HUNDREDS of mourners paid their last respects to a man known for his sense of humour and commitment to charity.

The funeral of retired firefighter and chairman of Richmondshire District Council John Robinson, who died last month aged 63, was held at St Mary’s Church in Richmond today (Monday, February 1).

It was conducted by the Reverend John Chambers, who said: “This is a special service, and clearly looking around there is a great selection of people from all aspects of his life.”

Members of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service acted as pallbearers; and district councillors from across the political spectrum attended; as well as council officers, Richmond town councillors and staff.

The Mayor of Richmond, Clive World, gave a moving eulogy for his colleague and friend.

“John was born in Sunderland in 1952 and he grew up as an avid football fan. He also used to sing in the church choir and sang at Durham Cathedral on many occasions," he said.

“As a fireman he got the chance to move to Richmond – a place he loved to visit with his parents as a child – and moved into fire brigade accommodation with wife Kate.

He also paid tribute to his work as a councillor which began when he left the fire service.

“The thing about John was he got on and did a lot without making much fuss about it. He was the one who pushed for the allotments at Round Howe and he also did a lot of work for the Thompson charity, looking after almshouses.

“He was also a proud member of Richmond Duck club, a Rotarian and a Fellmonger.”

Cllr World added: “John never liked a long meeting so I will end now – but now someone else on the town council will have to keep Cllr (John) Harris quiet during meetings!”

After readings of All Is Well by Canon Henry Scott-Holland, read by Baroness Angela Harris and John 14: 1-6,27 read by Margaret Emmerson, Rev Chambers also paid tribute.

He said: “I have known John though being chaplain to the Richmond Mayor and to the chairman of district council, and I mostly sat facing John during meetings.

“His expressive face always kept me entertained – he wasn’t one who could easily hide what he was feeling.

“He also kept such a straight face telling stories which often got me in trouble for laughing at serious moments.”

Cllr Robinson leaves wife Kate, sons Paulsimon and Andrew, daughter-in-law Sara and granddaughter Constance.

Donations can be made to St Mary’s Church Bell Appeal, St Teresa’s Hospice and Richmondshire Community Voluntary Action though John Blenkiron & Sons Ltd Funeral Directors, Victoria House, 21 Queens Road, Richmond, DL10 4AJ.