Ascension : Thank You From Robert's Family
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 25.12.2008 (Article Archived on 08.01.2009)

Robert’s Mother Patricia, Step Dad Donald, Brother Adam and the rest of Robert’s family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the following people:

Robert’s Mother Patricia, Step Dad Donald, Brother Adam and the rest of Robert’s family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the following people:

Employees of Vehicle Maintenance – CSR

Employees of Fire Security Department – CSR

Those who had the difficult task packing up Robert’s personal belongings

To everyone involved on that fateful evening: Shavarn (Anthony) Young, Gerald Yon, Howard Peters and RAF Warrant Officer Chris Owen for their assistance given to Robert on the roadside where his fatal accident happened.

To Doctors Gardinkski, Shub and their Nursing Staff of the Georgetown Hospital.

To the Emergency Services for their support.

To Father Clive for conducting the Memorial Service and everyone for organising and joining in on the service to celebrate Robert’s life that day.

To members of Robert’s family, friends and colleagues on Ascension Island; we thank you all.

It is so very clear to us from the support both Robert and ourselves received from each and everyone of you, that Robert was truly loved and respected and undoubtedly will be missed for a very, very long time to come.

The countless numbers of sympathy cards and messages together with the many floral tributes are so very much appreciated.

The tribute “Beyond this Day” a book dedicated to Robert’s memory by his colleagues of CSR Ascension Island will always be cherished and used in the manner it was intended – it’s reading teaches how to cope and one day hopefully come to terms with the loss of a truly wonderful son and brother.

To Lucy we say a big thank you for your support and for your words written in the condolence page of the “Wide awake News” November 2008 – you say “Finding an inner peace takes time”; inner peace for us comes from knowing that for his 10 years spent on Ascension Island, Robert was truly among friends – we need no reassurance of this. In Christmas 2007 Robert spent his last Christmas on St. Helena with us.  We came to know just a few of his friends who also travelled home to spend that Christmas with their families – we felt a certain closeness to you all then and still do:

Penny and Philip (Philly), Suelaine and Wayne, Adrian, Dave “Busha”, Russell & Michelle, Malcolm & Tessa, Sara, Marc (Inky) & Jolene.

It was a wonderful Christmas and a good start to this New Year but sadly in January you returned to the place which binds you all together.  We often spoke of those times throughout the year, and mention you all individually for the memorable things you did in one way or another:

The Barbecue at Rosemary Plain - for the splendid food, thanks to Chef Russell;

            The Day Out at Horse Pasture – we know you enjoyed the curry;

            The Christmas Ball at the Consulate Hotel;

            The Birthday Party at the Orange Tree Restaurant (Chinese) – will most definitely remember the Karaoke with Sara, Malcolm and Wayne  showing off their talents.

            Dave for the happy time spent at your home that Saturday afternoon, for the lovely spread your Parents prepared, especially for the tasty conger –

            Robert laughed so much that day;

            And also for the happy visits to our Home in St. Helena.

To Julie Jolly for your kind words also in the “Wide awake News” November 2008 – we too, will always remember his sweet smile.  Robert was rarely without a smile.

Augie, we are touched by the words in your eulogy and we thank you for holding our Son and Brother in such high esteem – if only he had been given the chance to live on he would never have failed the faith and confidence you held in him.

Christabel and Pyper – we were happy to meet you at last.  It is comforting to know that Robert shared a part of his life with you.  He used to say how much Pyper made him laugh – she made us laugh too.  Tell her to keep “Papi” close.

To everyone for whatever part you played in Robert’s life and all you did on the day he was so suddenly taken from us  and continued to do thereafter – we will always be indebted to you and say thank you once again.

Robert has come home to rest with us now, but we know his spirit will always live on with you all on Ascension Island.  Hold on to your memories and celebrate his life.

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