Browse Sections

• Rochdale 150
• Useful information
• Nostalgia
• Looking back
• Rochdale canal
• Web links
• Family notices
• Property price guide
• Traffic cameras
• Travel news
• Speed cameras
• Rochdale expats
• Obituaries 

Much-loved Robert had a heart of gold

16/ 1/2008

A LONG-serving Rochdale bus driver has been fondly remembered following his death.

Robert Poole, who was 70 and died last week, worked for Greater Manchester Buses for 37 years and had a great love of flowers. He lived all of his life in Rochdale and resided at Pits Farm Avenue, but moved to Fieldhouse Nursing Home when he began suffering from dementia.

His younger sister, Michelle Higgs said: “He was an excellent brother, husband, son and grandfather. He was very good provider and everybody knew him as a gentle giant.

“He was well liked by all.”

Mr Poole, a father-of-two, came from a large family of four sisters and three brothers. His wife Phyllis died 15 years ago.

His daughter, Jackie Poole, said: “He was my rock because I knew I would never starve and would always have somewhere to live.

“He always provided for us and other people, not just our family. If he saw anyone was down and out he would look after them. If his neighbours couldn’t pay a bill he would lend them the money.”

Mr Poole was very a big animal lover and kept dogs and tropical fish.

He was a loving grand-father to Carisse, aged 17 and 15-year-old Meghan.

His funeral is today at Rochdale Crematorium at 3pm.The funeral is being handled by Herbert Smith and Sons.