Pat Bowman Hon FCIPR
The CIPR is saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Bowman Hon. FCIPR.
Pat had a decorated career in journalism and public relations, working for organisations including The Bowater Paper Corporation, The British Aluminium Company Limited, and Lloyds Bank.
Pat was a member of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) where he volunteered on the Institute’s Professional Practices Committee, on the board of examiners, as part of the City and Financial Group, the Wessex Group, and the Government Affairs Group (now Public Affairs Group). He was also a lifetime member of the National Union of Journalists, a council member of the Worldwide Fund for Nature UK, and an honorary member of the National Pony Society. In 1983 he won the Keep Britain Tidy Group Queen Mother’s 80th Birthday Award for his conservation work.
Wherever he worked, Pat is remembered as a staunch advocate for the public relations profession, seeking to establish its importance as a senior management function. As well as working with major clients such as the National Trust, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Advertising Association Pat was a joint editor of ‘The Handbook of Public Relations’, joint author of the ‘Manual of Public Relations’, and editor of ‘Financial Public Relations’.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former colleagues at this difficult time.
I knew Pat well although hadn't seen him for nearly 40 years. We were both active members of the Institute and had a shared interest in seeing higher standards adopted within the profession, particularly those in-house where we both worked. I will be forever grateful for his help when, during my year as President in 1984, he was particularly supportive in devising the strategy for the Institute to achieve Chartered status - something that was eventually realised twenty years later.
I remember Pat's commitment to ensuring younger practitioners were given the opportunities to improve their knowledge. As someone of significant standing within the profession, I have no doubt this meant a lot to many and did much to make the IPR a welcoming space. He will be sorely missed.
