Early life for Bobby began in Easington. Born in 1933, he was raised with love, by his parents, Robert and Margaret. Bobby was the third child following older sisters Alice and Florence and in time came younger siblings, Ronnie, Billy, Dora, Lesley and Audrey. That put Bobby in a busy household of eight children. The family of ten moved on to pastures new at Potter Square, Plains Farm.

Bobby attended Barnes School where he made sure to keep quiet and avoid the cane. He was intelligent, open minded, and polite - qualities that stayed with him throughout life. Rarely would you hear Bobby swear, apart from the odd ‘bugger’, his signature alternative.

At school, Bobby became better acquainted with Martha, who had lived over the road. Martha certainly kept Bobby on his toes - she was known for running away from teachers and having a voice that was always heard…maybe it's true that opposites attract!

Bobby and Martha married on the 31st of October 1953. Their wedding was enriched by the presence of bridesmaids, Sheila and Dora and groomsmen James and Ronald.

Bobby was welcomed wholeheartedly into Martha's family by her parents William and Violet. Bobby's dad cracked jokes asking Martha to borrow a comb on the wedding day, although he didn't even have a hair on his head. Bobby clearly inherited his cheeky humour from his father.

Bobby and Martha's wedding was enhanced with beautiful yellow roses, echoed in Bobby’s floral tribute, chosen by Martha. Let's take a moment to acknowledge that Bobby and Martha have shared 78 years entwined and 72 married. They’ve navigated life as a team with love and respect (and perhaps a little patience along the way).
It was an unusual start to married life. Within 48 hours, Bobby was deported to Korea and Hong Kong with the armed forces.

He spent 19 months serving in Asia, with seven years in the Royal Artillery. It’s evident Bobby was well respected. His army report states, “Gunman Briggs is conscientious, trustworthy, enthusiastic and has very good military conduct.”

Bobby was incredibly proud of his service, captured perfectly in the naming of his great great granddaughter, Poppy. A beautiful choice according to Bobby, who had a healthy respect for our British service personnel.

Bobby forged a working life as a bricklayer and later a miner, at Vane Tempest and Silksworth pits. Outside of work, Bobby relaxed with a good pint of Stones. At Deptford Terrace he’d pop into the Saltgrass and at Milburn Street the Oddfellows Arms. Bobby loved nothing better than a locky-in and if that wasn’t on offer, he’d bring the party back home with him.

Bobby and Martha’s early days were filled with adventure, tootling around in his sidecar. Bobby's driving meant Martha went through many tins of hair lacquer to keep herself looking lovely.

Life for Bobby and Martha was enriched with the arrival of their two children, Robert in 1956 and Pamela in 1957. Bobby was a wonderful father and leaves Robert and Pamela cherished memories of caravanning at St. John's Chapel, plodging in the river and visiting the beach.

As the family grew, Bobby became a beloved father-in-law to George and the two gents forged a good friendship. He often went with George to Barnard Castle to see the horses. Bobby was a devoted animal lover. His own pets, collie, Kim and budgie, Sparky, were each loyal companions.

A lovely new chapter began with the arrival of grandchildren, Claire and Gary; each who loved Bobby deeply. Even as a grandad, Bobby remained active. I'll quote the family who said, “He walked the legs off them bairns. From Sydenham Terrace to plains farm to visit their great Nana Meg.” Family was hugely important to Bobby. New Year's Eve was always memorable; Bobby could often be heard saying, “Bugger me!” while Nana Martha was on the table singing.

In retirement, Bobby and Martha visited Cyprus, walking, sightseeing and taking in the architecture. They’d journeyed to Portugal and throughout Yorkshire - poor Martha was paggered because Bobby could walk for miles.
Bobby welcomed grand son-in-law David into the family and between them, they loved to chat about football. Bobby was a devoted Sunderland AFC fan, always pleased to see a win for the Black Cats.

Very little brought Bobby more joy than becoming a great grandad, firstly to Chloe Anne, followed by three more great grandchildren. Bobby was truly thoughtful. If he was out walking, he'd see toys and balls lying around, picking them up for when the children came over. With his easy way and placid nature, he even let Chloe put lipstick on him and capture some pictures of him posing. Better still, Chloe was taken on his little jaunts to the bookies! He liked a little flutter, not much, Bobby would say, “Just a few bob.”

To commemorate Bobby and Martha's 50-year Golden Wedding anniversary, the family took a memorable trip to Blackpool. Being with family meant the most to Bobby. He was a sentimental soul at heart; his walls were adorned with family photos. Christmas times were just magical, Bobby took real care to create a homely, inviting space. He was a loving man with a gentle soul. He’d do whatever he could to make other people smile.

Bobby witnessed five generations in becoming a great great granddad, to Jayden and later Poppy. When he visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to see Jayden, he was just beaming with pride. Bobby marvelled, not only at new life in the family, but also seeing the progress of technology, equipment and modern medicine. Let’s remember, the NHS was unheard of when Bobby came into the world.

Bobby was hands on, playing and telling stories with his younger generations. He never stopped. This was a man, who at 91, would still be up a ladder. If he did relax, Bobby only needed his comfy chair, tea in his large mug and paper in hand – always read backwards, starting with the sport.

Having lived at Sydenham Terrace for 54 years, Bobby was well loved as a neighbour and friend. He made the time to chat and he'd do his best to keep the street clean, picking up rubbish. Everyone in the community speaks with great fondness of Bobby. He was a true gentleman, with manners, morals and respect. Similarly, you'd always find him beautifully turned out, clean shaven with neatly combed hair and leather glasses case in his pocket; an army man through and through.

Bobby and Martha's 72nd wedding anniversary was spent with Bobby in Sunderland Royal Hospital, yet it was not a barrier to celebrating. Bobby had balloons, cards and teddy bears. His nurses were incredibly touched to see the amazing long life Bobby had lived and how deeply he was loved as a husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and great great grandad. They were in awe of his beautiful smile, zest for life and the gleam in his eye, particularly when youngest visitor Poppy dropped by.

Bobby passed away, peacefully on the 12th of November. While his passing brings sorrow, you are encouraged to remember his many beautiful attributes. His kindness, his insight, his passion for sharing stories and the way he’d share the odd ‘bugger’ from time to time.

Bobby has shaped the lives of his loved ones. In living on in your hearts and memories, he will always be a part of you, in soul, in spirit and in love.

A shining light, a beautiful soul.
Robert Briggs.