You wonderful, kind, clever and decent man.
It has been a roller coaster ride knowing Bob for the last five years or so. He was living on The Lyng in West Bromwich and became involved in the campaign to save The Public, a controversial arts centre in the town. Roberto (as I called him) was staunch Labour but rapidly realised during this affair that the local Party - a one-party dictatorship - had "gone rogue". The Public "deal" was a bent one and this lead on to the exposure of corruption, cronyism and incompetence on a grand scale by the "socialist" Council. Bob could have done what almost every single simpering coward in the local Party did ie absolutely nowt. But he was a "Good Samaritan" and could not see injustice and just walk on by. (Of course if you knew him, you knew that!)
Bob asked questions. This led to reprisals - threats in the Kebub restaurant and petty vandalism to his house and car. He was trolled on social media and the thuggish, thick-as-sh*t, former Labour "Leader" of the Council openly threatened to use his influence to get Bob thrown off fostering panels!!!
He may have been physically short (with his waistline occasionally appearing to exceed his height) but, as ever, he stood tall and refused to be cowed by intimidation from the party he loved and which had been such a part of his life!
But Roberto had faced discrimination and intimidation before..... And he always called-it out in all its poisonous guises.
There are many kids over the years who faced challenges but benefited from Bob's determination and professionalism. Almost to the end he was still on panels etc trying to help them chart a steady course through choppy waters.
I am so pleased Bob stayed in touch when he moved back to Cardiff and I greatly enjoyed locking horns with him whenever he was working in the West Mids. We argued like cat and dog - usually over a couple of fine ales - but always had a great laugh too and departed with a hearty hug.
It was the measure of the man that when I was unwell he rearranged his work schedule to visit me at home - but then he would wouldn't he?
Bob gave his advice freely and it was not always gratefully received - though I did tell him that at least I always listened to his advice even if I ignored it! He did once say, for example, "You'll never know what your missing until you've tried it" after I quickly declined an invitation to one of his "orgies".
Politics was such a big part of Bob's life (and trade unionism.) Of course he was working with Work Stress around the union circuit until recent times. After the searing experience of the perverted, bullying and vicious Sandwell Labour Party/Council he was so much more comfortable with the Cardiff comrades and, of course, soon made many new friends. He always spoke highly of Jo Stevens and other Labour folk down in the Welsh capital.
But he was no-one trick pony. He had lived a full and interesting life and he had picked up worldly knowledge along the way together with the more esoteric stuff like his encyclopaedic knowledge of some genres of music. And so a great bloke to just sit and chew the cud with.
He seemed so happy back in Cardiff and inevitably fitted back in straight away - enjoying the company of family and friends. And it was great that so many of you helped him out as the light began to dim.
When three of us visited him at the start of his illness he insisted on driving us around and showing us the main sites, (docks, Landaff Cathedral etc) but also where he had lived and been to school. Even though he was dog-tired he was bursting with pride.
And on the subject of "pride" he was so pleased he got to the recent Cardiff Pride event - again with help from lovely friends. Many of you will know that he had been working with schools etc to combat homophobia and I personally was honoured that he sent me his script in advance of one project for any comments even though it was not my "specialist subject area". Wales Online named him recently amongst the top 46 LGBT+ activists in Wales and he also received the Lily Summers award from Welsh Labour in recognition of his life-time achievement in this area.
Before concluding I must just give a special mention to Dave - a man who has put his socialist ethical beliefs into practice during the recent difficult times.
And so the curtain falls on a dramatic and full life. Yes we may shed a tear but we will also cheer and applaud a life well-lived. Farewell dear friend from Linda and I and your other pals up here - it was a pleasure and honour to know you xx.
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