This book remembers our friend, colleague, father and husband Robbie Hall who went home to his Lord on Friday 6th November. The book will collect remembrances from those that knew him and had the honour of experiencing his kindness and fellowship.
Robbie was born and raised in the Scottish Highlands then latterly in Northumberland. The fourth of five children, he joined the British Army at the age of 18 hoping that three years of service would do him good; he finally left after 37 years, having enjoyed the most remarkable career.
Early in his career he completed the Commando course, earning not only the coveted green beret but also the Commando Medal. He served as a bomb disposal officer and was awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, by her Majesty at Buckingham Palace, for defusing a World War Two bomb found in a gasometer at the Beckton Gas Works in London. He was privileged to attend the Canadian Forces Command & Staff College in Toronto where he was awarded a Distinction as well as gaining an MBA from Shrivenham later on in his career. He was an experienced army diver eventually becoming CO of The Defence Diving School. His last, very challenging posting, was as the Commandant of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment at Kineton.
During Robbie’s second six month tour in the Falkland Islands he attended a Bible Study and became a Christian, and spent the next thirty years as an enthusiastic and strong witness to Christ’s saving grace, including supporting not only local Churches wherever he was posted, but also working closely with several of the various Military Christian organisations.
Not content with retirement after the army, he elected to complete a second Master’s degree in Bible & Mission and then formal ministry training. This culminated in his greatest posting ever when he became the beloved Pastor of Hope Baptist Church in Bridgend. Beyond all of these accomplishments he was an incredible father to Ben, Jamie and Thomas, and a devoted husband who recently told Helen, his wife, that he wouldn’t have changed one day of his life.
Please feel free to share your memories of Robbie on this site, as this may provide comfort to his family and friends, as we also celebrate his life and the person Robbie was.
If you wish to make a donation, the family have asked that it would be made to the Hope Baptist Church, Bridgend where Robbie was Pastor before going home. The donations will be used for the many and varied building projects within the church which were very near and dear to Robbie’s heart. Please see the details below if you would like to do this. If you wish to send a cheque then please make this payable to “Hope Baptist Church” and post it to the address below.
Robbie’s funeral is taking place on Wednesday 18th November at Hope Baptist Church. Due to current circumstances the funeral must be by invitation only and will sadly be limited to very close family and friends, but it will be possible to watch the service online through the Hope Baptist Church Bridgend Youtube page. A larger thanksgiving service is planned once circumstances allow for wider attendance.
Robbie was dearly loved by his family and respected by all those he had the opportunity to work with, both during his 37 years within the British Army and in his role as a Pastor beyond this. His loss is felt by all those that knew him.
The Treasurer
Hope Baptist Church
Station Hill
Bridgend
CF31 1EA
Barclays Bank
Sort Code: 20-12-25
Account Number: 60483206
