Robert Vine

My first memories of cousin Robert were at Stephen’s house in West Hampstead at the Boxing Day parties that used to happen each year. I’m sure it was Boxing Day! We, my sisters and I who were probably young teenagers used to sit on the stairs swooning over this tall handsome long haired dude who was about 8 years our senior. I don’t think we had ever seen anyone like that before. He oozed charm even at that age. He used to remind us of David Essex and as he got older he became a Silver Fox. As we all got older our families got bigger, our priorities changed but we managed to keep in touch swapping photos of new babies and general chit chat. Robert was a beautiful kind person and we will all miss him xx

Rob was a part of my early teen years when Anna and I met at school. I will always remember you for your love of music and having fun at your house with the girls. Thank you for tolerating our noise, blocking up your internet for hours and for all the times you played the dad taxi. Sending all my love to Anna, Charlie, Charlotte and family. Rest in peace Rob xxx

I’ve been best mates with Rob since our first year at Wandsworth School, lots of great memories over the years. Rob will be missed loads. Rest in peace mate. XX All my love and condolences to Anna, Charlotte and Charlie. XXX

Dear Dad, Your Loss Has Been So Hard to Bear Dear Dad, As my tears fall, I think back to times long gone, When you would be the strength That my life was built upon. I remember all the happiness You brought throughout the years, And, although they are the sweetest memories, I cannot stop my tears. You were always my protector, My advisor and my guide, And life could never be the same Without you to walk beside. So, Dad, as I pay this visit To your resting place today, I’d like to thank you for the caring That I never could repay. Thankyou bringing me up and for all the memories I will deeply treasure especially now that they are held in photographs. I don’t know what I will do without you and missing you is unimaginable. Thankyou for being my dad. Love you so much xxx

I am leaving these heartfelt words to say How much I love and miss you more than words can convey. Though you’re no longer with me, you’re never far away, My heart is full of memories; you’re in my thoughts each day. You were kind and caring, a truly loyal friend, Always there beside me, right until the end. Life without you isn’t the same, and sometimes I feel sad, But I know I was truly blessed to have you as my Grandad. I love you Gampy Charlie xxx

Dearest Rob (RIP)…. I was very saddened to hear when Anna called me, telling me Rob had passed in ICU in London. I haven’t seen you for many, many years but I did manage to speak to you over the phone a good few times. Our paths were similar in some ways but diverged in a major way and I continued down that path. I wish you had as well? I remember meeting you in the mid or later 1970s, I think it was around the time. My memories of fuzzy in some areas. I was then living in Putney High Street with my girlfriend. I was always interested in music or should I say crazy about music and so was Rob. Rob was handsome and tall and an easy-going guy. He had tousled dark hair worn quite long but always looked good. He was cool to be around, Charlotte was his girlfriend then and I remember visiting them at the house around the Wimbledon area- Colliers Wood I believe? Rob and I listened to a lot of music together plus a lot of drinking and stuff. Like me, Rob loved the guitar playing of Santana and we used to dig that kind of music. It’s all a bit blurry now as it’s quite a while ago. But I can hear Rob’s voice in my mind and I could also hear his laugh? A kind of a chuckle, low pitched in his own unique way. I remember Rob had a Fender guitar and musical equipment at his house. He used to wear denim a lot – I guess a lot of people did back then. I think underneath it all Rob was quite a shy character really. Maybe not the best at pushing himself forward in life. But he was meticulous about things that he enjoyed. I think apart from guitar playing – he also did some woodwork and decorative housework and he was pretty good at it. It was always a pleasure to see him, I don’t remember having any rows with him or anything like that. As I said before he was a sleek guy to be around. No big dramas – just coolness! I remember once we tried to to do a version (would you believe of ‘Move Over Darling’ — the Doris Day song). That would’ve been an 1980’s type of vibe, the Glam Rock type era like Blondie or something? I tried to get this girl to sing it – a blonde girl who in lived in Olympia and was a Debbie Harry look-a-like? That was one of our fun little japes – that never went anywhere? We also were in a band call Match Me Sidney for awhile. I couldn’t describe this band at all? It was a sort of erratic band led by a guy that thought he could play timbales. That is a Latin style of drumming. Again that was another thing that never went anywhere? Over the years I did speak to Rob – I always felt a great fondness for him he was a very likeable person. I did mention to him a couple years ago that it would be great to do a little bit of music together. He was up for it but his health wouldn’t have allowed that. I will miss you very very much Rob. You are a cool cat, also shy, sensitive and driven by certain things that many of us cannot control. Certainly I couldn’t until I seized my break. God bless you Rob, rest in peace and I hope to see you one day and resume our chats and laughter. My best always— condolences to Charlotte and Anna. Jim xxx

Rob was always so welcoming when I would go to see Anna at home after school or at weekends. I have fond memories of Rob driving us “girls” to the latest concert we would be so desperate to see. Rob would let us sing our hearts out in the car and let us pick all the “naff” tunes to ensure we (more importantly) Anna was having the best time. I’d always know when Rob was in the house as the music played in the front room and the house had a “coolness” about it. Rob was the trendy dad with the coolest of vibes. Rest well. May the light shine & the music play on. Love & light to Charlotte, Anna & Charlie at the darkest of times xx

A rainbow picture for you Gampy. I love you and miss you.

We were neighbours with Rob, Charlotte and Anna for about 16 years or so. Rob was such a huge character, forever making me mum and dad laugh with his fez hat!!! (I still remember all the different hats on the wall by the door) your front door would always be open and I could (literally) walk in and out whenever! Your house was always welcoming and you made (arguably) some of the best potato’s I’ve ever had!! when you think of Rob, you always think of music. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan will forever remind me of Rob, and fond memories of my childhood in Colliers Wood. Rest in peace Rob xxx

Rob was a great mate back in the day. Sad to hear he has passed. Condolences to all who loved him. He was such fun, totally cool. Loved great music and great food. A superb guy. He will be sorely missed.

My memories of Bob is that we met when we were 5 on the first day of primary school at Southmead at times during the late fifties there was terrible pollution and smogs we had to be met with an adult before we were allowed home from school and Bob’s nan used to met us both as see us safely home .We went on to play for the school football team and ran in the athletics team .We both went on to Wandsworth school when we were 15 we played in a band .We sort of went our own ways for a while .In our 20s Bob stayed in a flat I owned so we stayed in touch as friends until his sad death.

More memories of food and music – over 30 years later l still think of Rob’s epic Sunday roasts and barbecues and regular trips to the local Indian restaurant. Many happy evenings spent in pubs and clubs watching Rob playing in his band. Rob was so funny and caring – having seen him with my two small children and in the early years of his own fatherhood I can see why he is so loved and badly missed as a father and grandad. Sending love.

Charlotte was my best friend and neighbour as a child. When she moved in with Rob and they had baby Anna we kept in touch and they visited us in East Finchley. He welcomed us as friends of Charlotte and soon became a great a friend too. We’d come to visit them and go out for a pub lunch and he always made us feel so welcome. He kept in touch with us regularly and even when he became so ill. He will be for ever in our thoughts and we know he would want us to be there for Charlotte and Anna, which we will be. Diana and David xx

I was very sad to hear that Bob is no longer with us. I always looked up to him as a guitarist and he was a source of Rock wisdom for me. I’ll always remember the epic jam we set up in our living room one evening when I was a kid. I enjoyed hearing him and my dad reminiscing about the early days and the joy those memories brought to them. He had a great sense of humour and a cheeky side to him. Sending love to the family, he’ll be greatly missed. X

Sorry about your dad he was amazing guy always chatty and made lovely roast dinners when I was there on the Sundays years back passing my coldences to you and your family

We send love and condolences to Charlotte, Anna and Charlie, and a loving farewell to our dear friend Rob. I (Alistair) had the pleasure of playing music with him on many occasions. What a fine guitarist he was. We echo the sentiment that he will be greatly missed. With deep commiserations to all Rob’s family and friends. Alistair & Peta xxx

Dear Anna, Charlotte, and Charlie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I first met Rob, Charlotte, and Anna when I moved to West Gardens back in 2004 or 2005, and I’ve always remembered Rob as such a lovable character—easygoing, full of warmth, and always ready with amazing stories about his life. His love for music and his friendly nature made him such a joy to be around. I often popped over for a chat and helped with Charlotte when needed, and I want you to know I’m still here for her, always. May Rob rest in eternal peace, and please give my love to “Guiness” my old dog who he and Charlotte adored. We miss you, Rob. With all our love, Sue, Tyler, and Kodi xxxx

My nickname for Rob was ‘Rob the legend’ and he would always joke and say ‘yeah.. the legend that never was!’ lol Rob was super funny, warm, always had the best stories and always made me laugh. Anna, Charlotte and Charlie, just want to say that I’m so sorry for your loss, He really was a legend, just keep remembering all the funny stories and laughter that he bought to you all. Thinking of you all, and only a phone call away if you need anything xxxx