Page 163 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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However revenge was sweet when Bob thought
he was instructing on a canoe course!
But little did he know that when the canoes reached the ‘Old man of Hoy’ it was declared that all were to climb the stack. I am no climber but I understand that climbing is one thing getting down is another! The ropes had to be tethered to the rock face as it was overhanging. They had neglected to do this for Bob and he was left hanging in mid-air and all that was left to be done was to swing him like a pendulum until he grabbed the rock face to get down!
Bob was a person with a glass half full not only did he manage in later years to be a locksmith; run a business and shop and make a magni cent contribution to the town. A phrase from one of Tolkien’s books said: and “all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” is very apt in Bob’s case his life and involvement in all sorts of activities in the local area over the years meant that he was always very busy and doing something for someone else. He gave his time willingly and without reward.
It was at Morfa Camp, Tywyn where Bob was to meet Jack Martin and enjoy a 40 year friendship – Jack gained the title of surrogate Dad to Bob. Jack and Bob were committed Legion members and when Jack retired Bob took over many of the responsibilities to keep the branch going.
His support for the ex-service community was second to none and through the Royal British Legion he was a committed servant. He was a true member always checking on the more senior members of the Legion and offering to help. His administrative prowess was renowned and his organisational skills superb – but he was always in the thick of it as one of us. He ran the Poppy Appeal for
years and made sure that our small area in terms of money raised punched well above its weight.
But it was not just about the Royal British Legion although this aspect was hugely important to Bob. He was a quali ed rst aider and supported the Red Cross for many years and there was many a sore foot that he dressed during Race the Train. As a First Responder he was available to offer help when required. He tried to save the life of Colonel Tim Winterton when he collapsed in the High Street and although Bob’s efforts giving Tim CPR were in vain the family is forever grateful for what Bob did that sad morning. He was involved with the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue and organised the Tug of War for the Tywyn Fete for many years. His adventure training prowess was put to excellent use when as a founder member of the Tywyn Kayaking Club he inspired many young people to take up the discipline spending long hours teaching youngsters on the Dysynni. One of those Charlie Benson went onto to work for Bob in the shop. And of course we will always remember him in the shop for his kindness, fun, easy going nature and ‘Mr Fix it’ attitude.
It became fairly clear after the doctors had diagnosed Bob’s illness as a rare form of cancer that the inevitable would happen. Throughout all his treatment and hospital care over 7 months Bob remained stoic, brave and upbeat; he dealt with his illness without complaint and set each and every one of us an example that we will never forget.
His love for Treina, Kevin, Stephen and Tom never wavered.
Bob you gave all you had in your 70 years it has been a privilege and honour for each and every one of us to have shared some of that time with you.
Bob was born Robert Edward Hawkes on 24th May 1946 in En eld, Middlesex to Joan and John. He was a brother to Jackie, Brian, Steven, Leonard, Lester and Vincent. He
attended Belfair’s High School where he nished his education in 1960. He spent much of his adolescence with his Great Uncle on the Kurzel in Southend or helping people like Mrs Gwen with odd jobs like gardening, a pattern that was to be repeated throughout his life. Whilst at school he excelled at various sports including rugby and running.
He joined the Army as a boy soldier in the RASC on the 5th May 1962 at Norton Manor Camp, Taunton, where he met his future lifelong friends Bruce Baker and Tony Ash and where he was also to return later in life as an Instructor. On completion of his training he was then posted to Germany and Northern Ireland.
Whilst serving in Nienburg, he was to meet the love of his life Triena who worked in the NAAFI. Their rst encounter did not go well as he was dressed in a pair of green coveralls accessorized with DMS boots with no laces, sporting a black eye from one of his many adventures. A few weeks later on his return from the Devizes to Westminster Kayak Race, they reunited at the local Kayak Club where they both paddled. Their romance blossomed after he wooed her by acquiring an Aladdin Heater to keep her warm in her NAAFI accommodation.
On 11th November 1967 they got married and spent their honeymoon in Struer in Denmark. To get there, they borrowed a car and lled it with cigarettes and alcohol that were hidden underneath Triena’s wedding dress.
They then went on to have three boys, Kevin, Stephen and much later Thomas
Bob served various postings in Germany and UK with the RASC and RCT before transferring to the APTC and was posted to Tywyn, where he was to meet Jack Martin who gained the title of surrogate Dad to Bob. The family were later posted to Aviemore and Germany. On completion of his service he settled in Tywyn as a civilian Adventurous Training Instructor at JSMTC.
After leaving JSMTC he had several jobs before nally taking over the cobbling business from Mr Clift. The business grew with Thomas constantly by his side in his baby bouncer amusing customers like Rennie Lewis. His shop was well known because of his ability to x anything and he will be sorely missed the next time someone asks “Bob will x it”. There are too many occasions to remember including during his hospital stay.
Whilst running his business, Bob willingly gave his time to: The British Legion where he became Chairman, Poppy Appeal Organiser raising thousands of pounds, First Responder helping many people, Red Cross First Aider and Instructor dressing many a sore foot on Race the Train, Coastguard, Mountain Rescue, Tug of War for Tywyn Fete and founder member of Tywyn Kayak Club inspiring many young people to paddle including Charlie Severn Benson, who later became his shop assistant.
On 15th January this year Bob was admitted to hospital with a rare form of cancer which he bravely fought with high spirits and good humour to the very end. Bob nally lost his battle to the disease on 29th July.
He leaves behind a wife, three sons, two grandsons and a sister and brothers who will sorely miss him.
Presented to me by the Vicar BOB’S STORY