The family of an RAF veteran who sadly died following a collision in Lincoln last November have paid tribute to him.
Patrick Bowyer, 76, was walking home on 12 November 2023 following a meal with visiting family in Lincoln city centre. Having left his family at their hotel on the Brayford, his route took him across Brayford Way, opposite McDonald’s, and just after 10pm, as he crossed the road, a car driven by Bramley Bince-Butcher struck him, causing serious injuries from which Mr Bowyer subsequently died.
Bince-Butcher had just left work in his Ford Focus, and his journey took him from Tritton Road towards the city centre along Brayford Way. As he exited the university roundabout, he failed to see Mr Bowyer crossing the road and collided with him.
Following sentencing, Mr Bowyer’s family released a tribute to a dearly loved family man. They said: “Pat was a super proud dad, grandad, brother and uncle who had a zest for life. He loved to travel and had recently come back from a holiday in Rome with family where he had indulged his love for history. This was alongside his other passions of aeroplanes, motorbikes and music, including being able to play a number of instruments.
“Pat had served with the Royal Air Force for over 30 years, serving in numerous locations where he worked on many different plane types, including Tornados. Following leaving the RAF, Pat maintained his interest in aircraft and worked at a friend’s motorbike shop. Pat was able to utilise his skills after leaving the RAF and was part of the dedicated team that successfully returned Vulcan XH558 to the skies.
“However, his greatest and proudest achievement in life was raising his family, and he moved to Lincoln when his daughter went to university and remained there, so that he could continue to be close to her and her husband, and his grandson.
“His premature death following the collision in Lincoln has left a huge hole in all our lives, which can never be replaced.”
Bince-Butcher, 45, of Linnet Close, Lincoln, was sentenced at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on 21 November 2024 to 12 months’ disqualification from driving and a total fine and costs of £592 after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.