In Memoriam

I just found out today that one of my best friends has passed away, quietly, in his sleep, back in Canterbury.

Rob Rook, amazing friend, confidant, and man.



Rob was born in Kent, grew up in Herne Bay, and moved to Canterbury to work in the Marlowe Theatre. He worked as the Stage Manager for countless years, and retired due to health concerns years ago. Although his physical heart might not have been very strong, Rob's emotional heart was the biggest, strongest and most caring heart of any man I have ever met. He was my good friend, and I was blessed by being considered his good friend too.

Rob was a regular at the Bell and Crown Pub, in Canterbury, where I met him. Rob was daily, at the end of the bar, throwing the occasional quip about a customer, or about my president, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of music. Rob introduced me to "American Folk" music, which was rather amusing, since I was an American, and he was English.

My fondest memories from Canterbury are not spent in KIAD working in my studio, rather they are the memories of Rob, Lucy, Anastasia and My Lady and I spending time together in the Bell, or at the park near Fiona's and my house at the old Dominican Priory Orchard. This past summer spent with Rob and my other friends will be some of the happiest days of my life. Rob was a patient and amazing person who touched everyone he knew in so many ways. He was a teacher of life; a student of life, and a connoisseur of enjoyment in it's every form. Rob was able to come to our wedding in October. He was the chauffer for Fiona on the "Big Day" itself, and I know that the wedding wouldn't have been the same if Rob were not able to come. The day after the wedding, Rob and my other friends and My Lady and I spent time in the hotel residents’ lounge, drinking wine and beer, and talking until all hours of the night. I know that Rob lived for company and enjoyment. His wisdom touched everyone around him.

Rob, you will be sorely missed. Fiona and I spent so much time in your presence, and I have to admit, I feel cheated that I wasn't able to spend more time with you. You've touched my life in so many ways, and I know that I'm a better person because of the time I spent with you.

Good-bye Rob. I love you and miss you terribly.

-- T