Robert MATTHEWS Obituary

Shocked to hear of Bob's passing only today after the obituaries on Sports Person awards night. Bob was an inspiration and a great help to so many when we met in 1984 for New York Games. A true "Gent" and a sportsman through and through. An adviser through 3 more Paralympics and beyond.
I guess now there is now a running track in the clouds because while in peace I doubt he will let anyone rest. Lucky to have know Bob and saddened
even after all this time to hear of the loss.
Janice Burton MBE fellow Paralympian.

Ive only just heard the sad news.
I worked with Bob in the 80s at Lloyds. We used to take lunch-time walks, along with his guide dog, Henley, when he first came to work in the City, showing him the way to places like the fruit and veg shop in Leadenhall Market he was on a vitamin C kick at the time.
The last time I saw him was in the 90s when he and some friends called in at my home for tea and biscuits after a training run at Erith Stadium.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family.

Ian Soanes
26 May 2018

We first met Bob when we were asked by Guide Dogs to look after his dog while he was away. We didn't know at first that he was away winning medals! After that we regularly looked after Quando, then Jemma, Watson and Joy.

After Kath died, we were part of Bob's support team - he lived just round the corner from us. Later on he met Sarah and brought her to see us, then eventually brought Tommy and Molly along too, together with his dog Zorro.

We have numerous happy memories of Bob and the whole family and are full of sadness that he is no longer with us.

Our love and hugs to the family and all who are feeling the loss of this exceptional and inspirational man.

I knew Bob since the 1990s and was privileged to work with him many times when he competed both at home and abroad. He was a great athlete and a true gentleman, with a ready wit and a lovely smile. When he was on the massage couch you were guaranteed an abundance of cheeky comments and much laughter! The world has lost one of its brightest shiniest stars but his memory and his achievements will live on. RIP Bob! My condolences to all his family.

Suzan,
Chuck and I were so sorry to learn today of your brother's death. He obviously was an amazing person.
We hope you and G.P. and the girls are well.
Pam Pearson

My heartfelt condolences to Sarah, Thomas, Molly and the rest of Rob's family. He was so happy, and so proud of you. One memory springs to mind, of a visit he made to the UK a couple of years ago. He dragged me out for a run (of course), and he spent the whole time chatting happily about you all, interspersed with his jokes. It was a good job he was doing all the talking, because I hadn't run for a while, and needed all my breath for panting out the directions. I'd probably have told anybody else that I couldn't run, but it was impossible not to be inspired by Rob. His many achievements were the expression of his extraordinary energy and enthusiasm. He has left us too soon, but he leaves us with a wonderful example of how to live a full life.

I've known Bob since I was aged 6 when he came to live with my family (the Jones's) before the Barcelona Games. Bob turned out to be more than a just a great friend, he was an idol, an inspiration and a hero to me and to so many more. He accomplished and overcame so much in his life. I think if everyone just aspired to be 10% of what Bob was like, they'd be a better person for it.

It's an incredibly sad time right now but I know I am so so lucky that Bob was part of my life and shaped who I am today. I will be forever grateful and always inspired by the man, athlete and true English gentleman Bob was. He will always be my hero and forever a Champion.

Dear Sarah,Thomas and Molly so sorry for your loss. I knew rob from R N C in Hereford back in 1981 he was always a great laugh and such a lovely person. So pleased Rob achieved so much in his life so sad he has died so young R I P Rob thoughts are with you Finola Rafferty nee Cooney xx

So very very sad to hear this news. I knew Rob through friends in Leamington, England around 2004. I visited NZ in 2007 and he was so blissfully happy, as he deserved to be. Amazing man. My thoughts and love are sent to his beautiful family.

Rob (or Bob as we knew him) was a lovely man and my daughters adored him as they grew up. As a regular visitor to our house and an adopted family member, the girls once dressed him up and put hair clips on his ears (he had no hair to play with) and painted his nails - and Bob just let them! I will always have very fond memories x Zoe, Sally and Lucy xxx

So saddened to hear this news ... I worked with Bob (and Henley) at Lloyds in 1989 and became great friends. Such a warm hearted, funny man, great times, great memories ... Sending love and thoughts to Sarah, Thomas, Molly and family xx

Very sad to hear the news of Bob's death. He worked in the same area as I did in Lloyds Bank in the 80's which is when he received his MBE. A very nice man who has left this earth too early. I am sure he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. My condolences to his family and friends