Donald Edward Robson (29 Nov 1941 - 22 Oct 2024)

In loving memory of Donald Edward Robson who sadly passed away on 22nd October 2024 at the age of 82.

Don was born on 29th November 1941 in Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf in Wales following his mother’s evacuation from London during the Second World War. He moved back to South London when he was a little boy and lived a relatively happy childhood.

Don was a keen musician and in his late teens played the drums in a small band that performed in the local pubs and youth club. He met his wife, Yvonne, when they were both 17 years old and they were happily married for 61 years. He sadly suffered the loss of his eldest child, Timothy, just before his 7th birthday to a brain tumour, but aside from this had a happy life, living the majority of his life in Twydall.

Don was a hard working man and having started his working life as an apprentice, he was a plumber and welder for Stitson White until the mid-1990s. He worked on many different projects in some very prestigious venues including several of the Royal Palaces, Claridges and the Savoy to name but a few. One of his last projects before he retired was working on the Millennium Dome as it was originally known.

Don was very sociable and joined the Cuxton Working Men’s Social club in the 1980s where he played darts regularly and was also known to play the odd game of “Bat and Trap’” for the Club. He was a keen angler and loved the solitude of a day’s fishing by the riverbank, even if he had an unsuccessful day’s catch. He loved all animals and always had a dog by his side or on his lap! When he wasn’t working, he spent much of the 1980/1990s travelling around the South East and often further afield showing his beloved Setters.

He was an avid football fan supporting West Ham United FC and was lucky enough to be at the World Cup Final in 1966 along with his wife. In the early 1990s he became a season ticket holder at Gillingham FC and for many years Don, his wife and their girls would meet other supporters at the Sturdee Avenue Working Men’s Club and also his local pub, The Dewdrop.

Don was well travelled having holidayed in many European countries as well as further afield to Africa, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Bali and Thailand. His favourite destination was Kenya.

Don battled a few health issues following his heart attack when he was 59, and a year ago was diagnosed with a lung disease. His health slowly deteriorated after the sad and sudden death of his wife of 61 years just five months ago. He passed away in hospital on 22nd October 2024 with his daughters by his side having spent his last few days surrounded by his family and even having his beloved dog, Sam, come to visit for a final cuddle.

Don was a wonderful man with a dry sense of humour and he leaves behind two daughters, Yvette and Caroline, and 5 wonderful grandchildren Jacob, Theo, Ollie, Ruby and Ivy. He will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him.

There will be a small funeral service at Medway Crematorium at 1.30pm on Friday 29th November and afterwards at The Dewdrop in Twydall, where he often frequented in his younger years, for refreshments and the family would like to invite those that knew and loved him to attend to celebrate his life.

Floral tributes are welcome and can be sent to T Allen, Twydall, or you may wish to consider a donation to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.