This page is a tribute to Robert John Dursley, who was born in Cardiff on the 14th January 1951.

Rob was a real 'family man', who loved spending every possible moment with his family. He was a loving husband to Gill, a caring father to Mark, Gareth and Bethan, a kind brother to Howard, Jennifer and Kevin, an amazing grandad to Connor, the best uncle to his nieces and nephews, and welcoming father-in-law to Stacey and Jamie.

Rob had a fun childhood; playing football and riding his bike in the street with his mates, making dens in the woods, climbing trees, picking blackberries, and catching slow worms to name a few. Rob also loved his holidays every year as a child with his mum, dad and siblings to Butlins and would often share his memories of the fun they had travelling by train, getting the keys to their chalet, watching the entertainment, and waking up to the "Hi-De-Hi Campers" call. Holidays were a tradition he carried on with his wife, children and grandson right up until this year.

Rob enjoyed his football and rugby, playing and watching these sports since he was "knee high to a grasshopper". He also played in the school baseball team and often enjoyed a game of tennis with his mates (I'm sure many of you have heard his story about winning a match or two using a frying pan as a racket!). We have heard many stories of the fun, jokes, banter and camaraderie that sport gave him throughout his life.

A keen supporter of Cardiff City, Rob attended hundreds of matches since his first in 1957 (although most of the time he would tell you how rubbish they were yet still follow every match!). He started going with his older brother, Howard, where they shared a particularly fond memory of once lacing up John Charles' boots for him.

Rob passed on the 'City Bug', taking many of his family and friends to their first match. Although Rob took his son, Gareth, to watch Cardiff City since the age of 8, more recent years saw them turning it into an "all-dayer"; going to the Cafe for a fry up before the match, hitting the Canton Cross after the match for a pint or two, a game of pool at The Canton, and sometimes even having a sing song and a boogie to his favourite Soul and Motown tunes to end the night.

Although Rob never quite had the chance to take his grandson, Connor, to his first City match, they shared many lovely memories of having a kick about over the fields until very recently.

In his working life, Rob worked in the alarm/ electrical industry since the age of 15. He was always a hard working man but never let work get in the way of any opportunity to have a laugh with his friends and colleagues, often cracking jokes and pulling pranks. His infectious laugh and positive energy would always put a smile on your face and light up any room.

Rob was a true gentleman who would always put other people first and this unconditional love is something we will treasure forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rob had an exciting year planned with his family and couldn't wait to walk his daughter, Beth, down the aisle in June.

Sadly, Rob lost his life too soon, passing away on Wednesday 29th April 2020, just 11 days after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. Rob's one wish towards the end of his life was to be cared for at home with his family by his side and we find comfort in knowing we were able to do just that. 

Due to the current situation and funeral restrictions in place, we have chosen to set up this donation page in loving memory of Rob, with all proceeds going to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Fund.

Panreatic Cancer still has the lowest 5-year survival rate of all the 22 most common cancers, and this is largely due to late diagnosis; Some reasons for this include:

- No current screening tool available to detect cancer before symptoms develop,

- No simple diagnostic tool for the disease,

- Pancreatic Cancer often presents with vague symptoms that make it difficult to diagnose. For some people, like Rob, symptoms come at a late stage of the disease.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Fund are the only UK Charity that specifically focus on improving Pancreatic Cancer survival rates through early diagnosis.

This page provides an opportunity for anyone to leave messages, share memories and photos, or "light a candle" in memory of Rob. You can also use this page to donate in honour of Rob if you wish.

Rob (AKA Pops/ Grandad/ Bob/ Blobby/ Bobby D Maaaaaaaan as some of you may know him best) had a place in his heart for each and every one of you, and he would have been touched by all your kind messages, cards, and flowers we have received.

On a final note, as a family we would like to thank everyone for the love and support you have shown us at this difficult time. It is really comforting to see how loved and highly thought Rob was throughout his life.

We would also like to thank his GP, Dr Willetts, the District Nurses, and City Hospice for the love and compassion they showed Rob and our family throughout, enabling us to care for Rob at home until the very end.

To our darling Rob, sleep tight, until we meet again.

"Smile and the world smiles with you"

(Robert Dursley, 2020)

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