The Choir was devastated to learn of the death of much loved and respected chorister baritone Theo Roberts in the early hours of Monday 24th April. A stalwart of the choir, he will be sadly missed by everyone.
Many good words can be said about Theo but most are not necessary since he was well known and liked not only in the choir but in the wider Caldicot Community as well. Many describe him as true gentleman, which indeed he was but he was more than that. He was hard working, a family man, generous, helpful, kind, trustworthy, dependable but most of all honourable.
Theo joined the choir nearly thirty years ago after moving from Cadoxton near Neath to Caldicot to work at Llanwern steelworks and hardly missed a concert or practice in all that time. An ex Scout leader with 2nd Caldicot Scout Group he kept his interest in Scouting by helping to maintain the Scout and Guide hall after his retirement as a leader. He was also well known for his work at Caldicot Castle and for several charities.
Theo’s nature was one of always giving a helping hand where he could. Always first to put his hand up when volunteers were needed to help not only in the bar at the choir hall but for the ’10 o’clock’ hall management team where his cups of tea and coffee were always welcome. He will always be remembered to be, with his brother Mervyn the last pair on the bus as it prepared to leave the pub after a concert. nevertheless he was always first in line for a piece of cake when available at practice.
He will also always be remembered for the tremendous and willing help he gave to the Cycle club in its charity raising events both in the support teams and as a lap counter at the Redwick Challenge with close friend, chorister David Kirton.
Theo was a big man with a giant’s heart who embodied all that is good in the human spirit. The Choir’s sympathies and condolences go out to his family at this very sad time but if there is a grain of comfort then we can all say it was a privilege to have known Theo and we can only hope to follow his example. Rest in peace old friend.