Do you remember Robin?

Do you remember Robin
all the interests you encompassed?
Where do we start? Is it the birth of Velcourt?
Professional farm management equal to the best;
leaders in their field – best practice established and taught.

Do you remember Robin ?
Do you remember all your other interests?
Your pursuit of culture, horti, music and arts.
Fierce enthusiasms for these – now sorely missed.
Truly a man of many parts.

Do you remember Robin?
Do you remember the fun we shared
losing ourselves on Andalusian plains?
Passionate in everything; Oh, how you cared!
And your integrity demanding you always played the game.

Do you remember Robin?
Do you remember how Carol dragged you to the green beize table
and taught you (nearly) how to play your hand?
I think you progressed as far as you were able;
you should be proud to defend your record and let it stand.

Do you remember Robin?
Do you remember your other sporting strengths?
Putting croquet aside, golf was your game.
For a round at Rolls you would go to any length.
Yes there were other courses, but not quite the same.

Do you remember Robin?
Remember and never forget your family of fond ones.
Carol so close, so dear and so understanding;
Karen, Peter and Sophie, you granddaughters and grandsons.
You’ve had the chance to see what begins and what becomes.

So what now has become of you Robin,
so near and yet no longer here?
How do we cope without your courtesy and grace,
your passions so warm, your purpose so clear,
your unfailing optimism, so hard to replace?

We can understand now the care Robin took
to create a life full of invigorating themes.
But the time has come, my friends, to close Robin’s book
and place it fondly, with others, in the library of our dreams.