Robert Lister (9 Mar 1930 - 23 Sep 2023)

In loving memory of Robert Lister who sadly passed away on 23rd September What can I say about Dear Dad?
Sadly at the ripe old age of 93 we had to say a fond farewell, as he passed away peacefully at The Gables Nursing Home where he has been residing for almost 2 years, the wonderful staff made Dad’s final months of life a real home from home, in looking after him so well.
He has always had a passion for the Amateur Dramatics, being a Life Member of KEIGHLEY Amatuers ( now Keighley Musical Theatre Company ) and KEIGHLEY Playhouse, where he performed in many, many shows, musicals, pantomimes & plays with great enthusiasm portraying such a wide variety of characters including King Rat, Virago the Witch, Uncle Ebenezer, The Magic Shoe Cobbler, to The Old Gentleman in The Railway Children & in The Importance of Being Earnest, Allo Allo & the Ghost of Marley in The Christmas Carol.
We believe he touched many hearts in the theatre, he was a wizard at lines always word perfect every time. Although latterly not actively on stage, he has always been supportive & interested in the progression of the Society’s that were so close to his heart. We have received a lovely letter from (KMTC) saying he was a treasured & dedicated member of the Company giving wonderful performances on stage & supporting them by selling many, many tickets.
He certainly lived life, very contented and fortunate to have been happily married to our Dear Late Mum Betty for 64 years & he was an inspiration to us all how he coped alone these past 5 1/2 years after losing dear Mum. He amazed us how he battled through a serious road accident nearly 4 years ago when he was sadly knocked down in KEIGHLEY town centre on his way to the Playhouse, sustaining serious head & leg injuries.
He was a real grafter too, only retiring at the ripe old age of 82 from North Yorkshire Council where he worked as a Carer at Neville House Care Home in Gargrave. He drove up there each day to work starting at 7am and was never late once. He loved that job and had a wonderful rapport with the elderly residents, as he was a similar age to many of them !
We can honestly say we are very proud to call him our Dad, he was a dear friend to many, always kind & loyal and interested in their lives. He was our Rock and the best possible Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great grandad we could have all wished for and our lives have been blessed by his presence.
We are sad at his passing but are comforted in the knowledge he is at peace and reunited with his beloved Betty.