Gordon Robinson (1942-2020)

Gordon Robinson, who sadly passed away aged seventy-seven, was a passionate supporter of the Allanian Society, serving as treasurer, secretary and president during a long association with the Schools.

His long association with the school started as a pupil in 1953, following in the footsteps of his father William, who attended the school during the First World War, and continued with his sons David and Paul. At Dame Allan’s he was a keen sportsman, representing the school at rugby and cricket, and always found time to encourage the next generation of sportsmen, most recently seeing the First XV play in 2019. 

As a parent, Gordon would often be found on the rugby touchline, proudly looking on and offering his son David the benefit of advice as he lined up a conversion. He also loved music, and as a pupil in Fenham he sang in the choir at the church of St James and St Basil, continuing his interest in later years through attending speech days and carol services. Leaving school at the end of the fifth form to pursue a career with Barclays Bank, he was a particular champion of pupils who left the school before the Sixth Form. 

A marvellous organiser of events, he served as the first social secretary, organising many of our annual dinners, with his characteristic efficiency and good humour, always ensuring the bar was well stocked. He was also very supportive of the merger of the Girls' and Boys' Associations, and gave generously of his time to help with the one of the first joint events to celebrate fifty years in Fenham in 1985.

Gordon was a generous man with a wonderful sense of humour, who really loved and supported the Schools, and the Allanian Society will miss his friendship, sound advice and encouragement.
 
Robert Oliver