Funeral Service Tribute by his son, Dewi Bowen – 21/04/26
Professor Ifor Delme Bowen B.Sc. Ph.D. D.Sc. C.Biol. F.I.Biol. 20/03/1944- 25/03/2026
“In the midst of life we are in death.”
Brother to Wyn, former husband to Maureen, father to me (Dewi), Gareth, Rhian and Rhodri, and grandfather to seven grandchildren, and a partner to his beloved Pam, who he lost to such a cruel illness.
But he was much more than that a mad professor, scientist, naturalist, storyteller, singer, poet, astronomer, historian, politician, a great Welsh patriot, and most of all a professional worrier.
Despite his many achievements, he never took himself too seriously. The son of a coal miner from Llanedi, he remained true to his roots throughout his life.
Academically, he was exceptional. A brilliant scientist in the true meaning of the word. Gaining a Ph.D. and then a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) due to all his published scientific works. His field was programmed cell death, and he built a worldwide reputation through his research and writing. He also managed to apply the science in practice producing natural environmentally friendly slug killers. He will be remembered as the fantastic zoologist peering down an electron microscope, as well as collecting slugs in the garden or searching for planarian worms with their remarkable regenerative abilities in the ancient Ffynnon Llandennis, Cardiff, forever creating uniquely imaginative and original experiments with his students.
Beyond science, he was also a poet in both languages, a man who could move easily between science and creativity. His mind worked in a unique way, often solving problems in remarkable ways, for example dismantling an early 80s Sinclair ZX81 computer that was overheating and attaching a Fisher Price blood pressure pump toy, foil and Meccano to try and cool it.
He was also a true naturalist, growing orchards wherever he lived — apples, pears and plums — with a deep knowledge of the natural world. He also had a deep understanding of Celtic Wales and the Dark Ages, and the universe and its mysteries fascinated him.
But of course, it is the small things that remain… creating the fictional character “Colin”, the fifth child responsible for everything when none of the real children would admit it! The stories of Byni Wyni and Reji (and Professor Screwtop), a world full of imagination. And who can forget the video of Tara the dog’s mess because of maggots… or the perfect built kennel never used. In Rhyd y Nant, Pontyclun, even local children would gather to listen to him swearing while doing DIY, a performance in itself, “Shit house poets will never die”.
With the sole exception of Ireland, the country that inspired his popular catchphrase “Shore it’s a lovely day today!”. He always hated travelling abroad, and truth be told, he would worry himself into a right state. But he still reluctantly travelled the world: Nigeria, Chicago USA, Saudi, Egypt, Europe and the Philippines, always noticing and respecting different cultures.
Music followed him everywhere, with his charming and powerful tenor voice. From taking advantage of the acoustics of old Cardiff College by whistling, to self-created songs such as “Dream Queen Pasqueline” and “Your slacks are low and your hips are showing… brang y rang rang”, to true classics like “Her eyes they shone like the diamonds”. And the most tender of all “rwn y rwn y plentyn bach…” used to soothe a child to sleep, possibly inspired by a tune from Doctor Who. And of course, who can forget that he taught his faithful old dog and companion Jasper to sing along with him, and his theory that Jasper could communicate by winking, once for no and twice for yes!
His humour extended to everything from the idea that he was turning into a pangolin to his admiration of his “male dominant paunch”.
Politically, he was a fiercely committed and natural politician. The first Plaid Cymru member to become Lord Mayor of Cardiff, he served for many years as a community and county councillor and fought tirelessly for Welsh and community causes. Equally at home canvassing council flats in Beddau calling himself Del the collier’s son as he was in the posh houses of Groesfaen as Professor Bowen. Political campaigning was not just for elections, but a constant. Ultra-local Clunsheets, Creigiau Chronicles and the Ferry’nough were produced using an old Gestetner printer in the garage, informing communities from a Welsh nationalist perspective. He was more than anyone responsible for improving and restructuring Cardiff’s transport systems and contributed significantly to the strong foundations of Plaid Cymru today.
But in the end… despite his international reputation as a scientist, his public work and his many achievements, what remains is the man himself. The stories. The singing. The laughter. The unique character.
Ivor to the scientists, Delme to his community, Del to his friends.
A huge loss to his family and to Wales. A brilliant man in so many ways… but to us, simply Dad and Tadcu.
Nosda Dad.