The Revd Robert Howie (Bob) Younger: 1935-2021

Bob and and his wife Pam touched a great many lives through their work at Knaphill Baptist Church and in the community

Bob Younger was minister of Knaphill Baptist Church, Woking from 1983 until his retirement in 2000. He and his wife Pam moved from Glenrothes in Scotland, where they had lived for almost 25 years, to take up the pastorate. Bob had previously (largely) enjoyed a very successful career in teaching, supporting secondary school pupils with special educational needs. Pam was, most notably, a midwife, then later served as a Marie Curie nurse, both in Scotland and Surrey, providing end-of-life care to cancer patients.

Bob and Pam oversaw a period of growth and vibrancy in the life of the church, during which mums and toddlers groups and weekly community coffee mornings were launched. Bob was also well known in the wider community, through his chaplaincy roles at Brookwood and St Peters Hospitals, and his regular assemblies at the local primary school.

Bob was ably supported by Pam (who also went to be with the Lord earlier this year), who led the women’s fellowship. Their son, Ian, was also a member at Knaphill and, with his wife Mandy, was a founder member of the “Vision Higher” music group, which carried on long after they moved away from the area.

Bob passed away peacefully at Coxhill Manor Nursing Home, Chobham on 27 July, aged 86. He is now reunited with Pam, who was his staunchest ally and who cared for him selflessly since his diagnosis with dementia some seven years ago. They are survived by their four sons, Steve, Ian, Paul and Dave, grandchildren Becca, Phil, Chris, Dan and Matt, and their great-grand-daughter Bonnie.

Bob and Pam touched a great many lives through their work at Knaphill Baptist Church and in the community, and will leave behind precious memories that will stay in our hearts forever.

An online tribute page has been set up at www.pamandbobyounger.muchloved.com where those who knew them can share their own memories, and can also find information about a planned Celebration of Life Service in memory of Bob and Pam, which is being held at Heathervale Baptist Church, New Haw, on Saturday 4 September.

 

Ian Younger