Robert Kingswell RIP: Goodbye to a friend who will be missed by many (updated)

Ventnorians have been mourning the sad loss of a well-known and much loved character in the town.

Robert Kingswell was the sort of person who spoke to everyone he encountered. Always interested in what was going on around him, he could be seen most days walking through town, along the seafront, and very often chatting away to locals.

Born in Oxford in the late 1930s, whilst growing up Robert spent many summers holidaying on the Isle of Wight at his Aunt’s home in Shanklin. He chose to retire to the Island, selecting Ventnor for his home where he lived for over several decades.

Although he didn’t come from a theatrical or artistic background, Robert funded his own place at drama school and went on to enjoy a career mostly on the stage.

He spent many years in repertoire theatre with the Penguin Players, and often recounted to us hilarious stories of performing at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, where he and his colleagues had to learn a new play every week.

Later on in his career, Robert left the stage to go in front of the TV cameras, starring in Screen One (1985), Cribb (1980) and Ruth Rendell Mysteries (1987).

Robert Kingswell at a family wedding 2021

Many will remember Robert’s dog Molly, who sadly passed away a few years ago, and that Robert was a keen gardener, responsible for several terraces of beautiful blooms, as well as an enviable vegetable patch that produced an abundance of fresh produce all year round. Much of which he shared with neighbours and friends.

Always looking dapper and dressed with a sense of style, Robert was easily recognisable from a distance, most recently with his cane swinging, but for years from his black beret or straw trilby.

Robert was not only a neighbour to us, but also a good friend and someone we became increasingly fond in the 16 years that we’ve known him. He’d joined us for several Christmases, bringing with him his typically-Robert conversation, as well as delicious chocolate dessert.

We lost Robert on 21st September, 2021 after a short illness.

He will be missed by many, and especially at our dinner table this Christmas, more so given he wasn’t able to join us last year due to Covid. Our games of charades just won’t be the same without him.

Our thoughts are with all those who will miss Robert. As one friend said,

“A bit of spice from Ventnor’s gravy has just been lost”

‘Cheerio darlings, I’m orf!’
Those who knew Robert will be able to say their goodbyes on Monday 25th October.

Robert will be departing Madeira Road (opposite the Ventnor Towers) and making his way around the town from 1.15pm.

A service will follow at the Isle of Wight Crematorium at 2.15pm.

It was Robert’s request that no dark clothes be worn if you are attending the funeral and that there should be no flowers. Donations to Stonewall (click on donate button on landing page) or Battersea Dogs Home.

If you are unable to attend but would like to watch the live stream of the service, details are below: