Heartfelt tributes paid to 'true servant' of Derbyshire Robert Robinson

Robert Bradbury Robinson died peacefully at Bakewell Cottage Nursing Home on Saturday, February 20, after a brave battle with illness over a number of years, aged 86.

Mr Robinson was awarded an OBE for his services to the county - although he chose to turn down his citation for a knighthood “purely out of modesty”.

He was also presented with the Scouts’ highest award in 2008 - Silver Wolf - for “services of an “exceptional nature”.

His son Ben said: “Robert never boasted of his service to Derbyshire. He just selflessly gave his time and advice.”

Following in his father Victor’s footsteps, Mr Robinson started as a junior manager at the famous family-run packaging company Robinsons, progressing to chairman after 45 years of service.

Mr Robinson passed out at Lympstone as a Junior Royal Marine Officer in 1950 - a service background he continued as a commanding officer of ‘A’ squadron in the Derbyshire and Leicestershire Yeomanry.

Other prominent public service appointments included High Sheriff of Derbyshire and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire.

After his Marine service, Mr Robinson married Denys in 1953 - raising their three children of Ben, Bill and Jenny. Denys passed away in 1993 and Mr Robinson later married again to Kay.

He leaves behind children Ben, Jenny, Bill, his sister Jane, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

David Jenkins, a past president at Chesterfield Rotary Club, said: “Robert was a very popular man of the rotary club and a reliable friend.

“He was an entertaining man and very well respected. He will be missed.”

A service of thanksgiving will take place at St.John’s Church, Walton, Chesterfield, at 1.30pm on Monday, March 7.