We first met Robbie one Sunday in 1988 when he arrived at our house in the Falkland Islands along with several other military who had travelled to Stanley from MPA, the main Garrison, for the Church services. He was in civvies so we had no idea of his rank but assumed he was, like most of them, an NCO. He had an easy rapport with the group which made us think he was one of the lads. He had asked if he could stay with us one weekend for his R&R and I was surprised to see his Major’s uniform. He didn’t bring any attention to it though and we spent the weekend finding out about each other’s lives and families as he enjoyed some home cooking. Our friendship grew over that first tour and we were sad to see him leave – but thrilled sometime later when he phoned to say he was back, and for longer this time. 

On his second tour he would again visit Stanley for services most Sundays and visit various homes, including ours, for lunch or tea or after church fellowship or all three. I remember particularly him taking part in a sketch we put on around Easter. He played a ‘man off the street’ complete with Flat Cap who wanted to know why the singing was so dismal … both he and the vicar played their parts perfectly. 

On our return to UK it was our turn to visit him at their home in Wiltshire and be introduced to Helen who, seeing 3 young children in the back of the car, immediately asked a flustered Gail if she had any washing needing doing! We have enjoyed and appreciated their hospitality so much over the years and happily returned the favour when they came to us for a day’s walk along the Taff Trail … 

There is so much more we could say about how much Robbie and Helen have meant to us and our family but suffice it to say that it was a privilege to know him, to share fellowship with him and be blessed by his gentle but firm faith and sense of humour (perfectly twinned in him). Thank you, Robbie. Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!

The Lord bless you and keep you Helen.

With all our love xx