Robert Paul Kesby

20 November 1959 – 6 May 2023

It is with sadness that I advise of the passing of Robert ‘Kes’ Kesby.

Bob Kesby was a member of TG14 for a relatively short period of time, having trained as an APOp (APOp 69) and later as an ACFitt. His membership of the trade ending when he successfully assimilated to LTechAR in 1983, as a result of the demise of the ACFitt trade.

I first knew Bob during our Radar course – both of us obsolescent ACFitt looking to a new trade. Bob, determined and tenacious, saw the 15-month course to its conclusion; I saw the light and withdrew from Radar to train as ATechA. 

Bob spent the rest of his career in the RAF as a Radar technician eventually retiring as a Chief Technician. 

Our paths while in the RAF never crossed again. Only many years later, and after I had emigrated to New Zealand, did we meet. Bob, like me, had PVR from the RAF to ‘parallel recruit’ to the RNZAF. We bumped into each other at Base Woodbourne (RNZAF’s Cosford, Cranwell and Halton combined) where Bob was the RNZAF’s newest Sgt technical instructor. 34 years had passed since our last encounter.

As with his RAF career, Bob gave his new service and his new life in New Zealand his full and undivided attention. He completed tours at Woodbourne, Base Auckland on 6 (Seasprite) Sqn, a Command posting, and finally a return to Woodbourne on promotion to Flt Sgt. Bob studied and gained a Masters Degree with the OU, participated and contibuted in every facet of life and his faith.

Bob became unwell and was diagnosed at the end of 2022, and passed on 6 May 2023. A gentleman in the truest sense. 

Robert Paul Kesby

20 November 1959 – 6 May 2023

Ian Matthews