Cars of Swanwick boss Graham Lowe found dead in burned out car

11:11am Thursday 14th February 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Bethan Phillips, Reporter

Graham Lowe Graham Lowe

A BUSINESSMAN who worked in the Hampshire motor industry for decades has died in a car blaze.

Graham Lowe’s body was found in the burned-out wreckage of a BMW 4X4, parked near his home in Windmill Lane, Bursledon.

Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious.

The 57-year-old – known to his family and friends as “Ralphy” – is understood to have driven his partner to work before returning home on Tuesday morning.

A short time later, crews from Hamble and Hightown fire stations were called to a car fire outside Mr Lowe’s home.

A total of 13 firefighters battled to stop the blaze spreading to the nearby house and another car.

It was not until the blaze was under control that they realised there was somebody in the car.

A post-mortem examination is now being carried out.

Mr Lowe’s family has released a statement through Hampshire police paying tribute to the father-of-two.

It says: “Graham, who was also known to family and friends as Ralphy, will be deeply missed by everyone.

“He was a popular and friendly person who could always put a smile on someone’s face.

“Graham was the life and soul of the party and will forever be in our hearts.

“There are no words to describe the devastating and unexpected news and the family and friends of Graham would like people to respect their privacy at this sad time.”

Mr Lowe had been director at used car dealership Cars of Swanwick Ltd, in Bridge Road, Park Gate for around 30 years.

It is understood he previously ran a small car sales business at New Park Garage in Park Gate.

Dave Tyler, who runs nearby Quay Motors in Station Road, said Mr Lowe was well-known in the industry.

He said: “I have known him for years and years and years.

“I’m absolutely gobsmacked.

“He was just a lovely guy – nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

“He never had a bad word to say about anybody.

“I spoke to him a couple of days ago. I’m completely shocked about what’s happened.”

Winchester Coroner’s Court says it has been informed about the death and will be opening an inquest in the next few days.

Comments(12)

chrishemy says...
12:11pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Known Graham for over 35 years, truly the life and soul of the party, some of my best nights out were with him in the 80's, will be very sadly missed, a true gentleman.

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Buntylicious says...
1:21pm Thu 14 Feb 13

To the Daily Echo, why are you putting these trashy adverts between stories and the comments section? After reading a tragic and shocking article like this, I don't want to see "Obama's shotgun photo: Fake or for real?". Have some respect. So sorry for this gentleman's family and friends.

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Smallbird says...
3:35pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Know Graham for many many years this is a great shock and tragic tragic loss.

RIP Graham

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userds5050 says...
3:55pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Buntylicious wrote:
To the Daily Echo, why are you putting these trashy adverts between stories and the comments section? After reading a tragic and shocking article like this, I don't want to see "Obama's shotgun photo: Fake or for real?". Have some respect. So sorry for this gentleman's family and friends.
It's google adsense. The DE has no control over them.

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Redondo Saint says...
4:12pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Terrible news.
Graham really was the funniest person I know.
Great times especially back in the Dell days.

So sad.

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Ken Dickens says...
4:16pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Graham was a true gent and great fun on a night out he will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to his family

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CharlieOxbridge says...
4:24pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Buntylicious wrote:
To the Daily Echo, why are you putting these trashy adverts between stories and the comments section? After reading a tragic and shocking article like this, I don't want to see "Obama's shotgun photo: Fake or for real?". Have some respect. So sorry for this gentleman's family and friends.
Couldnt agree more - sell outs!

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sydneyfarm says...
9:02pm Thu 14 Feb 13

RIP Graham, had some great times with Netley Central Sports 40 years ago. Very sad, thoughts to the family

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Micle1974 says...
10:23am Fri 15 Feb 13

userds5050 wrote:
Buntylicious wrote: To the Daily Echo, why are you putting these trashy adverts between stories and the comments section? After reading a tragic and shocking article like this, I don't want to see "Obama's shotgun photo: Fake or for real?". Have some respect. So sorry for this gentleman's family and friends.
It's google adsense. The DE has no control over them.
Google AdSence?

Google has nothing to do with it apart from they are both paid advertising channels.

DE/NewsQuest are paid for those american adverts by www.taboola.com

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warrens 76 says...
11:38am Fri 15 Feb 13

Shocking, nice guy had some fun with him Cowes Torquay on his boat was an absolute gas...

Good footy times too.

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Tell it as I see it says...
4:42pm Fri 15 Feb 13

I have had the pleasure of knowing Graham since college days, Truly as described by so many others he was the life and soul of any party, always a one liner for every occasion.
RIP Lowey.
Condolences to his family and his many friends, I'll miss him at St Marys.

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WestOzsaint says...
10:04pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Sleep well Graham, you always put a smile on my face, even on the worst days. I'll remember those good old days forever and never forget your mobile phone jokes. Just make sure those saints do ok for me. We are thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Lots of love James, Carla plus 4 xxx

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