PEOPLE lined the streets of Coventry despite the coronavirus ‘lockdown’ to say a final farewell to community champion Bob Fryer, who has sadly passed away.
Finham residents observed social distancing rules in marking his major contributions and demonstrated the esteem in which he was held – amid ongoing restrictions on funeral gatherings.
Friends said one pallbearer commented that in over 30 years he had never before witnessed such a show of respect for anyone.
After some years of suffering from illness, Bob sadly passed away on March 30.
Paul Davies, chairman of Finham Parish Council, said: “Bob has become known as ‘Mr Finham’ in part recognition of all the good he did for the people of Finham, for no personal reward at all, other than he wanted to help his fellow residents.”
His funeral was held on Wednesday (April 22) when the route was lined from his home to Canley Crematorium.
Angela, his son Anthony and Emma his daughter were stunned by the huge number of residents lining the route.
Bob and Angela moved into the Graylands when they were married in April 1971 and stayed.
Bob was a research chemist at Courtaulds, a teacher, a Governor at Finham Primary school and became involved in the Finham Residents Association when there were plans to build a McDonalds on the land behind the Graylands. Bob and Angela were part of the campaign BIG NO TO BIG MAC.
He had been the President of the FRA over 22 years.
Mr Davies added that, since 2009, Bob had campaigned tirelessly to save Kings Hill from being developed for thousands of houses, and was interviewed by BBC TV Midlands Today at the Join Hands to Save Kings Hill protest in 2017.
“He fought to save the No.9 bus with Colin Salt and Brian Thompson and secured a Sunday service,” added Mr Davies.
“It was Bob’s idea for local free phlebotomy services and persuaded the local health authority to trial it at a local chemist on Baginton Road. This service was subsequently rolled out across the city.
“Bob was a selfless, modest and self-effacing man. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him but most of all by Angela and his family who adored him.”
