A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium, Octon on Wednesday January 9 for Mr Robert Gladstone of Northfield Avenue, Driffield who died in The Limes Residential Home in Driffield on December 27. He was aged 88 years.
The service was conducted by the Rev Malcolm Exley and the organist was Mr Steven Westaway.
Bob was born in 1924 in Hull and attended school there. After leaving school he joined his father as a street vendor selling fish, fruit and veg from handcarts and covered all areas of Hull. He also worked as a butcher’s boy and delivery lad. In 1942 he worked at the Royal Station Hotel and over the years met many famous stars of stage and screen, including Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy who gave him a white fiver as a tip, a memory he always recalled. He also met royalty during his time there. He left there in June 1942 to join the Royal Navy, progressing to rank of Torpedo/Depth charge engineer, during this time he saw action in Malta, Cyprus and Gibralter. He was discharged in 1945 due to an accident when he fell overboard during the loading of depth charges. He returned to Hull and returned to the Royal Hotel until 1956. He moved to Driffield that year. His early years in Driffield were spent in the building trade, working at Elvington and other major building sites in the Driffield area. He also worked at the Driffield Aerodrome with his brother Frank alongside the Americans stationed at Driffield. After some years he went to work at the Brandesburton Hospital, again with his brother Frank. He transferred to the East Riding General Hospital to take work as a ward porter and telephonist where he stayed until retirement in 1988 and he left with many happy memories.
He was married to Brenda and they went on to have four children.
He loved to play his accordion and for many years played at the Pegasus Club in Driffield alongside his lifelong friend Mr Robin Frazer. He was part of the family that brought music to Driffield and played in the Black Swan, Red Lion, The Buck and The Tiger.
Bob loved his garden and DIY, he loved music of any kind, he loved his family and the family pets, among his favourite was Shep and the family have many happy memories of him.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Chief mourners: Brenda Gladstone (wife), David Gladstone (son), Barry & Janet Gladstone, Paul & Elizabeth Gladstone (sons & daughters in law), Amanda Gladstone (daughter) & Mr John Caley, Leanne & Andrew Sansome (granddaughter & husband), Gary & Zoe Gladstone (grandson & wife), Darren Gladstone, Richard Gladstone, Jonathan Gladstone, Benjamin Gladstone, Sam Gladstone (grandsons), Ellie Addinall, Morgan Addinall, Josh Sansome, Alfie Sansome (great grandchildren), Arthur & Ann Gladstone (brother & sister in law), Mrs Dot Sweaton (sister), Ivy & Brian Race (sister & brother in law), Eric & Dawn Gladstone (brother & sister in law), Frank Gladstone & Joy Brown (brother & partner), Mr Nick Gladstone & Dianne Akroyde (nephew), Daniel & Corey Gladstone (great nephews), Alan & Monica Davies (cousin & wife), Phil & Jan Bennett (cousin & Wife),
Others present: Peter Gladstone. Beryl Gladstone (sister in law), Elaine Gladstone, Robert Gladstone & Dawn Shepherdson, Martin Gladstone rep Amanda Gladstone, Jean Gladstone rep Mrs D Foster, Frank Gladstone (nephew), Stephen Briggs rep David Briggs & Emma Hodgson, Kathleen Briggs rep Margaret & Barbara Birkett, Terence Pallant, Julian Noble, Mr M Dale, Mr & Mrs B Rugg rep Karen Atkinson, Andrew Rugg, Julie Bowes rep Michelle, Amy & Connor, David Stork rep Christine Stork, Michael Wright, Tracey Hyde, Kelsie Wright,John Pilmoor, Madge Newman, Leigh Norman rep Mark Gladstone & Shane Gladstone, Catherine Parker rep Carole Kember, Dave Parker rep Andrew, Malcolm & Teresa Parker, Terry & Pauline Barker rep Andrew & Michael Gladstone, Mr H Gibson, Mr A Gibson, Jane Westbrook rep Wendy Palmer, Ian & Jo Proudlock, William Proudlock, James Edmond, Ashley Morris, Lee Walton rep Red Lion, Linda Newton, Philip James, Clare Wray, David James, Rob McNeil rep family, Viv & Jeff West, David Burnett, Gary Burnett, Joanne Burnett,Linda Jackson, Robin & Carol Fraser rep Chris & Tony Ward, Mr A Fraser rep Linda, Gordon & Doreen Evans, Mark Linklater, Mike Fenton, Mr P Jackson rep Mrs A Jackson, Jill Sissons-Hood rep Mr M Hood, Paul Woodmansey, Susan & Rod Greenwood (niece & husband), Malcolm Kennedy, Jim Barron, Phil Barron, Miss M Pearson, Jo & Paul Elstob.