Walsall businessman who was 'significant influence' on the community dies at 78
A businessman and college governor who touched the lives of people in Walsall throughout his life has died suddenly aged 78.
Brian Lowe died at the Manor Hospital on February 4 and will be remembered by the many people he met during his decades in business.
He was born in Walsall and became managing director of Lobro Tools Limited, a family-owned precision engineering company that traded for more than 50 years.
His father Frank Lowe started the business in 1947 and retired in 2003.
The original premises were based in Lincoln Road before the company moved to Long Street in 1978.
Brian started work there after qualifying as an engineer and he worked alongside Frank, eventually taking charge of the factory in 1966.
In the 1980s Brian was instrumental in the establishment of Premier Business Parks.
He was president of Walsall Chamber of Commerce through the 90s.
After retirement in 2005 Brian went on to become chairman of governors of Walsall College, a role he held from 2011 to 2017.
During that time the college gained an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2013.
The Brian Lowe Business Hub was set up in his name.
He continued on the boards of several key organisations in regeneration and business.
His daughter Mandy said: "He did a lot for Walsall and made a most significant influence on the life and wellbeing of the local community."
Brian leaves a wife, Janet; two daughters, Mandy and Debbie; and four grandchildren.
A funeral service will take place at Streetly Crematorium at 12.15pm on March 11 with family flowers only and donations to the RNLI.
