A larger-than-life Penrith character, whose support for local sport never wavered, has died aged 69.
Robert Hill, affectionately known as Hilly by his team-mates, was a well-liked man who showed camaraderie on and off the pitch.
Born in Penrith on January 29, 1952, to Vera and Rowland, of Hunsonby, Robert attended primary school in the village before moving to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith, which he attended from 1963 to1970.
It was at school that he developed his lifelong passion for sport and was a runner for Stoke Athletic Club. His father was from the city and drove him down regularly for training sessions.
With the club he won the 4×100 yards national relay championship, and closer to home he ran for Cumberland in the English Schools’ Championship. He also won a host of local events and was a keen competitor, particularly in the 100 yards sprint.
As he grew into a teenager his love of athletics lent perfectly to team sports such as cricket and rugby at which he also excelled. In cricket he was a fast bowler, playing for QEGS and Edenhall.
When he joined Loughborough College in 1970 to study PE and geography, he continued playing for Edenhall.
He also played for Patterdale from 1973-79, winning the Eden Valley League title with them, then played for Stainton until 1985.
Throughout the decade he had the league’s best bowling average for the season on more than one occasion.
He was a very competitive player and, while playing cricket for Patterdale against Braithwaite he was having trouble bowling against the local vicar who was hitting him all over the park.
He took it upon himself to trip the vicar up mid-run, which earned him a two-week ban from playing and a mention in the News of the World. He could forgivingly have been called a “passionate player”.
While at sixth form Robert met his first wife, Margaret Tindal, of Penrith.
They stayed together through their university days and married in 1974.
He was also talented on the rugby pitch playing for QEGS, who were successful within the county; Loughborough College, which is still noted for the talent it produces; and his main love, Penrith RUFC.
Professionally, Robert was a haulier for most of his life, but before this he had stints with the family boat hire firm on Ullswater, and spent two years at the Department of Social Security.
He also spent several years as a publican in Wigan during the late 80s and early 90s.
He remained an ardent supporter of local cricket and rugby throughout his life and could always be found in the bar at Penrith Rugby Club’s Winters Park ground, with more than his fair share of opinions.
In 2011, he married Susan Westerman, in Mauritius and retired to become a taxi driver in Penrith until he fell ill.
Latterly, Robert struggled with his health but continued to support Penrith Rugby Club and the local cricket scene.
He took a lot of pride in the performance of these teams.
His son, Nick, said: “Overall he was a larger-than-life character. He didn’t shy away from an opinion or saying what he thought. He was funny, could be caustic, but was a very loveable and loved guy. He’ll be missed by many.”
Robert is survived by Susan, his children Claire and Nick, and his three grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were by Walkers, of Penrith, and a service was held at Carlisle crematorium yesterday.
The funeral cortège passed through the town, including the Robin Hood Inn, where many of Robert’s former team-mates gathered to pay their respects.
