Obituary: Robert Dennerly

ROBERT Dennerly...

...who passed away in May this year aged 65, was vice-chairman of Plymouth Argyle during the club's halcyon days of the first decade of this century.

A lifelong Pilgrim who progressed from the terraces in the 1950s to the Directors' Box, he nevertheless remained as comfortable surrounded by the Green Army as he was in the Home Park boardroom.

Solicitor Robert was invited to become Argyle director by then chairman and enduring friend Paul Stapleton in June 2002, the summer after the Pilgrims won what is now League 2 at a canter.

He became vice-chairman in 2004 and served in that role for five years until a boardroom restructure which saw Sir Roy Gardner become chairman, with Paul Stapleton as his deputy.

Under his guidance, Argyle were promoted to the Championship and were named "the best financially-run club in the Championship" by financial gurus Deloitte just a year before Sir Roy assumed the chairmanship.

Former Devonport High School student Robert brought many qualities to the Argyle boardroom, his affable nature perfectly complimenting his wise diplomatic skills. 

Softly spoken, he was, however, passionate about the Pilgrims, as testimony after testimony from fellow Pilgrims in the wake of his death, from a rare and aggressive brain cancer, has borne out.

He will be sadly missed.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cindy, a partner at Wolferstans Solictors, and son Tom - named in honour of Argyle striking legend Tommy Tynan - who remain in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Home Park.

A memorial service for Robert is being held this Friday, May 31, at Plymouth Albion RFC, starting at 2.30pm. All Pilgrims are welcome.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Marie Curie - www.mariecurie.org.uk/en-GB/donate/donatenow/