Family tribute to ‘likeable character’ Tony

Tony Bowker was found dead at a friend’s house in Back Church Street at around 10-30am on Sunday, March 22nd.

In his younger years, Mr Bowker was a national hunt championship jockey beginning his career at Dickinson’s Stables in Gisburn.

Mr Bowker later rode a horse called Winter Melody owned and trained by Jack Hanson at Wetherby and had many successes in his career. He continued to work with horses for years after finishing in the saddle.

His family said: “Anthony, known as Tony, was well-known in Barnoldswick and was a likeable character.

“There were no suspicious circumstances around his death as previously thought.

“He will be sorely missed by the family and he leaves behind two children Laura and Anton, two sisters Alison and Lillian, a brother John and nieces and nephews.”

Mr Bowker’s funeral was held today at Skipton Crematorium.