Robert Eric Gascoigne (18 Feb 1947 - 19 Apr 2020)

In loving memory of Robert Eric Gascoigne who sadly passed away on 19th April 2020

Robert Eric Gascoigne was born on Tuesday the 18th February 1947 at 13 Barton Street, Clowne in Derbyshire, to Eric and Eileen Gascoigne.
Robert had three sisters and four brothers.

He grew up in Clowne and went to Boughton Lane School. He moved to Shirebrook in 1962 when he was 15.

When he started work he initially went into the building trade, learning skills that he would put to good use later in his life. He then worked at Pleasley Mill in the dye room before changing career again, this time in order to pursue his hobby, repairing cars.
By now he was an expert panel beater and a bodywork specialist. So he started his own business, repairing thousands of cars from his garage which was located near the Bassett School in Langwith Junction.

During this chapter of his life Robert became a father, having two children in his first marriage, a daughter followed by a son. Six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren followed later. And not forgetting his dogs, his two adored Red Setters, Sherry and Judy.

Robert met his wife Gillian in 1985 and they were married on the 11th July 1992 in Chesterfield and they lived at first on Hill Crest, Shirebrook.

At the age of 47, in July 1994 Robert bought a plot of land in Shirebrook and started his first major building project. A four bedroomed detached house on Park Road and Robert and Gillian made it their home for the next few years.
After a couple more house moves they decided to repeat the trick and build themselves a bungalow on Alandale Avenue, Langwith Junction. And, after living in a caravan on site for nine months, it has been their home since 2002 and the place where they have both enjoyed their retirement together.

Robert had many more interests other than cars and building homes. Snooker was right at the top. He loved to play it and had been a devoted follower of the sport since the 1970s. His all-time favourite player being 'Hurricane' Higgins.
When snooker wasn't on TV he loved to watch comedy classics, which reflected his always upbeat and positive outlook, whilst at the same time sharpening his razor-sharp sense of humour.
He also liked to watch the soaps, especially Emmerdale.
He had a big love for music too, with Johnny Cash and Chas 'n Dave among his favourites.

When he got the chance of a break from working he would go on many holidays, mainly to the East Coast and to Spain. His preferred mode of getting to the Mediterranean was the same as Skegness, a four-seater hatchback! He clocked up numerous eventful three day / 1000 mile road trips to the sun. Not surprisingly, later in life he and Gill preferred to be chauffeur driven by coach.

The beautiful houses that Robert built won't be the only imprint on the world that he leaves behind. If I were to reel off all the achievements and amusing stories from Robert's life, we'd still be here tomorrow.
I'm sure you will all have your own funny and often hilarious memories that you shared with Robert. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will remain in all our hearts forever.