Oxford Bus Company has named one of its battery-electric buses in memory of long-serving mechanic Mark ‘Panda’ Bowyer, who died recently after almost five decades with the operator.
Mr Bowyer passed away shortly after Christmas following a battle with cancer, having spent 49 years with the Go-Ahead-owned business.
A plaque bearing the words “In memory of our former colleague, Mark ‘Panda’ Bowyer” has been fitted to the front of the final battery-electric bus to join the fleet during his career. The vehicle has now returned to service across Oxford.
The operator says the bus was chosen because it was the last electric vehicle to enter the fleet while he was still working for the company and is expected to remain in service for many years.
Mr Bowyer earned the nickname ‘Panda’ early in his career while cleaning engines and gearboxes. After removing the protective goggles he wore for the job, the dirt and soot covering his face left distinctive clean circles around his eyes.
Engineering Manager Matty Davis says Mr Bowyer was particularly passionate about zero-emission vehicles and became the first member of the workshop team to own an electric car.
“Panda had a real love for the electric vehicles,” says Mr Davis. “His knowledge of the vehicles was second to none. If there was something which needed doing and other people were struggling with it, then Panda was the man to fix it.
“He was a very funny character and always full of beans. I’ll always remember him dancing around the workshop.”
Family members and former colleagues attended the unveiling ceremony.
Mr Bowyer’s partner of 18 years, Debbie Kiel, described the event as “a lovely tribute to a lovely man”.
“We shared memories and stories, and it was a proud moment,” she says. “He loved his job and his friends, and his colleagues have been so supportive.”
Former apprentice and mechanic Dean Walker, who worked alongside Mr Bowyer for many years, recalls him as “an easy person to get on with” who developed a close friendship beyond work, with shared interests in RAF museums and classic vehicles.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, says the plaque recognises Mr Bowyer’s exceptional contribution to the business.
“Unveiling the plaque was a poignant way to mark Panda’s remarkable contribution to the business,” he says.
“His sterling service is something of a rarity in the modern world, and Panda was a hugely respected and admired member of the team.”
