Specsavers in Chesterfield bids farewell to a much loved boss this month, writes friend and colleague Sarita Harrar.
'Over 650 people gathered at Rotherham Minster to bid farewell to Rob Hurdley on Friday November 9. Rob was a co-director of Specsavers Chesterfield, but above all he was a family man, a doting father to three beautiful children, a rugby player/coach, and a friend to everybody who had the good fortune to have met him.
'Colleagues miss his laughter, his cheeky jokes, and his bear hugs. He was someone they could turn to in times of need - the first to help, a shoulder to cry on, and a confidant. Words cannot describe how amazing this man truly was. Rob was one of a kind. I can't think of another person held in such high esteem, not by one, but by hundreds. As his coffin was lifted, and he left the Minster for his final journey, everybody applauded him and everything this amazing man who was taken too soon meant to us.
'If we can learn anything from Rob, it is to be kind, selfless, caring, funny, humble, and most of all loving.'
Further tributes to the dispensing optician, who died last month in a suspected murder in Maltby, South Yorkshire (News 26.10.12), were made by other friends and colleagues. Their comments follow:
‘Rob was a great inspiration to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his supervision and support. I am going to miss him very much. He wasn’t just a boss, he was a friend,” said Anne Townsend.
‘Rob was a big-hearted and generous boss - with a wicked sense of fun and mischief - but he was also a truly reliable friend. When I was taken into hospital he was amongst the first to visit, and his almost daily texts bought an incredible sense of perspective and optimism to my situation. The service at Rotherham Minster was the saddest but most inspirational day of my life. I will miss him so much, and I will try my best to be a little more like him,’ said Allissa Charlesworth.
‘The first time I met Rob in 2004, he offered me a job without even an interview on the same day I got made redundant from my previous job. Since then he has invested time, money, and has believed in me, helping me start a career that I would never have had otherwise. Rob was the most influential person in my life over the last 10 years. He is a true hero of mine, I am proud to have known him and I really really miss him,’ said Tom Hall.
‘Rob took me under his wing when I was 19 and taught me a great deal in optics and in general life. I never really had a father figure when I was growing up, but I can honestly say I looked up to Rob. No one can replace him, a truly fantastic boss, but best of all a fantastic man,’ said Gemma.
‘Seeing so many people at Rob’s service made us realise how popular he was and how sorely missed he will be. Work will never be the same without him taking the micky with his fantastic sense of humour. The best thing about him is he always had our back in and outside of work, and I'm very proud and privileged to have known him,” said Lauren Crooksten.
‘Rob was the most amazing boss and friend you could ever wish for, he was always there for me since I started work at 16. He was there anytime for a chat, advice and support. He had such a fantastic personality, sense of humour and was a very cheeky chappy who was loved so much by everyone. I miss him so much already and nothing will be the same again, but we will all carry on for him and make him proud. He always wanted me to live my dreams and do what I wanted to do, which I intend to do,’ said Bianca Seymour.
‘Rob was a totally top bloke – I will always remember how he rang me after he didn't give me the job I applied for in the call centre – told me he didn't want me to work in call centre but as soon as a shop floor vacancy became available, it was mine- no need to apply, he'd just ring me – he did – and there started the rest of my life. There will never be another like Rob and I for one am glad, so happy to remember him as a part of my life and so glad to have the friends that I have made thanks to him and Naz giving me a chance,’ said Aletta Jones.
‘Rob was quite simply the best boss I have ever had the privilege of working for. He was kind, considerate, caring, helpful, funny and always had a smile for everyone. He leaves a huge hole in a lot of people’s lives and I know the staff, old and current will never have a boss, or friend quite like him,’ said Lindsay Hopkinson.
‘Rob was so many things to so many people. For me, he was my mentor, my inspiration, my advisor and most importantly, my friend. I think it's enough to say, all our lives are so much the richer for having known Rob, the problem we all have is that such a selfless, big hearted man with an even bigger smile leaves a very big hole,’ said Vicki Bainbridge.
‘He loved to make us blush and to make us cry if anyone tried to leave. He was always there with an open door whenever we were in need, even at times when we did not realise ourselves, how much we needed it,’ said Mad Chell.
‘Rob was a fantastic listener and with his staff consisting mainly of women, there was an awful lot of listening. But he always found the time and his words were always genuine and caring. Specsavers Chesterfield are a team and will continue to make him proud and will help and support Naz in keeping the business a success and thriving to its highest potential. He has influenced and been a part of so many lives, and always brought out the best in people. His death has been a devastating tragedy, but our memories of him are something that can never be replaced. Good men like Rob leave imprints in our lives and what a difference one single life has made,’ said Sarah Jane Dudley.
‘With the loss of Rob, I not only lost a boss, but I lost a friend. There is a big hole in the Specsavers family that can never be filled,’ said Julie G.
‘Rob was a friendly, genuine man, who lived life to the full. He made such a great impression on everyone he met, and will be sorely missed,’ said Stephanie Clarke.