A man who began a new life in the island thanks to his love of crown green bowls was remembered in a moving ceremony at Onchan Park recently.

The presentation, organised by the village’s crown green bowling club, and conducted by its chairman, Mike Thomas, revolved around a wooden seat engraved with the wording ‘Gerry’s Seat.’

But behind that basic fact was a story of how the bowling club, the local community and its new resident formed an amazing relationship which only ended earlier this year when Gerry died at the age of 95.

Gerry Owen, who came from Overton-on-Dee near Wrexham in north-east Wales, took up residence in the village, at the age of 89 to join daughters Jan Tinsley, Jill Pugh and their families who had come to the island to live in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

His wife Betty had died in 1995 after more than 40 years of marriage. The intention had been that he would convalesce in the Isle of Man after a period of ill-health before returning to Overton. But that never happened!

In reality, he created a new community made up of friends, neighbours, bowling buddies – not to mention his favourite eateries, such as Ocean Views, Laxey Beach Café, the NSC and Riley’s.

Gerry was no stranger to bowls of course as, over the years, he had been a regular competitor in the Isle of Man bowling festivals.

After his daughters moved to the island, they knew he would always be visiting them in June and September – the months when the festivals take place.

After making his new home in Onchan, Gerry played for the Onchan club and even when age and ill-health took over and he was no longer able to compete, he was a regular fixture at the green, marking members’ scorecards or encouraging them from his seat.

One club member recalls: ‘He became so well-known, to all the players, that often there would be calls of “Hi Gerry”, “Hi Gerry”, “Hi Gerry” from the visiting team as they made their way past his seat to the green.’

Mike told the assembled guests at the presentation that Gerry’s family had asked for donations at his funeral to go to the Onchan CGBC.

The club committee had decided to use the money to purchase a seat and to have it engraved with his name.

Also present at the ceremony was long-time friend Juan Kermode who had known Gerry both in his Overton and Isle of Man days. Juan is Castletown’s representative on the executive committee of the Isle of Man Crown Green Bowling Association.

Daughter Jan said the family wanted to say a massive thank you to the club for the welcome Gerry had received. She added: ‘Everyone was so kind and there were always people ready to offer him cake and biscuits and a cup of tea whenever he arrived. He loved it and would have loved what has taken place today.’

Following refreshments prepared and served by the women’s section of the club there was time for family and friends to try out bowling, under instruction from over-60s A team captain Neil Dunwell.

This led to one of Gerry’s grandchildren expressing an interest in joining the club – so Gerry’s name and legacy may well live on.

COLIN BROWN