Moving tributes paid to 'kind and witty' former Mayor of Leeds Frank Robinson

Moving tributes have been paid to former Lord Mayor of Leeds Frank Robinson, who has died aged 94.
Frank Robinson salutes the HMS Ark Royal Ships Company while serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008Frank Robinson salutes the HMS Ark Royal Ships Company while serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008
Frank Robinson salutes the HMS Ark Royal Ships Company while serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008

Alderman Frank, who leaves two children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild, died of pneumonia at Bradford Royal Infirmary on Monday, May 25.

Due to current restrictions his family will hold a private funeral, but a full celebration of his life will be held when social distancing rules are lifted.

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Frank was a councillor for Calverley and Farsley from 2006 until 2010 and served as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008.

Frank Robinson pictured with his late wife Sheila before serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008Frank Robinson pictured with his late wife Sheila before serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008
Frank Robinson pictured with his late wife Sheila before serving as Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2008

He was an active member of the Calverley Rotary Club, which has praised his dedication to the community alongside his late wife Sheila.

In a moving Facebook post, the club said Frank was an all-round sportsman who captained his old school, Old Crossleyans, near Halifax, in both cricket and rugby.

During the Second World War he was one thousands of young men conscripted to work in the coal mines following a decline in coal production, in a programme named after Labour minister Ernest Bevin.

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He spent four years working as a miner and has since campaigned for better recognition of the "Bevin Boys", who were later awarded a medal to commemorate their service.

In his later years, he promoted Leeds in Bloom and encouraged his local areas of Pudsey, Farsley and Calverley in its flower displays, which frequently won Gold Award certificates.

John Procter, secretary of Calverley Rotary Club, said: "Frank will be greatly missed for his work with Yorkshire in Bloom and was particularly proud of the achievements of Calverley in Bloom.

"He was also actively involved in setting up the neighbourhood watch schemes in the community, plus in later life he enjoyed the social outings with 'Men Only Group' at the Live at Home in Farsley.

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"Frank was a very kind man, witty and dedicated to the community. Right up to lockdown he attended the club and was liked by everyone.

"We will miss you. R.I.P Frank our prayers and thoughts are with his family."

Rotary member Carole Owczarek added: "True gentleman in every sense with a wicked sense of fun. Will miss him at our rotary meetings.

Councillor Andrew Carter, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “Frank Robinson was a dear friend and a great ward colleague for 12 years.

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"He and his late wife Sheila were both Deputy Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and then Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of our city, jobs they fulfilled with kindness, generosity and commitment.

“Frank remained active in Britain in Bloom, the Rotary Club in Calverley and local politics up to only a few months ago. He will be greatly missed, he was an absolute gentleman.”

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