He was a man of adventure, escaping from a prisoner of war camp and sky diving at the age of 88.

Long-standing members of the farming community and past politicians joined family and friends to celebrate the life of Henry Thomas ’Robbie’ Robinson, a stalwart of the island’s farming community who died on Boxing Day at the age of 97.

His funeral took place at Douglas Crematorium last Friday.

Recruited to the Rifle Brigade, he served in both Africa and Italy but was taken a prisoner of war in Libya, and spent two years in an Italian PoW camp called Campo78.

Robbie escaped and had a long walk, swapping his clothes and given food by people along the way.

It was while he was in the PoW camp that he studied to become an accountant and qualified company secretary.

Eventually he was sent to the Officer Cadet Training school in the Isle of Man and while here met his wife Gertrude (nee Bridson).

In the early fifties he ran a market garden at Mount Rule and then in 1958 was appointed secretary to the Agricultural Marketing Society.

In early 1985 he became secretary to the Royal Manx Agricultural Society and organised its annual show for five years. He then became chairman of Laxey Glen Mills.

Visiting New Zealand when he was 88 he sky jumped from the Auckland Tower and did a tandem parachute jump in Queenstown.

Robbie was always very proud of his children Martin, Keith, Janet and Helen, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were all present at his funeral.