Robert Emeleus - Battle 41 Club
ROBERT 1939-2022
I have spent the last eight months reflecting on the life of my husband Robert who died on the late Queens Elizabeth's 96th Birthday, never knowing that she would outlive him by only another four months.
Robert was born into a family who arrived in Battle from Finland in 1903, to take on the occupation of 'Chemist & Druggist' at The Old Pharmacy, 22 High Street, Battle which traded and dispensed medicine through three generations of The Emeleus family until 1997.
Robert lived for the town and its community, and Battle existed for him. He was affectionately known as 'Mr Battle'. This was truly evident by the amazing and all inclusive tribute paid to him and his life, at his funeral at St Mary's Church, where he had been christened 82 years before.
Life at KH Emeleus Chemist was demanding but so enjoyable. Robert was always on hand to dish out his own style of medicine. This was often just a chat, an offhand comment, or an invitation to stroke his golden retriever which sprawled on the shop floor. The customer forgot the ailment, and left a happier person!
He said, many times since we were married in 1965, that joining Battle Round Table was the best thing he ever did. We made so many friends, who are still good friends today. He was the Founder Chairman of RT1167 in 1975 and after many happy years moved on to 41 Club after Round Table threw him out!
However, Roberts roots were well entrenched in Battle Bonfire. His grandfather signed the lease of the High Street property on Bonfire Night in 1903, his father was a committed member who was always out with a collecting box on Bonfire Night, as was Robert, who became President in his later years, and attended his last Bonfire by lighting a candle on Abbey Green in 2020, when we were unable to celebrate due to Covid. His final accolade was to head skywards in a rocket on Bonfire Night in 2022.
His community activities were far reaching, and far too numerous to mention in this tribute to him.
We all miss him, as does the town of Battle. 'A true gentleman and a committed man of Battle with a twinkle in his eye', are the phrases that I have read so many times in the cards and tributes I have received over the last few months.
Margaret Emeleus December 2022
