Robert Habib Eskinazi

For me, Rob was more than a friend. He was a confidant, a source of laughter, a steady hand during difficult times, and someone who could always be counted on. Through the years, we shared countless conversations, memories, and moments that I will carry with me forever.Rob was a one off. He had a remarkable gift for making people laugh, offering advice, bringing people together, showing kindness and even when times were hard helping others, no better highlighted by the money he has raised for the Harry Perkins Cancer Research Charity over the years. Whether at work or socially, Rob, with his energised personality, had the propensity to make people feel involved and good about themselves. I remember attending various international rugby matches with him and he always seemed happy no matter the result, which, might have had something to do with the number of international passports he possessed! Albeit I say it quietly, he was always slightly more agitated when the South Africans (Springboks) lost a match! We worked many years together when Rob contracted for IBM in the UK, and his innovative approach to partnering, where I represented the third party partner, was in many ways ahead of its time. Over and over again as the contracts kept rolling in, we conclusively proved out the theory that the total was always worth more than the sum of the parts. His commitment to everything he did was full on whether at work or playing sport. My overriding memory on the sports field was when I introduced him to rugby on a Veterans tour in Jersey. Upon his debut playing in our B team on the wing I recall saying to him before he went on the field that the art of playing in the back line was to avoid contact ( I was clearly concerned, given his physique he might break something). It therefore didn’t surprise me when the opposition kicked off, that they put a high ball towards Rob who caught it and then proceeded to run straight into three opposition players who picked him up and marched him back to our try line and scored! I think I’m right in saying that was Rob’s one and only game of rugby. However, as you can imagine Rob remained the perfect tourist with his great sense of humour and generosity making a lasting impression on all who were on that tour.The measure of a life is not in the number of years lived but in the love given and the lives changed. By that measure, Rob lived an extraordinary life. His love and interest in all members of my family was so genuine and reciprocated by all. Indeed my eldest son sent me a message when hearing the news, saying “..one of the nicest guys! Some of the fondest memories I have are of time we spent with Rob” The outpouring of love and memories from the many family and friends that he has touched is a testament to the person he was.Although, I can’t be with you today to celebrate his wonderful life I will be watching from afar and whilst our hearts are heavy with grief, I am so grateful for the gift of having known and been a friend of ESKI. Death may take away a person's presence, but it can never take away the memories, the lessons, and the love they leave behind. Through your wonderful family with Gen, Greg and Stevie your legacy is assured. Rest peacefully my dear friend. With Much Love Tim (Timbo), Caroline, George, Kate, Henry, Roly and Louisa xxx

Rob was and will remain a legend. I loved his passion for life and his love for his family. I loved his positivity, humour, compassion and ability to put things into perspective. I will miss terribly his nonsensical banter and inability to tell a joke successfully! love you mate - ibbo xxx

We met Rob and Gen through our boys Stevie and Nick playing cricket together for Middlesex and we became best friends straight away. We congratulated each other on our boys performances and we always looked on Stevie as our “adopted son”. We had many laughs together when you and Gen were in the UK and Rob always joked about Carolyn’s boat handling prowess when navigating our boat “Howzat” through Chichester Marina Lock!!! Rob we loved you and we miss you and we will always be here for the Eski Family here in the UK. Love Richard Carolyn Will Emma and Nick - the “Gubbo” Family