TRIBUTES have been paid to a loving dad, grandad and great-grandad who lit up Christmas for hundreds of children with his school visits dressed as Santa.
Keen Blackburn Rovers fan Robert 'Bob' Newsome, described as the 'very definition of a gentleman' by his family, passed away on September 15 with his loving wife of 62 years, Norma, by his side.
Bob and Norma, who renewed their wedding vows in December 2018 had a large family with four children of their own, Graham, Jill, Hilary and Wendy, eight grandchildren Richard, Sadie, Lark, Rosie, Max, Eiren, Abigail and Mylo and seven great-grandchildren Summer, Esmè, Percy, Spencer, Lucas, Lydia and Henry.
Bob, a former prison officer at Strangeways in Manchester, was such a family man he was known as 'everyone's Grandad'.
And hundreds of children may have met Bob without knowing it as each year he would dress as Santa and visit schools, nurseries and even care homes to spread the Christmas cheer.
A family spokesman said: "He was our very own Santa. He voluntarily visited many schools, nurseries and even nursing homes each Christmas to spread magic to all of the children and residents.
"Known as 'The Best Santa' by everyone who was lucky enough to meet him, he would put his heart and soul into his performances and would have the children hanging on his every word.
"When lockdown hit, he was heartbroken at the thought of the children not getting to see Santa, so he spent a full day recording a Christmas video which was shared with nearly 100 families, schools and childcare settings.
"Christmas will never be the same without him but all he ever wanted was for children to experience the spirit and joy at that time of year, so we will carry on celebrating in his memory with his great grandchildren."
Born to Dora and Percy Newsome in Lancaster, Bob met the love of his life Norma at a dance in Morecambe.
The family said: "He was the definition of a gentleman. Incredibly genuine, honest, kind hearted, respected, dignified and smart.
"Exceptionally loyal to his wife, he would consistently make the effort to make others happy, especially when it came to gift giving, which to him was all year round."
After serving in the RAF in Cyprus, Bob and Norma married and had their first child Graham.
Three daughters followed when they returned to England – Jill, Hilary and Wendy.
Bob found work at Strangeways and was respected by colleagues and inmates alike.
He was known for his football and refereeing in the 60s and 70s and even played ‘for Scotland’ while in the RAF after a senior officer spotted his skill and delegated him to represent them.
A huge Rovers fan, his proudest moment was watching them lift the Premiership title in 1995 and he often took his grandchildren to Ewood Park.
In his spare time he enjoyed playing darts and dominoes in the Bee Hive Pub in Cherry Tree and won many trophies on his annual fishing trip with his son Graham to the Isle of Man - most recently in August.
Bob's birthday was October 31, Halloween. The family said: "Never wanting the local children to find an empty house when trick or treating, he made sure he celebrated at home and baked biscuits and made treat bags to give out."
His funeral takes place on Thursday September 30 at St George’s Church, Mill Hill, at 10.45am. Family flowers only. People can make a donation in Bob's memory to Secret Santa, a charity which gives presents to underprivileged children. Go to www.secretsanta.ltd
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