Robert Ashely Cox (“Bob”), sadly passed away on Sunday 10 August 2025, aged 78 years. Bob was a devoted husband to the late Sheila and loving father to Caroline, Sally, Heidi and Suzy, and Grandfather to Oliver, Leah, Ewan, Lewis, Harrison, Billy, Stanley and Joshua.

 
Bob was born on the 2nd March 1947 in Belgarve, Leicester, and married Sheila on the 18th March 1967, having met at a Gerry and the Pacemakers concert in Bouremouth.

Bob’s career started at Johnson Wytes and Pane as a printing apprentice, where he progressed to foreman. Bob went onto work in other print companies such as Printstream in a business capacity.  Bob was hard working, and by example instilled a strong work ethic in his daughters.  

 

Bob loved sport and throughout his life he followed Leicester Tigers, Leicester City, golf and the horseracing. He frequently took his family to watch the Leicester races and Leicester Tigers.

 

A fine sportsman himself, Bob played cricket for the “BU Grounds” (belonging to the British Union Shoe manufacturer, his father's employer) and later for Banks Cricket club in Aylestone, alongside the likes of professional cricketer Darren Maddy. In retirement, Bob played bowls for Kibworth and took on the role of club President.

 

Other passions for Bob were trains and music. Bob would travel locally to see the Flying Scotsman when it was in Leicester, and Bob enjoyed popular music such as Queen and would sing along heartily to the Proms.

 

Bob and Sheila lived on Shackerdale Road in Knighton for the main part of family life, and loved the huge garden. Bob kept a pristine lawn where many a game of table tennis was played with family and neighbours.

 

For many years, family holidays were spent in Bournemouth and Torquay. Bob especially loved Redgate Beach and the narrated boat tour. In later years, sunny holidays in Greece and Portugal took precedent.

 

Bob was a caring father, and ensured his daughters were safe at all times, and enabled them to pursue their studies and various sporting and musical activities.  

 

Quick witted, Bob brought humour to all that knew him, and excelled in public speaking, such as in his role of President at the bowls club.

 

Bob leaves 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren, with a deep appreciation for sports and music, hard work and good humour.

 

 

In honour of Bob, the family are collecting donations for Youth Sport Trust. Donations are to made online via the link below. www.youthsporttrust.org/support-us/fundraising-and-donations.