With sadness we mourn the death of our dear Brother-in-Law, Roger Robson.
Roger, charming, handsome and so nice, came into our lives as a young man of 22 in 1964. We were thrilled that he was the boyfriend of our sister, Jill Scriven. Patsy’s social rating at her all girls boarding school shot up several notches when she showed others her two photographs of this good-looking young man of excellent physique. Roger was so charming that he was usually sat next to the most difficult matriarchs in the family. By the end of the evening he had made them his firm friends.
Happily he and Jill married and had three lovely children, Heather, Simon and Catherine. This long marriage and partnership of 55 years and his family was at the heart of Roger’s life.
As in many households at the time, Jill ran the house and looked after the children. Roger was supporting the family working as a teacher, and he continued to pursue his passions for wrestling and farming. Visiting them was always a delight. Jill produced meal after meal of scrumptious food, usually for many people, and Roger was an excellent host. The only downside was the mammoth washing up afterwards before the days of a dishwasher.
Later on Jill returned to work as a teacher. Land was bought, a house built, and the family lived at their farm which began to take centre stage. Roger would be busy around the farm and vegetable patch, and Jill would spend hours preparing home grown food which had the best taste ever. People dropped by frequently, always sure of a warm welcome and plenty of chat. Roger took on more wrestling commitments such as writing his newspaper articles or setting up the wrestling training centre.
Nieces and nephews were welcomed to stay, often for long periods. The obedient sheepdog could be bossed around by very small children, cats cuddled, lambs and chickens fed, and all set in glorious countryside.
Roger was always happy to show everyone around his beautiful land, usually with his sheepdog. On one occasion, accompanied by his very young nephew Nick, Roger commanded his dog “STAY”. Walking on he discovered his nephew was no longer beside him, both Nick and the dog had obeyed his command. That voice was very authoritative. In Roger’s subsequent description, accompanied with a deep chuckle, his nephew had started to “grow roots”.
Eventually Roger’s love of farming and wrestling won, and he retired in his early fifties. We felt this was a great shame as he had so much to give to his pupils.
When Roger learnt of his cancer he took the news well and got on with his life.
Much later on Jill started getting dementia. A loving husband, Roger took on the role of carer for his physically fit, but mentally deteriorating wife. Roger provided the memory for both of them and Jill did the physical tasks that increasing frailty meant Roger could do no longer. Together, ever a partnership, they struggled on, coping as well as they could.
Heather, Simon, Catherine, and their families, all played their part, helping Roger and Jill live at home. This devoted family cared and nursed Roger at home until the end of his life.
Roger has left us a great legacy. The local papers focussed on his legacy to Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling, and also his contribution to the Belted Galloways Society. However we believe his greater legacy was the family he and Jill nurtured, and that we all love.
We will miss Roger’s easy charm, generosity and nice personality.
Rest In Peace.
Jeannie and Patsy Scriven.