I first met Robin back in 1976 working for him as secretary at Thomson Holidays.
I can honestly say this was the happiest phase of my working life - once I got to grips with his Irish accent! Yes, there were a few misconstrued words in dictation ‘company vocals’ (Really, a choir?!) No! ‘Company vehicles!!’ … I was young, blonde, naïve and from Essex, so please bear with me!
Working for Robin was easy – he was extremely fair, kind, supportive and totally respected by all in our team. Staff turnover was minimal – no-one wanted to leave. He was always game for a laugh but didn’t suffer fools.
Robin always showed an interest in our lives and when David and I took up sub-aqua diving we booked a holiday to Eilat in the Red Sea. Robin lent us an underwater camera. I remembered to take the lens cap off on the second and subsequent dives and we did managed to get some good shots! This was just the kind of generosity he always showed.
When I left some 13 years later to start a family, our friendship continued. Our children, Liam and Emily, fondly remember their younger days visiting Robin and Barbara. Playing in their garden, loved the pond and discovering a small shed with a family of foxes inside and an even smaller fold up chair amongst them – Liam loved the chair so much, they gave it to him and we still have it to this day. Another visit Liam was very impressed when we went for lunch a few months before his18th - Robin was there with chilled ReKorderlig Strawberry flavoured beer!! Very ‘Down with the Kids’ eh Robin and always showing a genuine interest in their lives.
Attending our surprise 60th birthday bash Wendy and I later heard all about the ‘ behind the scene’ chaos (an overlap of timing with booking at the hall) and with friends arriving to a half complete venue – Robin and Barbara just got stuck in and helped with the conspiracy … I may forgive both in time!
| feel truly blessed to have known you as a boss and a friend all these years, will miss you immensely but will treasure the memories of our friendship always.
With much love and affection
Elaine David Liam & Emily xxxx