Today we gather to celebrate the life of Robert Collinge Withington — born on the 1st of October 1941 to Frank and Bessie Withington.
We come together with sadness, but also with deep gratitude. Because Dad’s life was not small, not quiet, and certainly not half-lived. It was full. Full of story. Full of laughter. And above all, full of love.
Robert often said they “broke the mould” when he was born. As an only child, perhaps he felt entitled to say that, but those of us who knew him suspect there was more than a little truth in it.
After primary school at Victoria Road, and then King’s School, Chester, he travelled alone by train to South Wales to begin boarding at Christ College, Brecon. He proudly told us how, at the age of 11, he made that journey carrying his school fees, and a fruit cake for his housemaster. In many ways, that journey tells you a great deal about him - independent, determined, and quietly brave.
Those years at Christ College Brecon shaped him profoundly. Boarding school demanded resilience and self-reliance, and Robert embraced both. He would often recount — with great enthusiasm — the famous rugby victory against Llandovery College, when the school secured their only First XV win in 30 years.
And then there was his claim - delivered with that familiar glint in his eye - that he may well have been the finest Number 8 ever to grace Lymm Rugby Club.
We will simply say the record books remain unsubstantiated.
Though an only child, Robert was richly blessed by the influence of Uncle Fred and Auntie Jessie, who expanded his world beyond school and Runcorn. They introduced him to the Norfolk Broads, to sailing, to dining out, and perhaps most importantly to following one’s passions. They showed him that life is not merely something to endure, but something to explore.
And explore it he did.
Picture Robert in 1960, travelling by Vespa to Manchester to study textiles and furniture at the Manchester College of Commerce, adventurous, determined, and stylish in his own way.
He later joined Kendal Milne’s department store, learning every part of the business, from finance to buying, from floor coverings to furniture. He understood his trade from the ground up.
Eventually he returned to Runcorn to join Frank and Bessie at Withington’s Furnishers, 59 High Street - known formally as “The Emporium”. But to most people it was simply “The Shop”. To Robert, though, it was far more than a business. It was community. It was conversation. It was service.
At the centre of his world, however, was family. With Daphne, he built a home filled with warmth, loyalty, and laughter. Mum and Dad showed us what loyalty truly means. They stood beside each other through everything - always as a team.
They rarely missed any of our sports matches. Whether it was lacrosse, netball, rugby, or cricket, Dad was steadfast in his support of Lorraine and I.
This church - St Michael and All Angels - has marked many sacred milestones in his life: his marriage to Daphne in 1969, Lorraine’s wedding, and the christening of his grandson Hugh. He also served here for many years as a sidesman and a member of the PCC. For nearly sixty years, this church has been woven into his story of faith, commitment, and belonging.
While he enjoyed many sports, the sea remained one of his greatest loves. Abersoch became a second home for family holidays - long days on the beach, volleyball, football, sailing, barbecues, and plenty of laughter.
Later, Dad joined John Rose and Andrew Barr yacht racing on Gums and Roses, competing in events like the ISORA races across to Ireland - usually followed by a Guinness… or two. The wind in their sails. The thrill of competition. The fellowship of friends. These things became a cherished part of his life.
Through Round Table, and later the 41 Club, he formed lifelong friendships built on service, responsibility, and fun. Many of those friends are here today, and we thank you for the part you played in his life — and in ours.
Round Table shaped our family life, bringing many happy memories:--- football and cricket matches, the raft races in Congleton, and the annual Christmas float visiting homes across Runcorn.
Robert also had his own, unmistakable brand of humour. Who else would pause halfway through the main course, and announce with complete sincerity, “I do like a good hors d’oeuvre”? It became expected - not always perfectly timed, not always well received - but entirely Robert.
He understood something important: life is meant to be enjoyed.
He cared for Daphne in sickness and in health, truly embodying what it means to love deeply and faithfully. And now they are reunited in Heaven, together again.
As we reflect today on his 84 years, we see more than milestones and achievements. We see a journey well-travelled.
He worked hard.
He followed his passions.
He loved deeply.
He served faithfully.
And he laughed often.
His life reminds us that love is an act of courage. That commitment matters. And that stories should always be told, even if they improve slightly with each re-telling.
He would not want solemn faces. He would want us to live fully to take the opportunities before us, to love well, and to enjoy life’s adventures.
So today we say:
Sails full.
A life well lived.
Reunited together. Rest in peace.
Thanks to Murray Withingon and family
