For the duration of the war, he served in no less than five different Army units, including Searchlight duties,
after which he moved onto Fast Motor Boats when he was involved with the search and rescue operation on the Juno Beach, Normandy. He also worked as an Intelligence Officer in Holland. He was a member of the boxing team, and gave lectures which helped keep up the morale of the men. Despite his commitment, he managed a 48 hour leave in order to marry his sweetheart June Margaret.
After being demobbed, he resumed his career as Head of the Art Department at Ellesmere College in Shropshire, where he taught Art and the History of Art, Pottery, Printing Techniques and Crafts. Robert was the careers master, and set up a Chequered Flag club, organised a Red Arrows fly past, trips to Art galleries, and took parties of boys to various Grand Prix events to name but a few! His enthusiasm was endless.
After his 30 years of teaching, he retired to further fuel his passion for art, and for some 13 years, he spent time painting on the Llangollen Canals, often accompanied by his Wife June and her long-haired miniature dachshunds!
After June died, Robert moved to Northampton where he spent a few happy years near to his daughter Caroline, son in law Alan, and little grandson Alexander. Despite his failing health and often in a lot of pain, his enthusiasm for life was reflected in his love of his garden which he painted prolifically, whilst enjoying a large "Churchill like" cigar and a glass of ginger beer!
Robert was a most charismatic, warm human being, which was reflected in his zest for life. He left his imprint on the broad canvas of life by his colourful achievements. He was an excellent marksman, proficient horseman, competent sailor, and dedicated follower of Formula 1 racing.
Robert and his daughter Caroline had a very close relationship, and she inherited many of her dear Father's talents. He will forever live on in her memory, as a wonderful Father and Grandfather, as well as a man whose sparkling wit and humour made him a person who drew people to him and made them want to know him better. To know him was to love him!
For the duration of the war, he served in no less than five different Army units, including Searchlight duties,
after which he moved onto Fast Motor Boats when he was involved with the search and rescue operation on the Juno Beach, Normandy. He also worked as an Intelligence Officer in Holland. He was a member of the boxing team, and gave lectures which helped keep up the morale of the men. Despite his commitment, he managed a 48 hour leave in order to marry his sweetheart June Margaret.
After being demobbed, he resumed his career as Head of the Art Department at Ellesmere College in Shropshire, where he taught Art and the History of Art, Pottery, Printing Techniques and Crafts. Robert was the careers master, and set up a Chequered Flag club, organised a Red Arrows fly past, trips to Art galleries, and took parties of boys to various Grand Prix events to name but a few! His enthusiasm was endless.
After his 30 years of teaching, he retired to further fuel his passion for art, and for some 13 years, he spent time painting on the Llangollen Canals, often accompanied by his Wife June and her long-haired miniature dachshunds!
After June died, Robert moved to Northampton where he spent a few happy years near to his daughter Caroline, son in law Alan, and little grandson Alexander. Despite his failing health and often in a lot of pain, his enthusiasm for life was reflected in his love of his garden which he painted prolifically, whilst enjoying a large "Churchill like" cigar and a glass of ginger beer!
Robert was a most charismatic, warm human being, which was reflected in his zest for life. He left his imprint on the broad canvas of life by his colourful achievements. He was an excellent marksman, proficient horseman, competent sailor, and dedicated follower of Formula 1 racing.
Robert and his daughter Caroline had a very close relationship, and she inherited many of her dear Father's talents. He will forever live on in her memory, as a wonderful Father and Grandfather, as well as a man whose sparkling wit and humour made him a person who drew people to him and made them want to know him better. To know him was to love him!