In addition to his involvement in rowing, Bob was also a long-standing member of Probus’87 and contributed hugely to the activities of the club.  For many years he was Director of Golf (or DOG as we call it), and regularly played twice weekly until a combination of failing eyesight and the frailty of age began to limit his enjoyment of the game.  When he stopped regular play, he was to be found at the golf range each Friday morning practicing “his swing,” although the incentive to do so might have had more to do with the light refreshment in The Woodman after his session… As someone who only took up golf after my retirement, I shall be eternally grateful for his patience during the period when my hitting the ball at all, never mind in the right direction, was an event.  It must have been quite irritating for him watching me dig up big chunks of earth whilst I learnt to achieve a passable round.  He was well known for his coaching contributions, he could always tell you how you might have played a shot better than you did, which was not always welcome when it came after a particularly bad shot!

Quite apart from golf, Bob gave much to the club, he was President twice and organised a holiday for Probus Members in each of his presidential years.  His presidential duties also meant that he was an active committee member of the club; he was never content to sit on the sidelines and watch others do the work – he had a view on most things! As club Hon. Sec., for 7 years I valued his contribution to the running of the club and he was always ready to listen when we has issues to sort out.  Bob will long be remembered as one of our most characterful members, the world will be poorer for his passing and we shall miss him enormously.

Bev Stevens, Welfare Officer, Probus’87