Merrylands RSL Club Mourns President’s Passing

Robin joined the Board of Merrylands RSL Club in May 2022 as a director and was elected as President in May this year. He joined the Merrylands RSL Sub-Branch as a committee member in 2006, where he served as their Vice President and then President for five years.

He also made a significant leadership contribution through the Naval Association of Australia, where he was Honorary State Secretary between 2009 and 2016, and State Vice President from 2016 until his passing.

Born in Lakemba on 21 January 1942, Robin attended Lakemba and Erskineville public schools and then Homebush Boys High School.

Following his school years, he joined the Australian Sea Cadet Corps — later renamed the Naval Reserve Cadets — and was appointed Petty Officer in 1961 and was later promoted to Lieutenant, a position he held until 1977.

During his time in the in the Naval Reserve Cadets, Robin met Marie Louise Evans, whom he married in 1964, eventually settling in Merrylands West. 

Robin’s love of sport saw him coach many junior soccer and cricket teams, including the Wenty Waratahs Junior Cricket team for many years. He was also a long-time blood donor, providing 173 donations.

Following his naval career, Robin joined the civilian workforce in various sales positions for the textile industry before retiring in 2009.

In 2006, he joined the Merrylands RSL Sub-Branch as a committee member, where he served as Vice President and then as President for five years.

During his time in the Sub-Branch, where he remained as a volunteer for the rest of his life, his work included the installation of the Seafarers Anchor in Memorial Park Merrylands, the relocation of the Wilbert Hudson Memorial to Charles Mance Reserve Merrylands and many ANZAC and Remembrance Day services.

In 2007 Robin joined the Naval Association and quickly became the Vice President of the Parramatta subsection. He was the Honourable State Secretary from 2009 to 2016, before becoming the State Vice President — a position he held until 2022.

Robin’s passion and tireless work for the veteran community was recognised in 2016 by Holroyd Council, awarding him the Joint Citizen of the Year.

He is survived by his wife Marie, children Wayne, Ian and Kayleen, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

Robin’s life was celebrated at a funeral held on 5 July at Pinegrove Memorial Park in Minchinbury.