RIP Richard "Dickie" Robertson

[Richard Chown]

Richard "Dickie" Robertson By Leon Prynn © The Packet

ONE of local football's best-known and most popular characters, Richard "Dickie" Robertson, lost his courageous battle against illness when he died at his Redruth home on Friday evening. He was 59.

Having been diagnosed with a terminal illness almost 12 months ago and at the time given just weeks to live, he continued to battle his illness for another year as he displayed an indomitable fighting spirit and a determination to beat the odds.

It was that enthusiasm for life that endeared him to everyone he met. Most will know that he was renowned for being one of football's great storytellers and it was a poignant moment for many who visited him when he was so unwell, that even under such difficult conditions he still retained the zest to "tell it one more time."

He was a person whose manner never changed by the minute, day or week and as most people will testify, he was the perfect tonic to be with. Nobody was ever "down" long in the company of Dickie and Dickie also loved company.

Dickie possessed the ability to see only the good side of people - wayward pupils at Redruth School will testify to that - but his real quality was that whenever you met him he was never anything less than in an upbeat mood.

You could never leave Dickie's company without having experienced the warm, feel-good factor that was his hallmark throughout life.

Living in Falmouth, Dickie's football career began in the 1960s with Falmouth Docks. An apprentice shipwright at the yard, it was only natural that he would be tempted to Higher Boslowick where the three Falmouth Docks teams played.

He was a skilful and pacy winger and it didn't take the selectors long to recognise his talents. He was swiftly promoted to the Cornwall Combination League side and within months his career had taken off.

In those days Falmouth Docks regularly took on their Siley Cox counterparts from London and, being the character he was, he quickly wanted to be involved in those games.

Eventually he moved from the Docks and went on to play for other clubs and spent several seasons at Mawnan and Constantine where he collected his fair share of honours.

It came as no surprise that Dickie would eventually test his ability to manage a team. His opportunity arrived in the mid-1980s when Falmouth Town entered a team in the Falmouth-Helston League.

He quickly decided that the team should be made up of promising youngsters and stuck firmly to his beliefs that paid off in style by putting trophies in the cabinet.

He later took over the reins of the Combination League team and produced many good teams, but also sharing management along the way with Geoff Moyle, Phil Wilkes, and Les Gilbert who held him in high regard.

For a short time he managed Mawnan in the Falmouth-Helston League and then turned out for the club's veterans team.

However, he left that club with a legacy and every time someone has a drink in the clubhouse they will do so knowing that they will enjoy it at the bar that Dickie built himself.

Most of Dickie's friends will fondly remember him after matches at Falmouth Town with a pint in one hand, a cigar in the other, gathered around the "mushroom" and settling down to tell one of his many tales.

He held friends in the palm of his hands with his stories and for many, the realisation is that now they will be no more, and are only memories.

But they will be great memories.

His funeral takes place at All Saints Church, Falmouth, on Friday, January 11, at 11 am.

As one his ex-pupils at Redruth School, I know he was an excellent teacher and wish to send Condolences to his family on behalf of Carharrack AFC.

[Deano11]

Our thoughts are with his family

[baggie]

Dickie was a top bloke & will be missed by all - R I P friend.

[Graham Hill]

**** was a legend, being an ex-pupil of his and freind i was lucky enough to see him on a regular basis through out his treatment. I had alot of time for him and he will be sorley missed by everyone. RIP Dickie

[Tom Trust]

His parting will leave a huge gap in the Redruth School staffroom. I worked with him for years - what a character. It makes you wonder what it's all about. He will always be remembered with a smile.

[Guest Robbie]

Went along to Dickies funeral today. A very moving occasion, with some beautiful tributes from friends & family. Had the pleasure of playing for Dickie at Falmouth Town, two fantastic, enjoyable seasons, made more enjoyable by the man himself. A true gent, always laughing & making others laugh along with him. You'll be sorely missed ****, God bless you & thanks for some wonderful memories. Robbie :drink:

[Graham Hill]

Went along to Dickies funeral today. A very moving occasion, with some beautiful tributes from friends & family. Had the pleasure of playing for Dickie at Falmouth Town, two fantastic, enjoyable seasons, made more enjoyable by the man himself. A true gent, always laughing & making others laugh along with him. You'll be sorely missed ****, God bless you & thanks for some wonderful memories. Robbie

Glad to hear dickie had a good send off yesterday, its nothing more than the man deserves. Unfortunatley i couldnt make it but just shows how respected he was.