Honorary Freeman Patrick Robert Stopford, affectionately known as Bobby, was a Captain in the Royal Navy and a Supply Officer. He was introduced to the Company when he held the role of Director of Fleet Supply Duties – this was the role with overall responsibility for Naval Catering and the incumbent was invited to join the Honorary Freedom. Bobby elected to transfer to the regular Freedom when this was offered, and he was a very keen supporter of Company events.
Bobby started life in Ceylon, moving to Ghana at a young age with his younger brother and parents. In 1942, aged 5, Malaria in Africa was deemed more of a risk than the war raging in London, so the family took a cargo ship to the UK. This turned out to be a treacherous journey and, very sadly the ship was targeted by a U Boat and hit. Bobby, his father, and brother were rescued by the Royal Navy and taken to the safety of a RN Frigate. Tragically, his mother was never seen again. Bobby later wrote a moving piece about the ill-fated journey, exposing the fact that the ship was ill-equipped to deal with the journey and the voyage was doomed from the start.
A naval life beckoned, and Bobby’s had a full and varied career which took him all over the world, serving on six different ships including HM Yacht Britannia. After retiring from the Royal Navy, he moved to Cambridge and started a new role as Bursar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He became fully involved with many projects whilst in this role and did so with gusto and dedication.
His second marriage ended in tragedy after 17 years when his wife passed away. Bobby continued to enjoy life with his great friend, Elizabeth, and his three children and their families would visit and stay with him in Barton, enjoying his extensive and meticulously manicured gardens.
He enjoyed many hobbies particularly sailing, travel, music, gardening, as well as a good party. He lived his life by his motto “Carpe Diem” – Seize the Day.
His beautiful Service of Thanksgiving – attended by the Late Master – included many nautical elements from bible readings, hymns, and a poem. His passion for music was celebrated through the beautiful voices of four singers from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
