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IN REMEMBRANCE

June 27 1982 to October 18 2024

Dates of service

June 2007
to
October 2024

Rob may not be with us anymore but his legacy lives on through the number of hearts he touched. He adored his wife Jenny, children Thomas, Erin and Thea, mother Margaret, father Ron and sister Sarah and was so very proud of them all. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Rob and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rob joined West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) in June 2007, being posted to Perry Barr Red Watch as a probationary firefighter who quickly became loved by everyone he interacted with. He went on to serve at Aldridge on Green Watch, where unfortunately, his career as an operational firefighter was cut short due to being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015. Rob then took up a post at WMFS Headquarters in Response, where his career thrived, undertaking several roles including supporting the Commonwealth Games and United Kingdom Rescue Organisation, something he was very proud of. Rob became an integral member of the Incident Room Manager cadre, supporting numerous incidents and events, which he enjoyed immensely, but was also extremely good at.

Rob left a warm feeling with anyone he met, an unassuming, kind and gentle man, who had time for everyone.

While working in Response, Rob was involved in projects and workstreams that exposed him to the wider service and external agencies. His intelligence, professional approach and his warm caring personality resulted in people seeking Rob out to share thoughts and ideas as a valued and trusted member of the service. He completed his service to his community within the Response team, where he ensured that he supported and developed others to thrive.

Rob had the most amazing dry sense of humour that would brighten anyone’s day. He touched the lives of so many people in so many ways, in such an unassuming way, there will never be another like him.

Please take comfort from leaving your own message if you wish, or by reading those of others.

Rob Punshon smiling while holding a pizza

Station Commander

Rob Punshon

27 June 1982 - 18 October 2024

Dates of service

June 2007 to October 2024

Serving locations

Firefighter - Perry Barr - Red Watch
Firefighter - Aldridge - Green Watch
Firefighter - Response
Crew Commander - Response
Watch Commander - Response
Watch Commander - Commonwealth Games Team
Incident Room Manager
Watch Commander - United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Team
Station Commander - Response

Rob may not be with us anymore but his legacy lives on through the number of hearts he touched. He adored his wife Jenny, children Thomas, Erin and Thea, mother Margaret, father Ron and sister Sarah and was so very proud of them all. Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Rob and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Rob joined West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) in June 2007, being posted to Perry Barr Red Watch as a probationary firefighter who quickly became loved by everyone he interacted with. He went on to serve at Aldridge on Green Watch, where unfortunately, his career as an operational firefighter was cut short due to being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015. Rob then took up a post at WMFS Headquarters in Response, where his career thrived, undertaking several roles including supporting the Commonwealth Games and United Kingdom Rescue Organisation, something he was very proud of. Rob became an integral member of the Incident Room Manager cadre, supporting numerous incidents and events, which he enjoyed immensely, but was also extremely good at.

Rob left a warm feeling with anyone he met, an unassuming, kind and gentle man, who had time for everyone.

While working in Response, Rob was involved in projects and workstreams that exposed him to the wider service and external agencies. His intelligence, professional approach and his warm caring personality resulted in people seeking Rob out to share thoughts and ideas as a valued and trusted member of the service. He completed his service to his community within the Response team, where he ensured that he supported and developed others to thrive.

Rob had the most amazing dry sense of humour that would brighten anyone’s day. He touched the lives of so many people in so many ways, in such an unassuming way, there will never be another like him.

Please take comfort from leaving your own message if you wish, or by reading those of others.

Messages of condolence

Add your own message of condolence
In the weeks following the funeral, wake, or celebration of life for our departed colleagues, we compile the messages shared here into a printed 'Book of Condolence'. This book is then presented to their loved ones as a lasting tribute.

For this remembrance page, the cut-off date for inclusion in the printed book is 25 November 2024.

While you are welcome to leave messages after this date, please note that any submissions received beyond the cut-off will not be included in the printed version.
Alec McWilliam
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Punchy,



Ive delayed writing this as long as possible.... How do you write something that captures who you are and what we all thought of you?? Ive known you since you're Perry Barr days and you never changed. You are funny, clever, excellent at whatever you did....and always good company.



Im lucky to be able to talk and laugh about stories with Joe, about you at Cheltenham, pizza lunches or you IR room role during COVID.... You've always made me laugh. Im going to miss you dude.



Jenny, Thomas and the twins - I can't write anything here that you don't already know. Rob was brilliant..... He's left a massive hole here that can't be filled. Im lucky to have known him and call him a friend. Love you Punchtown



Alec x
Hannah Spencer
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Rob,



It seems impossible to find the right words.



It's beautiful to see the impact you've had on everyone around you, and how much you mean to so many. I feel lucky to be your friend and to have worked so closely with you. You were such an amazing person.



You always made me smile and helped whenever I needed it. You had so much time for everyone, but still managed to do the most work out of everyone I know.



I've been reading some of your messages and laughing. I will miss our chats, your comments and facial expressions. I'm still not sure which of your stories were true, and which you made up for amusement. ..and if I asked for confirmation a story was true, you'd do a little smile and laugh, and respond 'yeah of course', in a slightly higher pitch voice. I'm grateful for the memories we shared.



And just so we're even, you are reliable, dedicated, professional, calm, consistent, kind, supportive, witty, funny, intelligent ......and very capable.



Just know, we will always be there for your family, whenever they need us.



Here's the poem I wrote for you...



This poem is for Rob, AKA Punchy,

Or sometimes even Punchtown.

It will make no sense to anyone else,

But here's some memories I've written down.



Our love of Airwave was clear from the start,

Times slots, base radios, and the dynamic D.

The refresher day being the highlight of the year,

Completing our quiz with so much glee.



We love a trip to the Eagle and Ball,

A meatball feast and a lot of talk.

You eat pizza the correct way,

Of course, that's with a knife and fork!



I'm not sure what's in your backpack,

But you take it everywhere.

Never leaving it on the floor,

But always on the back of your chair.



From covid to Commonwealth games,

To comms tac ad and the incident room.

Supporting national deployments,

Or getting CHEMETs for a smoke plume.



I think the highlight was one summer,

Testing signal at the NEC.

It was the hottest day of the year,

And we needed airwave Mike for the signal key.



The official Brigade social sec,

Your invites are always the best.

Your dance moves and wandering around,

Almost causing unrest.



Such a hard worker,

Dedicated to your job.

All while making everyone smile,

Everyone in life needs a Rob.



So kind and ridiculously funny,

Your strength I can't comprehend.

Sending all my love to you and your family,

My signal tester, colleague and friend.



Love Hannah (the geek) xx
Rachel Smith
Rob,

Still finding it hard to believe that I will no longer see you sat at your desk, with a smile and glass of squash.

You helped me so much in my transition from Fire Control to Response, always there to answer questions without hesitation and nothing was ever too much trouble. We would talk about our families and your eyes would light up talking about yours, you were so proud of them. My thoughts are now with them all.

How much you are thought of was clear to see at your funeral. You will be missed by everyone.

Taken far too soon, Sleep well xx
Joe Campbell
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Punchtown, I was putting off writing this hoping it would get easier and I would get some inspiration, but its not easier by any means and I still don't quite know what to say. You were one of a kind, your humour, work ethic, dedication and commitment has always been second to none. I'm happy to have called you a friend, our days out at Cheltenham, lunches in the Eagle and Ball, copious beers drank, always with your mysterious backpack in tow I will always cherish. As you know, the later months, visiting you wherever you were, you never lost your sense of humour, your eyes told me everything you were thinking. Thomas, Erin, Thea are all a credit to you and Jenny. They are in safe hands and we will continue to be there for them. Love you mate x
Gemma McSweeney
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Rob,

You are so greatly missed by all of your fire family! Your cheeky grin with no words that spoke volumes, your wit, your compassion, your patience and calm demeanour. All qualities that you have imprinted on many of us to only aspire to.

We could always rely on you to be at the next social and we would be guaranteed laughter to no end!

Jenny, Thomas, Erin, Thea, Mom, Dad, Sarah and extended family & friends - My thoughts are with you. You are the bravest of them all. In Jenny's words, Rob you are extraordinary xxx
Aghia Pal
From
West Midlands Fire Service
The loss of Rob will be felt by many who knew or worked with him.



A man with a smile, a man with a good heart, a man that cared.



My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May the memories of your loved one bring you comfort and peace.



RIP



Aghia
Kash Singh
From
West Midlands Fire Service
You were one of the nicest people I knew Rob, although you went through hardship it never changed your care and love for others. Knowing you was a gift and the lasting positive impact you have had on the people around you will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace my friend.
Tina Daniels
Rob - such a wonderful colleague, funny, kind, clever and always so helpful with that lovely smile, a sad loss for everyone, you will be missed, sending much love to your family.
Phil James
RIP Rob so sad, you started on Red as I was leaving, never forgotten 💔
Helen McCutcheon
Rob will be missed deeply but will always have a special place in our hearts. He will be fondly remembered, not only for his professionalism, but his kindness, sense of humour and of course, his cheeky smile.



Love and thoughts are with Rob's family.



RIEP Rob x
Kelly Harrison
Rob, I remember meeting you on our first day at training school, course 02/07. You were kind, funny and helped us all get through that 13 weeks with your positivity and humour! I was so sad to hear of this news. My thoughts go out to all your family and friends. RIP x
Victoria Bishop-Banyard
From
West Midlands Fire Service
A smile to light up the room, gentle and funny.



Taken far too soon. Sending love and light to Rob's family.



You will be missed.
Andrew Stevenson
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Rob,

I thought I'd wait until after your funeral to write this message as thought i may be easier, can assure you it's not.

Attending your funeral, it really showed the love and respect everyone has for you, with so many special messages from family and friends. The book that Jenny wrote for your beautiful children and your leaving speech had everyone smiling and crying at the same time.

Thomas looked so proud wearing your medals and rightly so mate.

Such a shame that we will never get to have another flip flop night mate!!! Miss you forever.

Andy
Kevin Day
RIP Rob, always happy and helpful with a calmness that inspired other.
Pete Drummond
Ever the professional with a hint of humour that was both sarcasm and kindness, you where the best of us and it was my honour to have worked with you in many ways over the years.

The quiet giggles we had that hid my inappropriate dark humour will be a cherished memory of you mate.

You will be greatly missed Rob, sleep well ❤️
Darryll Darkin
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Rob, you will be sorely missed and forever in our hearts. You truly were an amazing and inspiring person. You made everyone around you a better person, by your example.



You will forever be missed and remembered!
Sam Hanks
From
West Midlands Fire Service
Rob,



You will be sorely missed by us all. I always enjoyed the chats we had around HQ. Your wittiness always bought a smile to my face. You were genuine in all that you did. Taken from this world far too soon.



Condolences to Jenny and the family at this very difficult time.



Sam
Becky Hodgkins
From
WMFS
RIP Rob. You were a pleasure, always. Your humour always dry, your smile always mischievous. You will be sadly missed. Becky xxx
Joy Cooper
Sending our Condolences to Jenny and all the family. I had the pleasure of working with both Rob in the Brigade and Jenny at School,

Rob was a wonderful kind caring family man, the real meaning of a "Gentleman" our thoughts are with you all. RIP ROB, love Joy and family xx
Ferg Slade
From
West Midlands Fire Service
In so many ways, Rob was the firefighter you would want to build: dedicated, diligent, unassuming though quietly confident, compassionate, kind, calm, positive about challenges and generous with his time. Beneath that lay the rarest of talents: knowing when to offer support, care and empathy, and knowing when to diffuse the situation with the kind of humour the finest script writers of the world wished they possessed.



Time in Rob's company was a pleasure, and you found yourself wanting to change your character to complement, match or outright copy his, though he'd never dare accept such imitation as flattery, modest as he was. He'd raise an eyebrow, try and stop himself smiling, then do it anyway. He needn't have been so modest. He'd never have said it himself, but he was among the best of us - not just the fire service, but people.



The world is poorer for his absence - we'll never see his like again, unless we all try and be a bit more Rob.
Elizabeth Owen
From
Walsall mnc
I had the privilege of working with you Rob as a lifeguard at oak park leisure centre.

Thank you



I'm so sorry I couldn't come to say a final fair well today as I only found out during the week that you had sadly passed away.



You were a lovely person with a heart of gold RIP Rob shine your light bright.



Thinking of all of your family and close friends at this time of sadness ❤️
John Littleton
From
NARF West Midlands Fire Service Branch
On behalf of the West Midlands Fire Service Branch of the National Association of Retired Firefighters we send our condolences to Rob's family and friends at this sad time. Our prays and thoughts are with you.
Matt Melia
From
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Ex Members Assoc
On your final duty....Far too young R.I.P.
Mark Price
Rob,



I can’t imagine you not being round, I can’t imagine not seeing you around our town. You were one of the best.



I will dearly miss you,



Mark.
Ahmed Adem
I worked along side Rob while at my placement back in 2021-22. Be was genuinely such a nice person and a clean hearted brother. May he rest in peace.

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