew up with his 4 siblings and Postmaster parents in Hebden Bridge.
Jeff was an identical twin with brother Bernard. It was almost impossible to tell them apart, so much so that his mother Molly had to sew a ‘J’ & ‘B’ on their jumpers.
Jeff attended St Thomas More RC secondary school in Holmfield Halifax in 1960, his twin went to St Gregory’s RC school Huddersfield. Both characters in their own right full of fun and mischief. They would swap schools for the day for fun, confusing teaching staff …until they got caught! Even their children and grandchildren would struggle to tell them apart.
Jeff and his brothers, like their father Wilf, all served in the Armed Forces. Jeff joined the Royal Corps of Transport and was stationed in Berlin during the Cold War and with the UN in Cyprus during the Turkish Invasion. He did several tours including the Falkland Islands, Northern Island and, after leaving the army, as a volunteer in the Bosnian war driving supplies into the war zone.
Jeff lived in many different places, including South Africa and Somerset, where he worked for Westland in the 90’s.
Jeff had his struggles in life. He recognised that he had a problem and sought help and support. As a result, he became a worldly wise and spiritual soul, recognised in his community where he regularly supported and mentored others.
He had a passion for photography. In his teens he started as a photographer with the Halifax Courier and became an extremely accomplished technician in Ansel Adam’s style landscapes.
Beloved husband to Pauline and his now wife Tee, Jeff had two sons Neil and Daniel. He is also survived by his loving siblings Meg, Pauline and Mike.
Jeff will be remembered for his Yorkshire sense of humour, his kindness and big heart. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all.
The funeral is on Thursday 18th July at 1pm, in the Wellington Chapel at Easthampstead Park Cemetery, Berkshire, RG40 3DW, nearest train station is Bracknell.
Floral tributes maybe sent to AJ Brooke Funeral Directors at 1 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AD
For those unable to attend there is a live stream, details which can be found here: https://jefferycrowther.
