A tribute to 'Sir' Bob Lawrence
14/01/09
'Like many people working in the affordable housing sector, I was shocked and saddened by the news of Bob Lawrence's death in November. I first met him some 25 years ago and, over the years, had the pleasure of working with him in various capacities.
'I received my last email from him only a couple of days before he prematurely left us. This email ended:
'...no research, no pilots, no endorsements from centres of learning - just home truths to kids - from the frontline; let's just do it.' It was pure Bob, no b~****t.
'Everyone will remember Bob for his humour. We attended one course together on developing our presentation skills. Other people chose to do presentations on lettings, shared ownership and maintenance. Bob, however, presented on taxidermy - oh how we cried with laughter!
'Above all else, I (like others) will remember him for his passion, commitment and contribution to affordable housing. Brighton & Hove City Council's Housing Management service, the Empty Homes Agency, in Montserrat following the volcanic eruptions, and Communities and Local Government. He worked tirelessly for those in need, often at personal expense.
'There is a lesson here for every one of us. I don't think Bob ever forgot why he worked in affordable housing. No doubt he questioned it when up against endless bureaucracy, but he never gave up the challenge. He was a giant in every sense of the word.
'The Chartered Institute of Housing is considering what can be done as a legacy for Bob and will be announcing proposals shortly. In the meantime. if you haven't donated already, please consider supporting Crisis in Bob's memory - a cause he supported with a passion.
'Gawd bless ya 'Sir' Bob and THANK YOU. We miss you.'
Make a donation to Crisis via the justgiving website
Graham Maunders
Chair, CIH South East