Peter Robinson BSc(Eng) CEng FIET, October 1926 – October 2020
Published: Sat 31 Oct 2020
Peter Robinson was born in Evesham, Worcestershire, the son of the village headmaster.
During the second world war when his father went off to war Peter became the main support for both his mother and younger brother, Don.
Acknowledged as a clever boy, Peter was not permitted to join the armed forces but instead sent to university to study as the country foresaw the need for engineers and scientists after the war.
Peter would have loved to study Physics, but instead had to study Engineering because of this need.
Following his graduation from UCL at the top of his year he was sent to work for a firm of consulting Engineers, Kennedy & Donkin, who sent him all over the world dealing with power stations.
Initially, these were built in Scotland as the end of the war was approaching and the government recognised the need for power to help rebuild the country.
In his time at Kennedy & Donkin he also worked on projects in Sweden, France, Europe and Southern England among others.
During his time here he met his wife Jane.
He moved to ICI, initially working in London and living in New Malden before moving to his long term base in Blakeley.
Initially living in Huddersfield, as children arrived they moved to Chapel-en-le-Frith to allow them to be closer to Jane’s parents.
They moved into what was a new house where Peter was able to apply his engineering skills and attention to detail to the house ensuring that as he completed many DIY projects, including installing a replacement kitchen, he carried out meticulous planning and kept everything neatly filed and documented.
In 1965 Peter was seconded to Rubicon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, where he was responsible for the building of a chemical plant. Jane and their 4 children went with him, spending 18 months there initially.
During this time they made several good friends who they stayed in touch with for the remainder of Peter’s life.
10 years after their return to England they were invited to return for the opening of a new chemical plant.
When they arrived they discovered that the new plant was a direct repeat of his original design, and when querying this were told that there was simply nothing wrong with it so had repeated the design - the ultimate accolade for Peter.
Peter was involved in many projects to build chemical plants over the years including one for the “new tobacco substitute” cigarettes. Peter continued to travel with his work, including several periods of time when he returned to work in Baton Rouge.
When he wasn’t working he enjoyed spending time in his garden as well as photography and oil painting.
He was an active member of the local Rotary Club, including a year spent as President.
He also enjoyed involvement in both the Probus Club and the local Arts Society.
In later years his health started to fail and he sadly became housebound.
Peter is survived by his wife Jane, 3 children and 6 grandchildren and will be missed by all.