Eulogy for Rob

 Written by Auntie Gaynor 

 Rob Taylor (photo by Rob Jarvis)

For those who were unable to attend Robbie's funeral, we are publishing here Eulogy for Rob, a touching tribute by his Auntie Gaynor Connor.  In her own words ' It was delivered and written from my heart for a lad who died too young.'

 "

I am stood in a place where I would rather not be, saying words for a lad who was special to me.

Though his physical presence is no longer here, I am sure he is listening, somewhere quite near.

I shall try to convey our Rob as he was, when he lived in the North, beyond Watford Gap.

He is smiling I know as I take a deep breath and speak of his life as we all mourn his death.

He was Warrington born, his roots in the North West. Although later in life he preferred London best.

His schooling at Bewsey set him up for a job, as a painter and decorator, he earned a few bob

At school what a sportsman!  Played rugby and all. But Rob did prefer the other shaped ball.

His skills playing football was there plain to see, he accepted no losses, only sure victory.

His flag he nailed to the Man City mast and throughout his life that loyalty would last

The blue shirts on the backs of the likes of Fran Lee , Colin Bell, Dennis Law and Mike Somerbee.

Maine Road where he watched his favourite team score. Rodney Marsh, Dennis Tuart and another nine more.

They were gods, they were Icons, and this much is true, if you cut our Robs veins, his blood would run blue.

Rob was a leader in all fashion stakes, Tachini, Fred Perry,  all designer makes.

He was tall dark and handsome with shoulder length hair. A ‘mod’ in a trench coat who hadn’t a care

He loved  Northern Soul scene, he would dance and dance  more ‘This old heart of mine’ playing as he took to the floor

It was at Wigan Casino our Rob liked to be with friends like Al & Lisa, Jervis and Wendy.

Amber nectar by the gallon, his fun filled life was ace This handsome lad from Warrington, the ever smiling face

But Rob was just a softie, just ask this Love-allot teddy. Our Aly when she was only 5 years old thought Rob was good and ready

My daughter asked him to look after it as she placed him on his bed. He didn’t kick it off his pillow, he just snuggled it instead

He gave it back next morning, all safe and sound you see. Now Aly has returned it back to keep him safe and sound  in sleep

It goes to show his softer side, he wasn’t hard knock all the time with a pint in hand and a City win, then everything was fine

To Ruby and Chloe Taylor I say be proud of the Daddy you had he loved you in his own way for our Rob was a love-allot Dad

Cherish all of your memories, recall some everyday Your Dad will never leave you for he lives in you each day

To his Mum & Dad, our Horace & Barb, there are no words left to describe the hurt and grief that you must feel and the pain you feel inside

You see life is like a football match with God the referee, he has blown the final whistle, and whispered Come with Me

In the words of Northern Soul legend, Dean Parish is his name ‘I’m on my Way’ now lets get on Dude, I‘ve played my final game

And when you look to the heavens, see the stars all shining white, just remember our Rob is the BLUE one, its the one with the brightest light

"