George Bodman – A Lambourn legend remembered
George Bodman
On-line Book of Condolences – you can add your contribution at the bottom of this page
4th June 2022
From Steve Hamilton: With the deepest regret I would just like to let Lambourn Community know that George Bodman sadly passed away in his sleep during the night. I know how much Lambourn Community loved him and all looked out for him. He had a fantastic day yesterday around the sports Club. Thank you to Kevin and Carole for giving him a great day he loved it. RIP George
George was born on January 11th 1930 at The Haven, where he continued to live all of his life (always proud to tell you that!) He was the 2nd son of Louis and Elsie Bodman and younger brother to Louis, who died in 2003. Some of George’s happiest days were during his time in National Service where he found many friendships and great comradery. When George returned home after his service he was expected to take over the Coal business from his father, (who died in 1965 and his mother in 1985) which he continued to do until retirement in 1991. He would have loved to have married but this was not to be so he had to be content with as many hugs and kisses as he could get during his trip to the shops, and he was never disappointed! we will miss those hugs George.
George was loved and respected, a real ‘Gent’ and Lambourn has lost its ‘son’, there will never be another like George and Lambourn Website wishes to pay deepest respect to him, we would also like to open this book of condolence which will keep his memory alive for all of Lambourn Community. L.
The wonderful comments on the Facebook post will soon disappear into cyberspace which is why we have an on-line book of condolences. Feel free to leave your memories of George as a comment below. The page will be preserved as part of the Lambourn on-line museum.
George Bodman’s 90th Birthday
George Bodman’s Daffodils
George Bodman and Bodman Close
I haven’t lived in Lambourn for many years, in fact, we left for Eastbury in about 1983 but Mr. Bodman was especially kind to my mother when we lived in Paddock House. A lovely man and a great gentleman. RIP George Bodman.
I have known George and his brother and then just George he was a lovely gentleman kind loving and giving. All ways on my mind sleep well George Love always Frankie xxxx
I remember the day I moved to lambourn in 2017 I had the pleasure of being Mr Bodmans neighbour I saw him everyday had cups of tea with him at least twice a week I was always trying to sort out his mobile phone or looking through pictures. My children adored him as they did him. Even when we moved I still saw him every week and yesterday I had the pleasure at the jubilee to have a massive hug and a chat and the children. I can definitely say George we will be having that cuppa again. Thank you so much for making us feel at home love you always never forget you xxx
I have so many memories of Mr. Bodman, delivering our coal to meeting him on the streets of Lambourn. He always had a smile and a sweet comment. After moving away from Lambourn, I was always amazed and happy to meet him when I returned home for a visit. It was as though I never left, he would always greet me by my name and chat remembering my Mum and other family members. And he was always interested to hear my news. He was a wonderful man, I will miss meeting up with him when I return home.
RIP George, a wonderful man who will be deeply missed ❤️
God Bless you George, thank you for so many beautiful memories, you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend…I give you a final hug and x
Will miss those hugs, George was always there at our vintage Tea Parties, Went around and charted to everyone, He was a very special man, God bless George xxx
A wonderfully kind, genuine and generous man. Gave so much of himself to his family and to Lambourn. It was a pleasure to have got to know George over many years. Rest in peace.
George had a great sense of community and was often seen out and about doing things for the village including planting daffodils and cleaning the road signs. He had a kind word and a smile for everyone and a sharp memory – I have no idea how he remembered so many names, even of people he met just occasionally. A true gentleman and a role model of how one can live peacefully and contribute so much to a community. A sad loss of a legend.
Mr Bodman was a very special man in lambourn always stopped and talked ,never forgot a name chatted about my mum and dad and always asked about my sisters Margaret and Jackie .
RIP you will never be forgotten in the village xxx
George was the nicest person you could ever meet. He was kind, generous,respectful, compassionate, humble and never took things for granted, to name a few of his attributes. He loved our village and the people of Lambourn. Myself and Tracy loved his stories from old and if you were ever feeling low, just go and see George. The photos would come out,the kettle would go on, and the fantastic stories would be told especially about Lou, whom he adored and loved dearly. I can assure you all that you would come out of the Haven with a big smile on your face guaranteed. George will be so sadly missed in the village by all. He would have been a very happy man going to bed after his wonderful day at the sports club seeing all the people of the village and being asked to be the King of the carnival this year. Myself and Tracy would like to thank George for everthything he has done for Lambourn and other surrounding villages. Good night George and safe passage to Lou. God bless. Tracy and Steve. x
GEORGE Bodman a true gentleman. Always had a smile and time for a chat
Many happy memories of going to the coal yard and decorating the coal lorry so that the Brownies could enter a float in the Lambourn Carnival. Happy days. Rest in Peace George
Mr Bodman ( George) you were a very special part of lambourn. I moved from lambourn over 53 years ago but saw you often when I visited gran and mum . We always had a chat and you always mentioned mum and gran . I remember you and your brother delivering grans coal to the Granthams . You were a pure gentleman a pleasure to meet and be in your company. My cousin Pauline and I so enjoyed your special birthday party . You are remembered with much love and affection by everyone who had the privilege to know you and it really was a pure privilege. Rest in peace George . Lambourn won’t be the same without you . ❤️
A true gentleman and role model.
You would always brighten up everyone’s day George and will be sadly missed in the village.
Rest in peace and thank-you for the memories.
As a family, we have known George since we arrived in Lambourn, over 45 years ago. He used to deliver coal for our Rayburn and it was always a pleasure to see George and Lou. I remember one day going into the Universal Stores (when Ross owned it), to be told that George had given Ross some money so our son could buy himself a toy of his choice. His kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He was the ultimate gentleman and would always ‘tip’ his hat when talking to ladies. He will be very sadly missed by everyone in Lambourn and everyone who knew him. George was definitely a ‘one off’ and if we had more people like George then the world would be a much better place. It was an honour to know him and to be his friend. RIP George. Gone but you will never be forgotten
George will always be remembered as one of Lambourn finest sons. It was an honour and privilege to have known him. We were neighbours as well as a strong family connection personally. As a small child I remember visiting his Mum and having tea with his wonderful family. My grandparents took George and Louis on many trips when they were younger including the seaside when his parents were so busy. George was so proud of his village and took care of many chores from cleaning local signs and planting his legacy of beautiful daffodils and snowdrops.
George was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed along with his hugs and kisses. God bless you George may you Rest In Peace your work is done.
We have only been in Lambourn for 2 years. Soon after we met George and he made us feel very welcome, always a wave or chat about his garden .Really nice to know he had such a great day on Friday , meeting all his friends .
RIP George
George was such a gentleman. He was a friend to my mother, Rosemary Blake, and took her flowers and produce from his garden when she lived in Lynch Lane. He always had a smile and a wave when we saw him. So glad he enjoyed the village celebrations before he passed away. He will be much missed.
You were a very special man George always had time for a chat and a hug and a kiss you will be miss by many people rest in peace George xx
George R.I.P
A true Gentleman from start to finish. It was an honour to know you,never pass any one without a good morning or even more longer conversation.
Thankyou for all you did for everyone.
One thing that sticks in my mind is when you saw our London Pride Carnival Float, with our Pearly King & Queen your eyes filled with tears of pleasure.
Goodbye true Gent xx
I was very sad to hear George had past away .Once met you would never forget him such a gentleman.Really wish I could make it down to Lambourn to pay my respects I know the church will be so packed inside and out ,and rightly so for a dear son of Lambourn .So glad to have met and none a lovely man .Heaven has gained a good man .Rip x
We live in Cheshire and first met George through our next-door neighbour Jean. Jean was married to George’s late cousin Geoff Allen. In her later years Jean often recounted her fond memories of George – he was their best man at their wedding in 1953. So, we contacted George to arrange for him to visit Jean in her nursing home here in Cheshire. We spent a delightful day with George.
A few years ago, we were visiting our friends in Chiltern Foliat, and dropped in to visit George in Lambourn.
George showed us his home and his treasured memorabilia. George made our visit so very special.
We will miss you, George and our delightful telephone conversations. You were a true gentleman.
Mr Bodman was a true gentleman and gentleman. I will miss are cuddles. There was many time we could have gone cold but you always put sack of coal in the shed not knowing when it would be paid for. I will realy miss you having leaved here all my life I use to love chatting to you about people and stories of Lambourn RIP Mr Bodman
Mr George Bodman was certainly one of a kind. Such a gentleman and always so smart. He opened my Jumble Sale and had written such a lovely speech about my dear son Dean. RIP George Xxxxxxxxxxx
A great man. I remember a jubilee or a royal wedding and it rained so he let us use his barn to have the party. RIP George!
George bodman was a great and lovely man he always spoke to me in the shop about the times he was in school with my uncle Bob I will miss him dearly telling me how much mischief they used to get up to rip George and don’t cause to much mischief up there with my uncle Bob
George made me feel very welcome when I moved up from Kent 5 years ago. He would always stop for a chat, always had a smile and a wave. The Day my Patents moved in to their new house almost opposite him we stood and chatted for almost an hour. I could’ve listened to his stories for hours. I always look across at his house when I open the blinds in the morning as I know live with Mum. Some days I’d see him others if just look across and wonder what he was doing and if he was ok, I cried this morning realising he’s not there anymore and I won’t see him come out of the gate and wave as he went off on his travels. He was a true gentleman and a total one off. Lambourn won’t be quite the same without you George you were a true local legend and will be truly missed xx
George made me feel very welcome when I moved up from Kent 5 years ago. He would always stop for a chat, always had a smile and a wave. The Day my Patents moved in to their new house almost opposite him we stood and chatted for almost an hour. I could’ve listened to his stories for hours. I always look across at his house when I open the blinds in the morning as I now live with Mum. Some days I’d see him others I’d just look across and wonder what he was doing and if he was ok, I cried this morning realising he’s not there anymore and I won’t see him come out of the gate and wave as he went off on his travels. He was a true gentleman and a total one off. Lambourn won’t be quite the same without you George you were a true local legend and will be truly missed xx
George,
You will be so missed. Loved our chats, cups of tea and hugs.
A true gentleman, who will always be remembered.
Much love
Julie, Steve and Noah xxx
George,
You will be so missed. Loved our chats, cups of tea and hugs.
A true gentleman, who will always be remembered.
Much love
Julie, Steve and Noah xxx
What a man.. they certainly don’t make them like they used too, true gent would always give me a pek on the cheek after he had removed his hat of course , loved him popping into the salon to give us girls freshly cut flowers from his garden and compliments that would brighten our days x Lambourn will miss you George x sleep tight Mr bodman x
Remember so well going down to pay for the coalevery week and getting sweets from George, Lou and their mum. Have been left the village for nearly 40 years but George always remembered my name when I saw him and woukd chat and reminisce about my dad, Pete Marshall.
RIP George you will be missed. X
RIP George a true gentleman he had many of kind words for my mum when my dad passed away many years ago. A gentleman never to be forgotten. Such a sad day for Lambourn
Such a sad day for Lambourn RIP George a true gentleman he had many of kind words for my mum when my dad passed away many years ago. A gentleman never to be forgotten.
I saw George in the co op when I worked there he was so kind and loved a chat sleep tight George x
One of the first people to greet us in the street when we moved to Lambourn in 1984 – and always did so.
Most generous man – from welcoming cold Christmas Carollers into his house for refreshments and a carol at his piano – to small gifts for the children. They don’t make them like him anymore and he will be sadly missed.
What can we say about Gentleman George Bodmin,My dad,used to work for George delivering coal and doing the early carnivals,George always had a smile and lots of hugs for everyone,He was always calling me Sophie and visa-versa,but we would get there in the end,it’s been a privilege to have known such a gentlemen RIP George xx
Diane says, what a wonderful man, kind, generous with his time and support. He delivered coal to my house years ago with his brother. Whenever I saw him in the village would ask if he could give me a kiss and a hug, I was always happy to receive both. When we were asked to keep our distance during the pandemic he would say , we can’t have a hug Di, and I would just say , soon George. Have many happy memories of him and will miss him immensly.RIP GEORGE, may the Angels take you in their arms and give you lots of hugs and kisses, you deserve them.I will miss them for sure❤️
My parents have many happy memories of George’s visits and jaunts in the car with them. Rest in peace, George, we’ll all miss you.
As a new be to the village I’ve only lived here 20 years I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting mr Bodman while I was waiting for the bus a few years back and he told me what a fuss people had made over his 90 birthday and how loved he felt . Then over the years with a quick kiss and hug on the corner street he joined us at the Jubilee party where he sat with us chatting away about how lucky my husband was and how he lived in a wonderful village that has grown in size over the years . We will for ever be great full for you cleaning the signs and making us smile 😊 now it’s time to rest you will be forever in are hearts ♥️ 💔and we will never forget you xxx sweet dreams George
RIP Mr Bodman . Gone but will never be forgotten xx
George was my very dear cousin, two years older than me. He was the brother I never had. Great fun, immensely kind….with those twinkly eyes. He taught me to ride a bike, bought me one, and we cycled all round the village lanes. My mother and I lived at The Haven for a while, just before the last war, the family was very lovely to stay with. George joined in all our celebrations, many are the photos I have with him smiling away..I’m so thankful we spoke on the phone very recently, and he sounded the same as ever. God grant you peace, George, and give you a superb organ to delight your companions in the Heavenly Realms.X
George was my very dear cousin, two years older than me. He was the brother I never had.
Great fun, immensely kind … with those twinkly eyes. He taught me to ride a bike, bought me one and we cycled all round the village lanes. My mother & I lived at The Haven for a while, just before the last war; the family was really lovely to stay with. George joined in all our celebrations, many of the photos I have with him smiling away… I’m so thankful we spoke on the phone recently, and he sounded the same as ever.
God grant you peace George and give you a superb organ to delight your companions in the Heavenly Realms. X
Very sad news about George. The end of an era!
I was George and Louis GP. They were both a pleasure to look after. Always charming, often very entertaining and incredibly grateful for any help and advice they received. I often ran late with my appointment times, when you saw George had an appointment that morning you knew you going to be at least 30mins late by the end of that appointment! Great days.
To get into your own bed, in your home after what sounds a wonderful day is as good as it gets.
George will live on within us all.
Rip george u were one amazing man kind, thoughtful and the best man ive ever know u will be truly missed Lambourn legend always and forever 💙
l lived at 40 Newbury Street when l was a child & knew George & his family very well. l lost touch when l married & moved away but a few years ago met George accidently while on holiday. He remembered me & we kept in touch.
A lovely gentleman, will miss him very much. God bless you George.
Such Sad News to know Our lovely Gentle, George Bodmin, who has Passed into the other world.
No Longer will we see our lovely George helping us all and caring for our Wonderful Village of Lambourn. Our Lovely George Bodmin cared about the Village and in the pass he planted so many lovely flowers round the village for us all to enjoy. Living all his life in Lambourn Village, George knew so many the residents and loved to meet them, when he met a new face in the Village. he would doff his hat and get to know them. Always careing for the village in his own way. New Residents would soon get to know George Bodmin who was the Village Treasure. George took part in many of the Village special days, Our George Bodwin, loved to dance with all the girls as he was a very good dancer and loved music. George spent a lovely afternoon and evening at the Sports club the day befor he passed to the other world. I am sure George will meet so many people he has known in his long Lifetime. GEORGE BODMIN will be truly missed by us and all the people that knew and loved him. God Bless you George. xxxx
Dear George
I am still in disbelief. We had made plans to enjoy a cream tea together on the Saturday afternoon! We’d chatted on the Thursday evening and you were your usual chatty self, not least asking what I was wearing and what colour!
I will always remember you with much affection, your kindness and thoughtful ways which has brought so much pleasure to so many. In turn you were rewarded with an extended family from the many generations of Lambourn people. Old and young alike, Parents, Children, Grandchildren and so on, all were to get to know who George (Mr Bodman) was.
Many happy times we’d spend together, whether over a cuppa and cake, a ride out in the car (often by chance a Garden Centre en route!) and sometimes just sat reminiscing. I will miss our trips out and listening to the many interesting tales you could tell!
George, you would be so humbled by the many lovely messages and sentiments,
you have left us all with a lasting legacy, not least to be kind, stay humble and always be grateful.
We had so many more adventures planned and I promise I will visit the places and take pictures as you would have done.
Rest easy now, knowing that you filled your days to the full and your job is done.
God Bless my friend x
On several occasions George would spend a few hours with us enjoying tea and cakes.
His endless stories were informative, interesting and often hilarious.He would give us his gardening tips and was very proud of his own beautiful garden.
We know how he loved to give the ladies hugs and kisses (me included) and he would always laugh when I called him the biggest flirt in the village.
So many of us have shed a tear but how lucky have we all been to have known this absolute gentleman it was a privilege to have known him as a friend.
Thank you George . God Bless You X
I first met George in about 1980. My colleague and I were researching a book on the railway and it was natural he was a major contributor having used the station for many years. He welcomed us into his home with open arms – two complete strangers – but it made no difference to him. Both George, his brother and also Mrs Bodmin were only too happy to entertain us with stories from the past, although George was a bit cynical when he said that after 1960 he had to collect his coal from the railhead at Welford.
At his home he also demonstrated his feat of strength; lifting himself off the ground by his finger tips whilst just hanging on to the top of a doorframe.
We were privileged to meet several wonderful people around that time but George stood out as one of the best. I certainly could not have imagined then I would find myself living the area almost 40 years later.
After the war our situation was very ordinary, to say the least. George ‘God Bless him’ would allow my mother a bag of ‘nutty slack’ as it was called for a few pennies. My memories of George made me realise at a very young age of the good people in this world
Rip George you was a true gentleman always had a smile and remember you as our coal man for many years at 7 Barrows only saw you 2 weeks ago in village and you always said hello rip you will be missed by many people x
When I first moved in to Lambourn in 2014 I met George walking my dog Diesel and he showed me the upper window of his house, proud to have been born and living in the same house all his life. From then on it has always been a privilege to have spoken with him, either by his house or around the village. A gentlemen, who will be missed by the whole village.
I came out of the village Co-Op one wet and windy day in January to see an elderly gentleman stood outside with his shopping trolley. I asked him if he would like a lift home to which he replied that would be very much appreciated. I popped his trolley in the boot and he somehow got into my rather low car and he directed me to his house.
We sat and chatted and he told me a little bit about his life and I remembered speaking to him about his beautiful garden the previous year. He then thanked me, raised his hat, kissed me on the cheek and went indoors.
I didn’t know this man, I have only lived here for three years.. When I got home and said about him, Ted said ‘Oh yes, Mr Bodman, perfect gent, has lived here forever ‘.
It was a pleasure to meet you Sir 🙂 R.I.P x
As children Mr Bodman delivered coal to us in Woodbury and Baydon Road, or you could knock on his door and they would fill a bag with coal for you. We have fond memories of Uncle Cecil (Pike) working the land off of Mill Lane for the Bodman family, he also delivered coal in the winter as well as tending Mr Bodman’s garden until ill health stopped him.
In later years he asked us to call him George, which sometimes felt difficult as he had always respected this gentleman and had called him Mr Bodman for so long. I always enjoyed our little chats, hugs and of course the kiss too, sure he told all us girls the same “how lovely we were”.
George took pleasure in taking photos of our house as it progressed out of the ground and we were delighted that he shared the photos with us. It was great that he came and had a cuppa in the garden with us and loved to hear his tales of the past in the valley.
We feel privileged to have known him, thankful for all he has given to the parish and his love and kind words. God bless Mr Bodman and rest in peace.
Sharon and Kevin Mooney
A true country gentleman, always raised his hat to a lady and asked after the family and their wellbeing. He will be greatly missed and remains a treasure always.
George had an enthusiasm for life and Deborah just loved taking him out and enjoying his company. We loved having him to visit and telling Deborah off about what was wrong in the garden. Loved to bits will be missed Rest in Peace
Deborah and Alan Cooper