Robin Gumbrell

Published on 08/11/2023

ROBIN JOHN PHILIP GUMBRELL Age 86 The death occurred on 20th October 2023 of Robin Gumbrell. He died peacefully in his sleep. Robin left Cambridgeshire High School for Boys at the age of 16 in 1952, in order to train as a Merchant Navy Cadet Officer on HMS Conway, which was anchored on the Menai Straits off Plas Newydd, Anglesey, North Wales. HMS Conway trained the cadets in all the ways of the seaman of old. Boys slept in hammocks, and had their own sea chest, which contained all their clothing and possessions. Robin went to sea in 1954, beginning his working life with the British Tanker Company. He progressed as a navigator, becoming a 2nd Officer in the days before GPS and qualified as a Master Mariner. He also worked for BP Tankers, and Shell Tankers. He concluded his career as Shell's Marine Superintendent for the British Coastal Fleet. Robin was well known in all dinghy sailing clubs in the area. He was a Senior Instructor and qualified sail measurer. Many people in the area were taught to sail by Robin and remember he was patient in explaining what to do and how to do it. When he retired he was involved in and with many voluntary organisations. He helped the late Judi Figgures and the late David Campbell at Grafham water Sailability. In the early days, coffee was served out of flasks in the back of Robin's estate car. He was the Bosun and Beach Master for many years at Grafham Water Sailability. His knowledge of launching and retrieving boats encouraged a liaison with the Grafham Water Centre Committee and various charitable organisations in order that a slipway and pontoon were built. This meant that helpers at Sailability were safer on a slipway rather than wading in mud and goose poo. The pontoon meant that more disadvantaged people could enjoy being on the water by sailing with others in the Drascombe rather sailing with a buddy in a Challenger dingy. Robin also volunteered on Ladybird the river boat which takes people for trips on the River Great Ouse. His enduring passion was being with the Enterprise Class Association and sailing his Enterprise dinghy at Hunts Sailing Club in St Ives and also nationally. He was once Commodore of Hunts Sailing Club. Robin was also twice Commodore of the Enterprise Class Association and Admiral of the Association. Another voluntary activity was driving people to appointments on behalf of the Red Cross. Robin was a man of integrity and kindness and with a vast knowledge of the sea, rivers and sailing. He will be missed by people throughout the UK who met and sailed with and against him. He leaves a wife Lesley, a step-daughter Kirsten and a son and daughter from a previous marriage, plus four grandchildren. The Funeral will take place on the Wednesday 15th November 2023 at 2:30pm at Huntingdon Crematorium. Family flowers only please, but if desired donations can be made in Robins name to the RNLI

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