Robert passed away peacefully at home on 9th December 2025, aged 83 years. Loving partner to June, cherished dad of Justine and Richard, grandad of Jessica, and great grandad of Taren.
Family flowers only please.
Robert was born in June 1942, he was the son of Jack and Doris Bishop and the younger brother of Dennis. He attended Grammar School in Burton, on leaving he became a trainee draughtsman at Bass’s.
In 1976 he made a big move with his family to N. Wales and found employment with Brewery Utilities. Later down the line with the help and support of his brother Dennis he set up his own business as a amusement gaming operator supplying juke boxes, pool tables, fruit machines to public houses, clubs and caravan sites. It was a very successful business, it was hard work, but he enjoyed it. Robert made many friends through the business as he was well liked, easy going, and a very sociable person .
In 2011 his brother said to him don’t you think it’s time to retire and hand down the baton to his son Richard and start enjoy enjoying life ,after all he was 69. So he decided it was time and so he packed up and went back to his home town of Burton where he still had family.
The last 14 years of his life he was very happy, he found someone who shared the same interests as him and he was looked after very well to. Unfortunately a couple of years into the relationship Robert was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma which haunted him until his passing, for 12 years he fought it, he was a fighter, he went into remission a couple of times.
His hobbies included playing the guitar, he played in many groups from the late 50’ s until the nineties. He just loved music, as he got older he was really into Jazz music.
Another hobby of his, he loved chess, he taught me his daughter Justine to play it, I was pretty useless at it but he was exceptional and had trophies to prove it.
Robert was a loving and caring person who will be sadly missed by the people who knew him. Robert my dad, leaves a gaping hole in our lives, that can never be replaced.
We love you dad Justine, Richard, Jessica and Taren.
I have told Taren that you are the brightest star in the sky and you are watching over him
.
With Our Deepest condolences,
Bob was such a lovely man,
A very kind man, especially to mum...Roma, he treated her so well, and such a 'kind Soul'in her words. She thought very fondly of Bob.
So sad for your loss June.
With love from Karen, Dave, Karl Sue, Simon, Maggie & our families
Take care June. xx
......... Celebration of Life for Bob Bishop .........
A Dearly loved partner to June Watkin
For seventeen years, Bob Bishop and June Watkin shared a life full of warmth and laughter and unwavering devotion, standing together through joys and hardships alike. They were true companions, each finding strength and comfort in the other, and their love grew deeper and gentler with every passing year.
They embraced adventure side by side, travelling to places like Majorca
Gibraltar and Madeira, turning their journey's into treasured memories of shared discovery and quiet happiness. Closer to home, weekends in Whitby became a cherished tradition, with sea air, simple pleasures and the contentment of just being together.
Music and theatre were some of their great shared joys. Trips to London brought magical evenings watching The Lion King and The Nutcracker, while a special visit to Ronnie Scott's jazz club stayed with them as a night of rhythm, closeness and delight. Everyday life was just as precious, time spent gardening, quiz nights at The Grove and peaceful walks in the Derbyshire countryside all wove into the fabric of their shared story.
Bob has a great grandson Taren, whom he held dearly in his heart but Bob also found a loving place within June's family, and adored her grandchildren Daniel, Elizabeth and William.
For twelve long years, Bob lived with cancer, facing his illness with dignity, courage and a quiet resilience that moved those around him. Through every stage, June's devotion never faltered. In those final, difficult days, June and her daughter Deborah were by his side at home, caring for him tenderly and staying with him to his last breath, just as he wished.
Today, those who knew and loved Bob gather in both sadness and gratitude to mourn his loss, and to honour the life he lived and the love he shared with June. His kindness, gentle humour and steadfast heart, and the deep bond between him and June, leave an enduring legacy of love that will remain in the memories and hearts of all of who were touched by his life.
Robert is my cousin. I often visited him and June. He was a lovely man who had a good dry sense of humour. We spent many a hour putting the world to rights. We often talked about the football too, he always said he had divided loyalties between Manchester United, Burton Albion and Derby. I'm sorry for his passing and will sadly miss my visits to him and June.
I send my condolences to June, Justine, Richard and the family.
Rest in peace Robert.
Thank you very much Elaine, my dad thought a lot of you and I know he was concerned with what you were going through. It would be nice to keep in touch. I haven’t got your number but this is mine 07919115514. Justine x
This photo is of the Memphis Five. A local Burton band. Bob was the lead guitarist and founder member. The photo was taken about 1965. Bob was a brilliant guitarist, and a great musician.
Great photo of my dad, thanks. See you at the funeral.
This photo takes me back, fantastic local group. Sorry for your loss x
God bless you Bob, i'll raise a pint in your memory later
This photo is of the Memphis Five. A local Burton band. Bob was the lead guitarist and founder member. The photo was taken about 1965. Bob was a brilliant guitarist, and a great musician.
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