Frank Roe

Published on 24/01/2024

ROE Francis Harry (Frank) Former New Town architect, Frank Roe, dies at the age of 103 Francis Harry Roe (Frank) was born 14th May 1920. He grew up in Farnham, Surrey, but by 1940 had moved with his family to Chiseldon, near Swindon. During World War Two he served with the Royal Signals, based mainly in Cyprus as a wireless operator using morse code. After the war he moved back to Farnham and worked in an Architect's practice there. In 1948 he married Jean, sister to a close friend, and they lived in Farnham for another 12 years, during which time their son and daughter were born. In 1960 Frank took a new job in the Architect's department at the then Bracknell Development Corporation in Farley Hall. The family moved to a house in Easthampstead where he lived the rest of his life. During his career, Frank supervised several industrial and commercial projects such as the original Ferranti offices, parts of the Broadway section of the New Town Centre including the iconic Woolworth's store, and latterly the Honeywell building that became the Grange Hotel. Outside work, Frank and Jean were among the earliest members of Easthampstead Baptist Church and were there at the inauguration of the brand-new church building in 1962. They both served as deacons and Frank was in leadership roles for many years. In addition to being a registrar for weddings, Frank also served as Treasurer to the Berkshire Baptist Association, regularly visiting other Baptist churches in the county. Frank was a quiet man and a well-respected and loved member of the church community. An intelligent and clever man with a superb dry sense of humour, Frank had many hobbies including philately (from the age of 10), photography, carpentry, drawing and reading. He enjoyed listening to classical music, sang tenor in the church choir and travelled the length and breadth of the UK. Frank passed away on 28 December 2023, aged 103. He leaves his widow Jean (99), to whom he was married for 75 years, two married children, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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