Grandfather and Cheslyn Hay community stalwart dies

Rob Perks, from Cheslyn Hay, died on July 6 after contracting pneumonia. He was 75.

Mr Perks was a prominent figure across the Cannock Chase area. He worked for Cannock Chase District Council for 34 years and before his retirement was Head Of Housing for the authority.

He was born and bred in Cheslyn Hay and was a member of Salem Church organising many fundraising campaigns.

Mr Perks grew up in Cheslyn Hay and went to school in Great Wyrley. He was an active sportsman growing up and played tennis and cricket.

He met his wife Marion after he took up ballroom dancing and the couple married in 1968.

They then went on to have two children Jill and Bradley.

Mr Perks bought a caravan and the family enjoyed many family holidays in Abersoch, Barmouth and annual trips to France.

He was also a keen sportsman and was a member of Cannock Tennis Club for many years before it folded several years ago. Mr Perks was a big Wolves fan and visited the Molineux to watch games with Brad and grandson Tom.

He was also a keen runner and in his younger days completed a number of marathons including the Wolverhampton Marathon. Mr Perks was a man of many talents and also loved to play the guitar.

Paying tribute his family said in a statement: "Many of us didn’t know just how ill Rob had become as he always wanted to focus on the positives and the good times.

"He hated doom and gloom and would much rather reminisce about fun times or plan a future escapade, holiday or day trip than discuss his ailments.

"His positivity and legacy lives on and the family know from the enormous outpouring of love, tears, heartfelt words and happy memories that Rob was such a special, special man to so many people. He was a true gent in every sense who will be sorely missed by not only his family but his many friends as well."

Mr Perks leaves behind Marion, children Jill and Brad and grandchildren Tom, aged 12, Ted, aged eight and five-year-old Lily.