Alwyn 'Robby' Robinson (15 Nov 1929 - 24 Mar 2023)

In loving memory of 'Dad' - Alwyn Robinson.

15th November 1929 to 24th March 2023

'A Father, a Dad, a Colleague, and a Competitor.
All of those in spades, but most of all, a Friend'

With love, Jonathan, Sarah, and Simon.

Obituary:

Dad was born 15th November 1929 in Red Row, Northumberland. He passed away peacefully at the age of 93yrs at Maidstone Hospital on 24th March, after a long, successful, and hugely fulfilling life, spent largely in Fleet Street, Chislehurst, Trottiscliffe, Villars (Switzerland) and West Malling.

Alwyn moved to Trottiscliffe in 1974 with his wife Dorothy and three children Simon, Sarah and Jonathan. Accompanied by Jasper, a wire-haired Dachshund, Alwyn settled into The Oast House, Taylors Lane, where he lived for many years. After the death of his wife, Dorothy, Alwyn moved to West Malling in December 2018

Alwyn (known to his friends and colleagues as Robby) had a highly distinguished career in Fleet Street which spanned both editorial and management. His career culminated with his promotion to Managing Director of the Daily Mail and Vice Chairman of the Press Council. Along the way, Alwyn developed a healthy number of true friendships from within his circle of business colleagues and connections. The best of these have lasted to this day and for this, his family are thankful.

Alwyn was passionate about the English language (both written and spoken), an ‘affair’ that started through the inspiration of his English Teacher when he was at school. He had a particular fondness for the works of John Keats, and would quote this wonderful Poet often.

Always a fan of musical theatre, as a young man he took part in amateur dramatics through which he met his wife, Dorothy, who saw him in a production.

His love of musical theatre continued throughout his life and he was able to see most all of the big West End productions, Phantom of The Opera, Les Miserables, Aspects of Love and Sunset Boulevard amongst his many favourites.

He loved the mountains and winter sports, becoming a truly passionate skier who would tackle any colour run that he chose to – he was far from squeamish about a black and bravely completed the Cresta run at the age of 55yrs.

His love of skiing and his desire to bring that to his family and friends led him to have an apartment in Villars, Switzerland for many years. His time in Villars was extremely special to him and he made many dear friends there with whom he would either ski, chat, dine, enjoy a relaxing ‘apero’ - or indeed a combination of all these.

Known for his quick wit and an incredibly agile mind, he was a superb storyteller, raconteur and a hugely generous host. Always inclusive in the company he kept, Alwyn will be very much missed by all those who knew and loved him
– in particular his three children and close friends.

On behalf of the family, thank you for viewing this page.

Kindest Regards

Jonathan, Sarah and Simon