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Number plate in loving memory

Bob passed away on 22nd July 1999 aged only 56, after losing his fight against cancer. In his career he “worked his way up the ladder” reaching the status of Divisional Fire Prevention and Operational Officer. He was initially employed at Ipswich Fire Service Headquarters and also became Brigade Driving Instructor. He was eventually offered a three month Fire Prevention course at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, and was awarded the College Prize for achievement that year in 1972. His first career move away was to Lowestoft as Station Commander where we and our two small sons enjoyed the beach facilities etc. We also helped organise events to raise money for the Benevolent Fund such as fetes and fire work displays etc. Our next move was to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service as Assistant Divisional Fire Officer involving Fire Prevention as well. Later, still in Cambridgeshire, he was made Divisional Fire Officer.

He played in the squad of the National Fire Service Football Section representing England in his early youth. When the ‘old knees’ gave way he decided to give something back by becoming a Committee Member. He then became Treasurer of the English Section and his tireless work in fund raising put them on a secure financial footing. Bob never shirked his responsibilities thus making good decisions for the benefit of the Section. Over the years he became good friends with Peter Stronach, the Secretary, and was always close at hand to help at various events. He loved the involvement and took great pride in seeing the players enjoying their football. In the last year of his life he continued to support the National Veterans Final and the National Five-a-Side Championships. Now there is a trophy in his memory presented at the National Fire Service Cup Final.

Bob was also a very keen fisherman proudly representing Cambridgeshire Fire Service at fishing matches all over the country, both sea and river fishing. He attended the National Fishing Championships in Ireland every year involving England, Scotland and Wales. He won the sea and beach matches outright one year, plus numerous other fishing trophies. He so enjoyed the comradeship of fishing as a Team, as well as representing Cambridgeshire as an individual. His last fishing match was in Ireland in April 1999 just before he became ill. Now there is a trophy presented in his memory for the largest/heaviest fish caught at the Nationals in Ireland every year.

Although I will never get over the shock and grief of losing dear Bob, I have found an unusual way to ease the pain. The day before his funeral I thought of purchasing a number plate ‘BOB 1’ to place in his coffin, as he had always talked about getting a posy number plate. Later I decided to purchase a special number plate in his memory for my car, which is N100 BOB (N being for my name, Nichola thus joining us together). It gives me a lot of comfort and I feel he is with me when driving and waiting for me when I go towards my car.

Bob is greatly missed by so many people. He was a very fair man with a vibrant personality. Our sons and I miss him terribly and unfortunately our grandchildren have missed out knowing a very special person. He was very proud of his Fire Service career and as you can see he worked hard and played hard and thankfully managed to pack a lot of action into fifty six years of life.