Robert Burns Cawley, hotelier and businessman; born January 25, 1934, died January 14, 1999

THE fundamental elements in Bobby Cawley's life revolved round four main tenets - hard work, attention to detail, shrewd marketing skill, and, most importantly, family values.

 

 

Born in Alexandria and educated at Levenvale Primary and Vale of Leven Academy. Bobby's first job was as the delivery boy at the Co-operative Society. Thereafter, he moved to Edwards Outfitters, Dumbarton, where he developed his unique style of salesmanship that was to stand him in good stead in later life. He purchased Craigs of Alexandria in 1963 and, in typically ''Bransonesque'' fashion, renamed it Craigs International Menswear. Six other similar shops were to be opened and successfully operated until Bobby, astutely sensing the wind of change in retailing, resolved to redirect his considerable energy in the burgeoning leisure industry.

His first venture into the licensed trade was at Cawley's Bar & Diner in Jamestown, where it was soon apparent that, as ''Mine Host'', he was a natural. Bobby had long harboured the hope that one day he would own Duck Bay Hotel and Marina on Loch Lomond. The premises had been for sale without attracting a serious bidder, but Bobby, realising the great potential of the site, successfully offered for the premises at the opportune time.

After considerable rebuilding and total refurbishment, Bobby's dream was fulfilled when, in late 1985, the new hotel and nightclub was opened by Sir Hugh Fraser amid huge publicity. PR and marketing skills helped Bobby steer the new venture from strength to strength, realising the potential he always knew was there. Leaving aside hotels such as Gleneagles and its ilk, it is arguable that Duck Bay is Scotland's best-known licensed premises, a testament to the man who made it happen.

Bobby's entrepreneurial yearnings were far from satisfied so in 1990 he acquired the run-down Village Hotel in Gartocharn on the east side of the loch, which he renamed The Hungry Monk and transformed into a thriving hotel and restaurant with a loyal clientele from far and near.

His success led to well-merited accolades for his business acumen and the high standards of service and food. As recently as December, he received a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from William Petrie, chairman of the local Tourist Board. By this time Bobby knew he was afflicted by terminal cancer and, characteristically, he decided, with full family backing, to purchase another celebrated hostelry in the West of Scotland which the family will take over in October.

Even during his last few days at St Margaret's Hospice, Clydebank, Bobby spent hours planning for the new venture, right down to the design of the wallpaper; all this for a hotel he

knew he would never operate. His wife, Margaret, daughter, Margo, and sons, Russell and Alan, have pledged to make the new venture a lasting monument of Bobby's business sagacity and unique style.

Having association with Dumbarton People's Theatre, The Green Room Club, and the Osdon Merrymakers, Bobby was a great personality and no mean entertainer himself. His rendition of Hello Dolly, inevitably a special request at charity dances, was the stuff of legends. His kindness to local charities and other deserving causes was never trumpeted but always appreciated.

When news of Bobby's passing broke, among the many personal callers to offer condolences to the family was John McFall MP whose words proved a suitable epitaph: ''Bobby Cawley made a real contribution to the future

of Loch Lomond. He will be greatly missed.''