Farewell to Robert Sewell. A quiet holiday park heavyweight.

I was saddened to learn that Robert Sewell (on the left in the photo), former Finance Director of Haven and Park Resorts and co-owner of Golden Sands in Rhyl, recently passed away. He has steered three great businesses to success in his time, but I just wanted to share a little about the man I knew.

At Haven, I was a young GM at the annual conferences when he presented to us all about the "state of the nation". His sessions were always in the graveyard shift for some reason, but as everyone used to shuffle their papers ready for the first pint before dinner, I would listen avidly. 

As you would expect, he had a great sense of the metrics, but of equal measure was his awareness of the economy, the people, and the elements that would influence success. It was a masterclass of content. But coupled with his incredibly subtle wit and warm smile, it was well worth giving him your full attention.

I got to know Robert more closely at Park Resorts when I headed up holiday home sales. I don't think he ever knew this, but he was known as Bobby to many of us. It was a term of endearment. That said, he was always so detailed and relentless that soon got changed to "The Bobinator", less a term of endearment and more a mark of respect. 

His quiet and harmonious style could leave you thinking he was meek and mild, but he had grit and determination in spades. If you had Robert walking towards your desk, you knew he would be correct, you knew it would need dealing with, and you knew he would be using very long words! As he walked away, I would hear murmurings from my colleagues like, "Carl just got Bobinated". His sharp mind and intelligence left you with nowhere to hide, ever.

Robert was a man that wielded his intellect compassionately and thoughtfully. He always intended to guide you and the business in the right direction. Compassionate and supportive, I don't believe there was anything but generosity and good in him. The sector is better for having had Robert in it, I am better from having known him, and he has touched many people's lives in the same way. We will all miss you Bobby.