THE family of a brave fire- fighter who died on holiday have paid tribute to him fol- lowing an inquest into his death.

Geoffrey Bowes, aged 76, of Dewhurst Road, Harwood, died while swimming in the sea in Turkey last September.

He was in Izmir with his devoted wife, Julie, and their friends Ron and Betty Howarth.

Mr Bowes was helped by Mr Howarth and another holiday- maker, Gary Timberlake, when he was seen floating face down in the water, 60 to 70 yards from the shore.

After a coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death, Mrs Bowes shared her memories of a “wonderful father who lived life to the full”.

Mrs Bowes, aged 72, said: “He loved to try new things, whether it be photography, lis- tening to classical music, tak- ing part in quizzes or walking in the Lake District.

“He had a music room at home, which had a library with all his books.

“Geoffrey was a great dad and had a lot of integrity.”

Mr Bowes was born in Great Lever in 1935 and started his working life as a miner.

On his first day at work, sever- al of his colleagues died after a safety incident and Mr Bowes helped rescue others.

The keen Bolton Wanderers supporter became a firefighter at the age of 28 and played for Bolton Fire Service’s veterans team until he was 40.

He rescued a man from a housefire on one of his first call-outs Mr Bowes saved numerous lives during his career and kept his family safe from fire hazards by making sure his children, Carol and Peter, unplugged appliances before bed.

A committed family man, he sold his orange VW Beetle to pay for Carol’s first term at Lords Independent School.

He retired at the age of 55 and spent time gardening and visit- ing his caravan in Capernwray near Carnforth with Mrs Bowes.

In 1996, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but remained active.

Mr Bowes leaves five grand- children, Lucy, Isabelle, Cameron, Eleanor and Jessica.

Mrs Bowes said: “He was a wonderful man and the fact that has rubbed off on to his children makes me so proud.”