Hello everyone, my name is Robin – I’ve known Bob – 25 years with him living in my house for most of those years.
He was a friend and, in those early years, we had a go at setting up a multimedia business together with Paul Saunders. With my doubtful leadership the team presented at Reed Business Publishing where I worked at the time, a presentation suite filled with the senior decision makers present. Bob was far from his own element
I watched him trembling as he stumbled through the brief section he led, a tribute to his courage and determination.
Bob was actually a very serious person, he wasn’t without humour, but someone who treated any question or issue that came his way with a certain inner contemplation, some of that thinking slow part of the brain.
He was able to concentrate to a surprising degree seeking alternative ways to “pay the bills” in life and these included watch upcycling, song writing, multimedia and computer work alongside his life long love of music.
Like many of us here today Bob fed the more destructive side of his character with an increasing use of alcohol and I think it is worthwhile to say a few words on that. I loved his line
“What’s your favourite pub”? He would ask – “Oh, do you fancy popping down there”?
Buying guitars and alcohol during those last years seems to me to have a certain zen quality, some sort of balance
During the last five years I’ve lived in Holland so I can only speak for my once or twice a year visits to see friends and family.
The most recent of those visits was Christmas 2023 when we sat together for a couple of hours and chewed the fat over a beer. He was engaged, accepting of his condition and we enjoyed each other’s company.
Angus and Felix who are here today need to have the support they gave in the last year of his life truly recognised and further, although I never met his carers, a word of honest gratitude for them too.
Bob was a creative person and I honour that element most highly of our friendship; his throwaway line “we need more creatives” will be forever with me.
Thank you
