The death of a dedicated and popular former team member at the Faversham Pools has been met with sadness by staff and swimmers.
Grandad Ricky Roberts, 70, joined the charity as health and safety manager in 1993, retiring in 2022 after almost 30 years’ service.
He is said to have played a hugely important role in the day-to-day life of the pools and will be fondly remembered by all who worked with him.
Co-chair of the charity trustees, Mike Ellsmore, said: “I worked with him from 2014 until he retired and he was a very likeable and loyal member of the pools’ team who will be sadly missed.”
Dad-of-five Ricky, who died on July 7, was also very popular with centre users. A post about his death on the Faversham Pools Facebook page prompted more than 150 messages of sympathy.
Among them is Danielle Bibi, who writes: “He was always so smiley, warm, and welcoming. Someone who genuinely made time for others.
“Every conversation with him left you feeling lighter. His loss is truly felt, not just by his loved ones but by the entire community of Faversham.”
“This is incredibly sad,” adds Julie Young.
“He was an absolute treasure at the pool, always friendly and helpful and I’m sure he’ll be terribly missed.”
Ricky, who previously was a keen sailor, had recently moved from Faversham to Whitstable.
He had a daughter and four sons, including Paul Roberts, who said his father had been suffering from a heart condition in recent years.
He added: “He was friends with generations of swimmers at the pools and it’s been comforting for the family to see all the kind comments on social media from people who knew him.”
