I recently learned of the passing of an old friend, mentor, thoroughly decent human being, gentle giant and Christian gentleman, Barry Owen, who I first met as a teenager when I began to attend Coleman Street Chapel, where he and his family were actively involved. He had been unwell for some time and needed carer support. Toward the end of 2024, three Chapel stalwarts, David Iles, Geoff Hayman and Paul Bullivant, all had passed away (see here and here for my tributes to them). All of them were well known to Barry, and while sadly Barry has left us, now he has joined them in their final rest.

As I reflect on Barry’s life, from the interactions I had with him from 1966 – 1976 when I left Southend for pastures new, there were two that stood out. During that earlier period there was an active young people’s work, of which I was a part, and Barry, along with his wife Jean, often entertained us in their home following the Sunday evening service. Then there were the squashes held once a month on a Saturday night in their home, which was a much looked forward to social occasion, where Barry and Jean offered splendid hospitality, along with a speaker. The other stand out memory were the regular visits to Roche House (attached to the old Rochford Hospital) which was an old people’s home. There we would regularly meet the residents, some we got to know well, and took services singing Sankey’s hymns and portable organ along with extemporaneous preaching and prayers. I was part of the team that was led by Barry.

I returned back to live in Southend in the late 1980’s. By that time, Barry had left Coleman Street Chapel and joined one of the local Baptist churches. I found that out because initially I did not go back to the Chapel, and instead sometimes attended Baptist churches, where I found that Barry would occasionally preach. Later, when I did re-join the Chapel, Barry would turn up as a preacher or for special occasions. He had forged a life time friendship with Geoff Hayman, who led that work. I recall, early on, telling Geoff I was going to get married and we would like to have the wedding at the Chapel. Geoff promptly volunteered Barry to help out in some of the practical arrangements – and he did! Another fond memory of Barry concerned his day time job, which was as a builder along with his partner, Colin. I have fond memories of hiring them to do work on my house and they did so to a high standard. One amusing anecdote concerned Barry and Colin when they broke for lunch. As if by clockwork, they would retire to their respective vans (Barry read the Mail and Colin the Sun along with eating their sandwiches) and with no further fuss, when lunch time was over, they continued where they had previously left off, and got on with the job in hand!   

Our thoughts and prayers are with and for his wife, Jean, and his children, Mark and Debbie. These are the funeral arrangements: Monday 10th of March: private service at Southend Crematorium (for family only), then a thanksgiving service at 2.15pm followed by light buffet at Avenue Baptist Church, Milton Road, Westcliff on Sea SS0 7JX. Limited parking is available in car park adjacent to church.

Update 08/03/25

My wife and I plan to be at Monday’s memorial service so we can pay our respects to Barry, reflect on the brevity of life and making the best of what we have, and no doubt meet old friends, wondering perhaps which us will be next. The following are further details for Barry’s funeral given by his family, shared with permission.

Monday 10th March 2025 2.15pm – Thanksgiving Service Avenue Baptist Church, Milton Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 7JX

Everyone is invited to stay for refreshments afterwards. We would love to see you there and share your memories of dad.

Parking available in church car park (immediate left of church as you face it). Overflow car park available to use at St Helen’s Catholic church (opposite). There are also a few spaces on Milton Road and North Road Car Park on the London Road.

Family flowers welcome or donations to Tearfund or Blood Cancer UK. You can either donate on retiring from the chapel or church. Alternatively, donations can be made online at http://www.guiver.co.uk or via the funeral director F.P Guiver and Sons Ltd, 52 Ashingdon Road, Rochford, SS4 1RD; 01702 419333

You can bring flowers with you or have them delivered to Guivers (address above) no later than 11am on day of the funeral. Dress code: Jean says: nothing too sombre!! This is a time to celebrate Barry’s life.

Thank you 😊

There is a service at the Crematorium earlier for family only.