Robert Anthony (Rob) Edwards (23 Mar 1955 - 4 Nov 2022)

In loving memory of Robert Anthony (Rob) Edwards who sadly passed away on 4th November 2022.

Rob was born in Swansea, March 23rd 1955. He grew up in Lon Cothi, Swansea and proudly attended Bishops Gore Grammar School where he met one of his best friend's Nick. He was a choir boy before his voice broke and sports loving, with Cross country and rugby his main sources of enjoyment. He travelled Europe as a young boy in the Cubs and Scouts, while performing in Gang Shows!

After his A-Levels he spent three years at Trinity College, Camarthen where he met his college friends who would become friends for life (Alan, Derek, Matt, Rob). It was here that he developed his subject knowledge and love of Physical Education. At a time when training and coaching methods being developed in Welsh Rugby, Rob often romanticised about this era, and his opportunity to be coached and trained by the legendary Carwyn James and other inspirational role models, certainly shaped his future career. To inspire, to ignite passion in sport, and be ultra competitive!

After leaving college in 1976, and no jobs in his beloved country, a couple of interviews later, he arrived at sunny Canvey Island at Furtherwick Park School. Employed by Ken Light and living above Peggy Hairdressers on Long Road his teaching career begun. In the early years he met his close friend Gary Thompson, where they subsequently shared a teachers house together. It just so happened that Gary had a sister, Maxine, who came to visit, two months later they were engaged!!! Great fun was had in Atherstone Road.....

Within a couple of years he was Head of Department and from 1979 - 1992 led a department and school to unprecedented success. After becoming the first comprehensive school to be National Champions at Copthall in 1982, the following decade led to national dominance in Track and Field as well as district and county success in Football, Rugby and Cross-country. Beating Millfield was always an unrivalled pleasure. Grimsby, Liverpool, Derby, and Stoke allowed such moments of pride. Close defeat in the quarter final of the U16 National Rugby Cup in the late 1980’s (later known as Daily Mail/ Natwest Cup- then and now still dominated by the Private school sector, was always a moment of pride and regret!) Tours to West Wales and the South of France enhanced the cultural experiences of so many young men.

In 1992 he left his beloved Furtherwick Park School. He would have loved to, and should have, come back as Headteacher, which he applied for in later years. I am biased but if that did happen, I am certain that the school on Furtherwick Road would still be called Furtherwick Park!!

His second era of teaching then begun from 1992 until his retirement in 2014. As Head of Sixth Form at Barking Abbey he developed the UCAS support system, and ensured the sixth form grew significantly in size and reputation. As Deputy Head his unique style to get the best out of young pupils overseeing behaviour and inclusion, at one of the biggest schools in the UK, was something to see to believe. He was involved in developing the nationally renowned sports academies during this time and forged friendships for life with so many staff members.

Combined with his role in teaching his passion was Essex and England Schools Athletics and Cross-Country with him being Chairman of English Schools Athletics in 2007. (There is simply too much to write about this but luckily close friend Ken Burkett has added a whole Athletics tribute in the messages section- Please read :) )

Canvey Rugby was always his passion and if he wasn't at Athletics or Cross- Country he could be found at Tewkes Creek, his second home. After playing for a short period of time at Southend when arriving in Essex, he loved retelling the story of being abducted from the King Canute pub and played for Canvey for the rest of his career. Twice First team captain in the early 80’s before a very serious injury (shoulder dislocation and severed nerves.) Subsequently over his next thirty years of association with the club he took on numerous roles; First Team Coach on several occasions which included coaching both of his sons, Club Captain, Chairman and President. He proudly played competitive fixtures with his two sons and had the comical period of time where he used to chuck his kit out the window, and pretend to Maxine that he didn’t play that Saturday returning home inebriated and unable to move!

Rob also had an intense love for Cricket. The incredible coincidence that as a teenager, Benfleet Cricket club toured Swansea and played against Rob playing for Bishops at Underhill Park. He met numerous men that would go onto be close friends and teammates later on when moving to Essex. In the mid 90's he became Chairman of Benfleet Cricket Club Youth teams, and Club Captain in 2002. He led numerous teams that both Nick and Jon were a part of. The nature of the game allowed many Saturday and Sunday afternoons where the three of them were able to share the same field together. At a later age, Golf provided the final sporting fix for him.

Away from sport, Rob's real love was his caravan. Since 1990, family holidays to France were a regular occurence in the six weeks holiday. Throughout retirement this continued and with Maxine travelled large parts of the south east of England right up until last summer. He also liked being spoilt at 5* all inclusive's in Turkey and Cyprus, and was so fond of his US trips to Texas, New York and Boston. From the mid '70's, Rob attended EVERY England Wales Five and Six Nations Rugby fixture including 2022 (except for the recent Covid no fans game). Wembley 1999, Cardiff 2005, and Twickenham 2008 and 2012 are particular family highlights where Rob's patriotism hit euphoric levels!

Having married in 1980, by 1985 there was a family of four. Life always evolved around sport and school and Rob took immense pride in academic and sporting successes of both Nick and Jon. Behind every great man is an amazing lady and he adored Maxine. From 2013 Rob became a grandparent, and for the Edwards to finally have a girl he finally showed his true soppy and soft side. Lucy, Morgan, Teddy and Catrin always have given him incredible pride and joy, and despite his illness in recent years, they have always found him hilarious and loving Grampa. His favourite days would be having the whole family round his house, children and grandparents, pint in hand while he overcooked a barbecue...

Robs biggest quality was his enthusiasm and passion which could be contagious and inspire others. He would literally give 100% effort to what he committed himself to. He loved to talk, to tell stories and would revel in other people's successes who who had pride for. For someone whose memory and attention to detail was so sharp, did make the illness even harder to take.

The biggest tragedy was how much Rob was looking forward to his retirement and grand plans that he had made, after devoting his life to others. Unfortunately after a couple of years this terrible disease had its own ideas and put paid to that. The last couple of years have been incredibly tough, especially for Maxine, but also for Rob. Initially a loss of confidence, (which was very evident for him), quickly led to unnecessary sadness because of his confusion.

His memory and legacy is how he could inspire other people to be better human beings through warmth and encouragement. What is more important than that??

His son Jon is running the London Marathon in April in aid of Alzheimer’s society. Please donate generously on the link on this page towards this great cause.