Robert was the firstborn of two sets of twins within 3 years. In their young lives the four would all play together from morning until evening, and they all looked after each other and had great fun. Robert would often talk fondly about those times, and also the fact that he and his twin were choir boys at St. Paul’s in Ashby. At school Robert loved art and his art teacher wrote to Sheena last week remembering in her words, ‘Robert was a talented little boy when I first knew him. A gifted pupil with great artistic abilities, and someone who over the years became a good friend’. Robert went on to do art at Lincoln and then Doncaster College of Art. He would often do paintings for relatives and friends, many of which are still treasured to this day. Robert met Sheena in 1969 and they were married in June 1972. During this time they became members of Scunthorpe Amateur Operatic Society where Robert made and painted all of the scenery.

Robert was once asked to be a guest set designer for a production of 'Waiting for Godot' by The Little Theatre Club. He painted the stained glass window on glass so that it could be backlit for the best effect. It took him many many hours of work, but they were delighted with the whole set. Among other productions Robert did for Scunthorpe Amateur Operatic Society were Rosemarie, Oklahoma, The Sound Of Music, Hello Dolly, and My Fair Lady.

Sheena remembers how on first nights he would often receive standing ovations for his spectacular sets. The chandelier in the ballroom scene for My Fair Lady was a wonderful achievement. In late 1975 Robert and Sheena moved over to Cottingham, and their son Simon was born in 1976. Then in 1979, Greater Manchester Police advertised for a manager to set up and run a design and print unit at their headquarters. The family moved over to Cheshire and Robert took this project on from scratch. He was very proud that it is still up and running today. Robert designed and produced many special brochures and menus for visiting dignitaries and royalty. Her Majesty the Queen carrying one of his brochures under her arm was a special memory. In 1987 he received the highest honour of the Chief Constables Commendation for Excellence. Following this he was asked to paint a portrait of then Chief Constable Sir James Anderton which hangs in the police officers mess. After taking early retirement in 2004 Robert and Sheena enjoyed 16 more wonderful happy years together before Robert’s sudden cruel illness which he fought bravely. In Sheena’s words Robert was the best of the best, and we all love and miss him so very much.