Tribute to former Conwy RNLI Lifeboat crew member who saved 40 lives

Ivor Robert Hughes, known as Robin or Robby, was with family when he died on Monday, January 9 at St David's Hospice. Mr Hughes had metastatic bowel cancer which was diagnosed in February 2021 after a routine bowel screening.

Mr Hughes has children Roger 48, Trisha, 45, and the late Kathleen (who died when she was three-days-old). He was grandad to Lauren, 23, James, 17, and a great-grandad to Darcie-Mae, aged three. 

The 76-year-old, who lived in Conwy, joined Conwy RNLI in 1985 as a crew member. He was a shore helper from 1993 until his 70th Birthday on August 9 2016. 

Paying tribute to her father, daughter Trisha said: "During his 31 years of service and dedication to the RNLI, dad saved 40 lives [Mr Hughes was honoured by the RNLI]. Dad would often be seen on the quay, at the lifeboat station, showing people around, visiting schools or collecting outside Tesco's or Asda. He was very proud of his time at Conwy Lifeboat.

"As a child I remember we would spend most of our weekends and school holidays on the quay. Dad would be with Keith 'the Fish' who was the Deputy Launching Authority (DLA), and my mum would be volunteering in the lifeboat shop.

"Before pagers where introduced [they used to use flares], we lived on Bryn Castell Conwy, so not only could you hear the flares, you could also see them too. Two flares would be set off, but usually by the time the second flare was launched, dad would be half way down that hill, running to the station."

Trisha added: "Many a family meal would be interrupted and countless cold cups of teas, even the odd Christmas dinner would be interrupted, but we as a family where never upset on what we where missing out on, as we knew that dad was off to help someone, not knowing what the 'shout' maybe or what dangers he faced, he would risk his life for others, and we where so proud."

Mr Hughes was the youngest of four children. 

Mr Hughes's father wanted his son to have a trade and encouraged him to be a painter and decorator, but Trisha said the the draw to the quay and the sea was "too great".

"He joined his first fishing boat, the Raynard, as a deckhand in September 1962 and then joined the Merchant Navy 9th November 1964, travelling the world and seeing places like Hong Kong, Argentina and Montevideo," Trisha said.

"He met my mum [Maureen] in 1971 whilst he was staying at the Hardman House sailors home in Liverpool and my mum worked in a pub called the Moaner (now the Liverpool).

"They married 1972 and had a son, my brother Roger, in 1974 but in 1976, after a series of redundancies due to the economic crisis of the 70's, dad, my pregnant mum and my brother moved to South Africa to find work. Dad soon got a role as a foreman Rigger.

"In September 1976, my sister Kathleen was born but she had health issues and sadly passed away at just three-days-old. My parents at the time where able to gather enough funds for the funeral but were unable to afford the costs of a headstone.

"I was born November 1977. We had a lovely life, living in Morningside Durban, but mum was homesick and missed her family. 

"We moved back to the UK in 1983 and dad joined Conwy RNLI in 1985. Dad worked on the oil rigs, before working for Costain Tarmac on the building of Conwy tunnel. Dad purchased a fishing boat called the Entley, which we enjoyed many a trip around Puffin Island in, with a flask of tea and sandwiches and our fishing rods cast. Once Conwy tunnel was built dad went to work for P&O ferries, travelling Dover - Calais and Dover - Boulogne."

In 1992, Mr Hughes split from his wife and the couple divorced.

He started working for 'Stena Sealink' travelling Holyhead - Dublin. Before retiring early due to health issues.

Trisha said: "In 2015, dad's friend Julie Mills [from Vinomondo] surprised dad with a trip to South Africa to place a headstone on my sister's grave. She had raised the money through 'secret' fundraising events; my dad was a proud man. I am so happy that dad had that opportunity and will forever be grateful to Julie and the people of Conwy for giving my dad and our family peace."

Mr Hughes had an interest in rope work; he would make bell ropes and give them to the pubs in Conwy. He would also make key rings and give them to family and friends. He also enjoyed holidays and often visited Majorca and Brighton. His last holiday was in October last year where he went to Portugal and stayed with friends.

Trisha said: "I will sometimes come across someone with one of his key rings and ask them how do they know my dad. There is always a story behind each one, whether it is a nurse that has looked after him, a shop worker that my dad has got to know or a taxi driver.

"I would enjoy our adventures together. We would often go for a coffee together and just spend time together.

"He has always been a giving person whether it be time or money, I am so proud of all the fundraising he has done over the years for the RNLI, Macmillan, the Royal British Legion. He was also giving monthly donations to the Veterans' Foundation, Hope House and St David's Hospice.

"He was always there with a smile and an open offer of help.

"He was such an amazing role model and I am so lucky to have been his daughter."

Mr Hughes's funeral will take place on Thursday, January 26 at 12.15pm at St Mary's Church in Conwy. His final journey will then take place about 1pm around Conwy, up High Street and then along Conwy Quay then onto Colwyn Bay Crematorium. Mr Hughes's funeral is open to family and friends.