Born on an October morning, the younger of two brothers raised on the edge of the wild Devon moors.

Moved to Clerkenwell to study under master clockmakers, learning to turn brass pinions and balance delicate hairsprings.

Married Meena surrounded by wildflower confetti. They bought a small stone cottage near Dartmoor and began fifty years together.

Opened his independent workshop on the Devon high street, repairing church clocks, grandfather clocks, and neighborhood appliances.

Spent weekends teaching her about native songbirds, whittling wooden robins, and making sawdust piles in the workshop.

Handed over the workshop keys to his apprentice Sarah and spent unhurried days cultivating heritage roses.

Robert died peacefully at home with his family beside him, his garden roses visible through the bedroom window.