The Bucks Standard February 27th 1926

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. THOMAS RAINBOW

WELL KNOWN AND POPULAR FIGURE IN VILLAGE LIFE

The death took place on Wednesday, Feb. 17, of Mr. Thomas Rainbow, an old inhabitant of Castlethorpe, who passed away at his residence, “Rose Cottage,” at the age of 83 years. He was a native of the village and except for a brief period he had resided there all his life. He entered the service of the L.&N.W. Railway Company as an apprentice, under the late Mr. McConnell, to the trade of engine fitter in the Locomotive Department which in those days was at Wolverton. He completed from 46 to 47 years on the service of the company at Crewe and Wolverton, but owing to ill-health he retired at the age of 63 on superannuation.

He was a staunch Radical of the old type and took a deep interest in parochial affairs. In religious work for 16 years he was churchwarden during the time the Rev. Nicholson and the Rev. Wigglesworth were Vicars. Of late years he conducted a young men’s class at the Wesleyan Sunday School. He was a great reader, but failing sight during his later years was a cause of much regret to him. He was highly respected by all the village including the children, and many will miss his conversation and homely chats. His passing was peaceful after an attack of bronchitis followed by pneumonia. He died in the presence of members of his family – two daughters and five sons – to whom much sympathy is extended, especially his youngest daughter, Minnie, who acted as his housekeeper and devoted a great number of years to the comfort of her beloved father. She was not able to attend the funeral owing to a breakdown.

The very high esteem and affection in which the late Mr. Rainbow was held by all classes in Castlethorpe was shown by the large and representative congregation which assembled for the funeral on Saturday afternoon. The first portion of the service was conducted by the Rev. W. Lee (Wesleyan minister) in the Wesleyan Church. The Vicar of Castlethorpe and Hanslope (Rev. W. J. Harkness) was present and he performed the last rites of the beautiful and very impressive Burial Service at the graveside, being accompanied by the Rev. W. Lee.

The mouners were: Mr. H. T. Rainbow, Mr. J. Rainbow, Mr. W. G. Rainbow, Mr. A. Rainbow and Mr. C. F. Rainbow (sons); Mrs. E. J. Cowley (daughter); Harry and Jack Rainbow (grandsons); Connie Cowley and Rosa Rainbow (granddaughters); Mr. D. Cowley (son-in-law); Mr. J. Cowley (grandson); Mr. and Mrs. Holman (brother and sister-in-law, Wolverton; Mr. and Mrs. J. Gobbey (nephew and niece); Mr. S. Cowley, Mr. E. J. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Pryke (Wicken); Mr. Bywater, Miss Gregory, Mrs. Markham, Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Faulkner (officers of the Wesleyan Church), Mr. J. Marsh (Amalgamated Society of Engineers), and others.

There was a choice collection of beautiful floral tributes, of which the following is a list: In loving memory of father, from his sons and daughters; In affectionate remembrance Will, Nellie, Olive and Victor (Leeds); In loving memory of grandpa Rosa, Harry, Jack and Frank; In loving memory Owen, Emily and nieces (Wolverton); Love to grandpa Baby Nora; In loving memory Connie and Jack; “Peace perfect peace” Frances and Jep; Loving memory Sister Lizzie Rainbow, Joe and Lizzie (Castlethorpe Post Office); In kind remembrance of an old friend Mr. and Mrs. Osborne; With deepest sympathy Miss Gregory and family; In remembrance, from his old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Bird; In loving memory Wyn and Rosa (Harrow); Deepest sympathy from Castlethorpe Wesleyan Church; A last token of respect of a dear old friend Frank and Gwen (Coventry); A token of remembrance from “Sunnyside”; With sincere sympathy Will, Arthur and Sid Markham; In loving memory from Mary Stones, who was his daily companion; In sympathy Miss Ross (Crewe); In affectionate remembrance Gertie Algar; A token of respect Castlethorpe Ambulance team; With respect and sympathy from the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, No. 1 Branch; In remembrance Mr. and Mrs. Pryke (Wicken).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. W. Smith, undertaker, Castlethorpe in a most satisfactory manner.