Bob Hood

I. only met Bob when he came to the UK for Wendy'and my son Ian's wedding in 2013. I shall a!ways remember his kindness and his happy smiling face. My sister Ruth and I send our deepest sympathies to all his family. RIP

Dear Debby, Wendy and Rodney. Sending you all our love and condolences at the passing of your Dad. He was a big part of our childhood and we remember him and Peggy so fondly. He always had a smile and a laugh

My Grandad lived an amazing life that was full of joy and happiness. To say that I am lucky to be one of his grandchildren is an understatement. When I think of him I remember how humorous and witty he was, how he always seemed to be smiling and how much he loved to laugh. He had an incredible heart and accomplished so much in his life. Even though we didn’t get so see him that often because he lived on the other side of the world, the time we did get to spend with him was so special. We made so many memories together, but my favourite memories would definitely have to be the times we would go to the bush whenever we visited from Australia. I loved seeing all the wild animals and feeding them but I mostly loved getting to spend time with him. Another small memory but also one of my favourites was whenever he would drink a Guinness, he would tell Will and I that the little plastic ball inside the can made it go all creamy and turn it into Grandad’s Ice-cream! Every time he would drink one he would always make sure to show us. Was something so small I know but just shows what an amazing man he really was always trying to put a smile on our faces. One of my favourite things about Grandad was how encouraging he was and how understanding he was. For example, I remember when I was doing my Year 12 exams last year and we would be on skype he wouldn’t tell me that I needed to just put my head down and how doing well was the most important thing, instead he would simply just tell me to try my best and that everything would work out in the end no matter the result. I ended up getting into the course I wanted to and through all his encouragement I hope to turn out to be a better engineer than him ! (he failed Engineering before becoming an Accountant!) I am so grateful for all the time that I got to spend with Grandad and I am lucky to have got to spend almost 19 years of my life knowing him. I will miss all the skype calls, the times we would visit and all the amazing memories we shared and I hope I’ve made you proud. I will miss you so much.

We are very sad not to be sharing in the celebration of a rich and well lived life of Bob and Grandad today, but we are there in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out especially to Rodney, Wendy and Debby on what will be an emotional, but hopefully happy day, as they remember their special father who was so loved. Some of our fondest memories of Bob are of Christmases spent more recently in Cape Town with Alex’s family. Bob was highly thought of by all the Orton’s and he always participated so fully in all the celebrations. Always such a gentleman, kind and generous, he was such a good sport too, joining in the traditional cricket game on Christmas Day, the last one being aged 89, when others far younger couldn’t keep up with the pace! Bob always took such an interest in Will’s cricket games and more recent golf endeavours. Will was so looking forward to a first ever round of golf with his Grandad and Dad this Christmas in JHB. Sadly, this was not to be. Bob, in our experience, was a man who never asked for, or expected much, but was so grateful for everything. We are all grateful to have known him. We will miss him very much. Rest in peace Grandad Bob.

The Lord is my Shepherd. God give him a rest and light. Rest in peace Master Hood Love Marjorie.

Debby, Wendy and Rodney you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Bob was a true example of a real gentleman. Whenever we caught up with him over the years he was always so genuinely interested in our lives and was so easy to chat with. We will always remember his laugh and sense of humor. He left a lasting legacy for us all - life life to its fullest but be genuine humble and kind. He would be so proud of the three of you and his grandchildren who he loved so dearly. Hold on to your wonderful memories and just imagine him with Peg’s having a party in heaven. RIP Bob - what a legend and inspiration you were at almost 95. Lin and Ted. Xxx

You seamlessly took over as a surrogate father to me after my dad died. You were a role model that I looked up to and have admired all my life with an ethical compass that put you on the pedestal above all great men that I have had the privilage to meet. I will never forget the day that I asked for Debby's hand in marraige and your response of joy, then the serious committment to be there should I ever need you. All I can say as the 'adopted' son is that I love you and will miss you.

Bob, or my Great Uncle Bob, or the Great-Great Uncle Bob to our girls, was never just Bob to me. In my younger years, to our whole family he was always referenced as "Bob and Peggy", pretty much in the same way any good South African would say, "robot" for traffic light or greet by saying "Howsit". That was just the norm. My early memories of Bob consists of family gatherings at their home or holidays in Scottbourough, with invaluable and unforgettable lessons in values and etiquette, good food, (chocolate ecclairs of course), loads of laughter and, an unmistakable sound of a distinct "foghorn voice", with a very cool Irish accent. When Peggy heard that i was taking up golf, she volunteered to take me for a personal golf lesson. Unbeknown to me, this this would set me up in the future for my close connection with Bob. This led to numerous, memorable golfing holidays spent with him at Sabie River ungaloes and at Zebula. The first time Bob joined us at Zebula, i was a wild bachelor, there with a bunch of of my hooligan mates. I remember i wasn't quite sure how this would go down but it only took one round of golf for Bob to establish their respect and a fair amount of time at the 19th hole for us all to be in stitches. The conversation that day aroung the table after that game went somethimg like this. David- " if i had sunk that put on the 8th, i would have won" in a deadpan voice, Bobs response was, " David, if my aunt had balls, shed be my Uncle" Not sure who laughed the most, but the ice was broken and lifetime friendships were formed. Bob never missed our annual "strawberries and cream" parties we have for Wimbledon and was with us for a number of our girls birthday parties. He thoroughly enjoyed every gathering and all our friends loved spending time with him. He kept us all up to date with regards to the lives of every single family member abroad and would always get choked up when having that conversation. If there are lessons to learnt from Uncle Bob, they would be: Stay as up to date as possible on sport, politics, finance and family affairs. This makes holding a conversation in any environment and with anyone that much easier. Do your best to speak to people and about people in a positive light and with respect, particularly those you love. This of course excludes politicians and a golf ball! Really listen to people when speaking to them and take in what they say. Reference those conversations the next time you speak, no matter how long it takes for the next conversation to occur. Myself, Megs and our girls are going to miss having Bob around tremendously, but we will forever treasure the special moments we got to spend with him. Uncle Bob, until we meet again, please send our love to Peggy, and Bailey asked that you give our cat Tiagra some love. I look forward to picking up our conversation where we left off, you will just have to remind me where we were, because you were far better at that than me. I will be sure to raise a regular glass of Guinness in your honour , specifically every spring day, and i promise to pour it in the correct way. Love Graham, Megan, Lea and Bailey