Robert Fagan 

Bob was born on 7th August 1947 to Lillian and Frederick Fagan in Canterbury, Kent. He had a twin brother David, older brother John and two younger brothers Michael and Stephen.

In March 1963 on leaving school Bob joined HMS Ganges as a Junior Assistant Cook, joining HMS Pembroke a year later to become an Assistant Cook. Leaving HMS Osprey on 1st March 1966 as a Cook to join his first ship HMS Whitby, a Portsmouth based Frigate where he met his future wife Sue. He served on HMS Dido before his shore base at HMS Victory as Acting Leading Cook. In January 1971 he joined HMS Blake obtaining his Leading Cook rate after which he returned to shore bases at HMS Victory and HMS Nelson before joining HMS London as Acting Petty Officer Cook in 1977 when she was flag ship for the Silver Jubilee. After leaving HMS London he was posted back to HMS Nelson until he left to join HMS Sheffield on 12th February 1980.

Bob loved all sports especially football and supported Gillingham. He regularly played in a darts team whilst living in Gosport collecting several trophies.

He actively supported British Diabetic Association even having a huge bottle kept on HMS Sheffield for the ships company to offload their small change.

Just before leaving for the Falkland Islands, Bob heard that he was to pick up his Chief’s Rate. As far as all his family are concerned Bob will always be our ‘Chief’ and is sadly missed by all who were privileged to know him.

He leaves a widow, Sue, son Bryan Robert, daughter Karen, two granddaughters Leona and Bethany and a grandson Reece Robert.

In his Memory there is a Bob Fagan Shield held at Crofton Junior School, Stubbington which represents a pupil’s greatest “all-round” contribution to sport within that school during the year.

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