It was with real sadness and regret that I read the news from John Gardiner this morning.
I only found out a few days ago from John's original post that Robbie was unwell.
In Reardon Smiths he was often referred to as my “Uncle Robbie” but in fact he was a fairly distant relative of my father.
It was of course Robbie who got me into Reardon Smiths.
When I expressed an interest in going to sea to My boss Douglas Landels introduced me to Robbie who gave me Smiths details. Mr Douglas as he was known was the Managing Director of T.A. Landels and Sons where both Robbie and myself had served our engineering apprenticeships albeit many years apart.
Unfortunately I never got to sail with him as I only stayed with the company for three years.
After that I would only ever see him occasionally in the passing and sometimes not for years.
We were seldom on leave together and we did not frequent the same pubs.
In 1984 I bought the house where I live now and Robbie then lived only about a 100yards away.
His house was called SAKUURA and had its name on a carved wooden plaque by the front door.
The letters are done in a Japanese style and I believe the plaque was made by a Reardon Smith Deck Officer.
One of my best memories is Robbie coming out of his house as I was walking by to congratulate me on obtaining my Chiefs ticket.
He was really proud of me and probably more than I was!
A number of years ago Robbie sold this house to his son Kenneth and bought a town centre flat.
Kenneth and his wife Lorraine still live there and the plaque remains.
One of my real regrets is that last year I proposed to John Gardiner that we, Robbie and William Parkin should get together for a reunion photo.
I never got round to organising it.................
So a sad day all round and no doubt more so for all those of you who knew him well.
My thoughts are with his family and friends. Robbie Bell Jnr.

It is sad to hear of Robbies' death. Could you please pass my condolences to his family. I have known Robbie for many years, although I never sailed with him (same rank) our paths crossed many times.
I would like to attend Robbies funeral if possible. Trevor Graham-Russell.

On behalf of Rona and myself may I extend our sincere condolences to Robbie's Family. We were very saddened to hear the news of his passing, and have fond memories of him as shipmate and friend. Tony & Rona Lightfoot.

So sorry to hear about Robbie's passing. I was Mate with him on the PAC from Sept 78 to Jan 79 and sank quite a few beers with him during that time. He was a real character and a good shipmate. I had hoped to see him at the Derby reunion, but alas that will not be. Terry Hunter.

Sorry to hear of Robbie's passing. I sailed with him on the Indian City in 1972. A great guy. Sean Cullinane.