Born into a loving family, the third child of four.His first day school was a disaster, he came home at lunch time and announced he didn't like it and wasn't going back. He did,finally and did well. His obsession was football, especially his beloved Newcastle United for whom he would find the most outrageous excuses for their poor performances. He loved kids, made time to listen and play. He would be a horse for his grand daughters, who would throw a bridle around his neck and their pony's small training saddle on his back. They cropped him, urging him to speed up, he being on his hands and knees. The bruises were horrific but the next time they arrived, their horse was also available. He lived for his family, the lights' of his life were his two sons and then he was blessed with two Grand-daughters, whom he adored. He was a big gentle giant, at 6'2", his nieces and nephews always called him Uncle Big Bob, a title he was proud to have.