Oxford Bus Company has honoured the memory of long-serving mechanic Mark ‘Panda’ Bowyer by naming one of its electric buses in his honour, in a tribute recognising nearly five decades of dedicated service.
Mr Bowyer, who worked for the company for an extraordinary 49 years, passed away shortly after Christmas following a battle with cancer. He was widely respected across the organisation for his technical expertise, humour and commitment to his colleagues.
The nickname ‘Panda’ originated in his early years at the depot when he worked cleaning engines and gearboxes while wearing oversized goggles. When he removed them, his face would be covered in oil and grime apart from two clean circles around his eyes, earning him the affectionate name that stayed with him throughout his career.
A commemorative plaque reading “In memory of our former colleague, Mark ‘Panda’ Bowyer” has been placed on the front of the last electric bus added to the fleet while he was still alive. The vehicle, expected to remain in service for many years, continues to operate across Oxford.
Mr Bowyer was particularly passionate about the company’s transition to electric vehicles and was known for embracing innovation, becoming the first colleague in the workshop to purchase an electric car for personal use.
His partner of 18 years, Debbie Kiel, said the tribute was a deeply emotional and fitting celebration of his life.
“Everyone got together and it was a really lovely day,” she said. “It was a lovely tribute to a lovely man.
“We shared memories and stories, and it was a proud moment. I miss him so much, but I’m so proud of him. He was the funniest bloke, and he made me laugh all the time.
“He loved his job and his friends, and he had the nicest, kindest manner. His colleagues have been so supportive and have been there for me throughout.”
Former colleague Dean Walker, who worked closely with Mr Bowyer and shared shifts with him in later years, remembered him as a friendly and memorable character with a strong bond to the workshop team.
“He was an easy person to get on with and had plenty of quirks,” he said. “We’d go to RAF museums and car shows together.”
Engineering Manager Matty Davis also paid tribute to Mr Bowyer’s enthusiasm, particularly for electric vehicles and music.
“Panda had a real love for the electric vehicles,” he said. “He was always full of beans. I’ll always remember him dancing around the workshop.
“His knowledge of the vehicles was second to none. If there was something which needed doing and others were struggling, Panda was the man to fix it.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said the naming was a fitting recognition of Mr Bowyer’s long service and contribution to the organisation.
“Unveiling the plaque was a poignant way to mark Panda’s remarkable contribution to the business,” he said.
“His sterling service is something of a rarity in the modern world, and Panda was a hugely respected and admired member of the team.”
The commemorative vehicle now continues in service across Oxford as a lasting tribute to a colleague whose influence and personality left a mark far beyond the workshop.
