WELL-KNOWN Ryde cobbler Barry John Rowe has died at the age of 79.

Born in Wallington, which was then part of Surrey, Barry moved to the Island when he was 12 years old.

Barry met his future wife, Pauline, at Ryde Secondary Modern in St John’s Road.

After leaving school, Barry went on to train as a cobbler.

Barry and Pauline were married on March 30, 1963.

He eventually opened his own shop, Barry’s Shoe Repairs in Ryde, which he and his family ran for over 40 years until his retirement.

His first shop was in Melville Street, and a couple of years later moved to the Upper High Street, on the corner of Bank Place – which is now a chiropodist.

Barry and Pauline spent many years there before moving up further into the High Street, a few years before retirement.

In retirement, Barry spent many happy hours working on his allotments and was also a keen fisherman for many years.

He also spent many years as a member of Ryde Buccaneers.

Barry died at St Mary’s Hospital on February 14.

He leaves behind Pauline, his wife of 58 years, daughter Alison and son Darren.