Tributes paid to Morecambe dad

Robert (Bob) Birkett was born on November 18 1938 to parents Robert and Frances. The 76-year-old passed away at his home on September 10 after a long battle with cancer.

Daughter Gail Birkett said: “He was a wonderful dad, grandad and great grandad. He loved his family and was especially blessed to see the last great grandchild. His grandchildren Pamela, Claire, Laura, Stephanie and Alexander, great grandchildren Rhea, Jack, Serena, Abigail all got to enjoy Bob at his best.”

After his work as a joiner Bob joined the Army and was a proud soldier serving his country during some hard times abroad.

He later became a lieutenant in the TA and spent time in the army band which spurred on his love of music and playing the trombone.

Jean Curwen met him in 1959, they both loved rock and roll music and they would go dancing at the Central Pier and the Floral Hall.

They were married in 1960, their daughter Gail was born in 1962, followed by Robert in 1964 and Andrew in 1966.

Bob was well known across the resort and his love of the sea, which he inherited from his father, was prominent throughout his life.

He bought his first Nobby boat in the 60s and worked for 17 years as Morecambe Bay shrimper. Gail said: “He loved it out on the boat and the freedom that fishing gave him.

“He and mum built a yacht together, enjoying sailing to Peel Island and once on a holiday to the Isle of Man.”

An accident at work in 1985 which damaged his spine meant could no longer sail but other hobbies soon took over including painting, taking in rescue dogs, bird watching and woodcarving.

Bob was diagnosed with cancer two-and-a-half years ago and the family believed he had recovered but in May this year he was diagnosed with bone cancer.

The former soldier defied odds by living longer than expected and even bought a guitar and a mac book in his final moments, insisting he would learn to master both before he died.

Mr Birkett’s family would like to thank the carers, the Hospice at Home team, the district nurses and the Macmillan Nurses for their care of Bob.