Most of you will know of the sad death of one of our Branch members Barry Robinson. 

He lived in Dagenham, Essex and became a Branch member only last year and was a guest at our annual dinner in 2007.  He was great mates with Mick Wischhusen and Alan Warren.  He died on the 23rd November aged 62.

 

CAPTAIN BARRY "ROBBO" ROBINSON
(LATE ROYAL FUSILIERS & 3RD BATTALION)

Barry Robinson joined the Royal Fusiliers on 4 May 1964 and served in the Army until completion of his 22 year engagement on 7 July 1986, the day before his 40th birthday.  During that time he achieved the rank of C/Sgt.  Somehow he was awarded the LS & GC Medal and was discharged with an EXEMPLARY character grading.  As well as the LS & GC Medal, he was awarded the GSM for Northern Ireland, the UN Medal for Cyprus and HM the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.

He saw service in Osnabruck, Sharjah, Folkestone, Gibraltar, Colchester, Cyprus (Turkish invasion 1974) Cyprus (U.N. Tour,) 6 Tours of Duty in Northern Ireland, Falingbostol, and 2 years at the Depot, Recruit Training 

On leaving Regular Army Service he enlisted into the RAOC (TA) for one year until he was appointed to a position as an instructor and Captain Quartermaster with the ACF.  He continued to serve with the Essex ACF up until his illness forced him to retire, and he was awarded the ACF Medal during that time

3 Years ago he developed Bowel Cancer, this terrible disease.  Barry with the support, help and love from his family, the Regiment, and his many friends, fought so hard. Any lesser mortal would have succumbed to this horrible cancer and not endured the chemotherapy and other treatments for so long and as bravely as he did.

On the very sad day that Barry passed away, Alan Warren, Mick Wischhusen and Ray Whitewood had the opportunity to visit Barry to pay him their respects and say goodbye to a great mate.  It was so sad to see this once big strong man still fighting to the end.

 On the 4th December Over 200 people attended his funeral in Essex, it was a fantastic turnout for the big man. Many ex Fusiliers turned out in their beret and hackle’s, including Regimental Standard Bearers and a Bugler from 2RRF. Barry's sister Louise is a Reverend, she conducted the service and did a great job, it must have been very hard for her. Several Branch members attended the funeral and a wreath of flowers was laid on behalf of the RRF Association S.E. Kent Branch.

 After wards people were invited back to Dagenham Rugby Club where his wake took place, just as Robbo would have wanted.
Rest in Peace Robbo.