EVERYTHING about Bob Jennings showed his love for the countryside, the adventure of life and its continual journey of discovery.

Bob, Robert Sydney Jennings, was born in 1930 in London. He died in February, surrounded by his family, after a long illness. He was aged 85. He and his family had lived in Crediton since the 1980s.

The funeral service and celebration for his life was held at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium, taken by Jackie Watson, a celebrant with the British Humanist Association.

Jackie said they were celebrating the fullness of Bob’s very rich life, his warmth and his interest in everything around him.

For a short time he was an apprentice engineer but then a neighbour spotted his real talent and found him a job at a creative studio in London.

He was in a job he loved, had met Jean who he was later to marry but was called up for National Service. Bob felt lucky to be chosen for the Royal Navy, spending his time on aircraft carriers.

On return home, he studied art at evening classes and became a member of Southgate Art Society. He had won his school’s art prize in his final year.

Bob and Jean had met when both were aged about 16, both had already travelled internationally but it was after their marriage in 1953 that the travelling really began.

Bob became an advertising executive in Bombay (now Mumbai) which began 12 years of international travel - to India and both sides of Africa, painting when he could.

Their son, Chris, was born in Bombay, Mark was born in Nairobi. Bob’s family grew over the years and was now with grand children and great grand daughters.

When they came home it was to Hemel Hempstead before moving to Devon in the 1980s when Bob joined a print firm.

They lived in Crediton, on Western Road, Bob designing brochures for hotels and the tourist industry as part of his work, as well as designing pottery and printed items for the company he had developed.

Painting became a serious part of Bob’s life again, as did travelling, on his own or with his son. He became a member of Newton St Cyres Art and Tiverton Art Societies.

He won the Alan Cotton rosebowl at Tiverton Art Society several times, exhibited at the South West Academy, Royal West of England Academy and in Crediton plus other places.

There were long walks and sailing. Bob’s boat was moored at Starcross and he crewed for friends as well. He was also a keen photographer. Cricket had been a life long sport and Bob was still playing in his 70s for Cheriton Fitzpaine.

In his later years as travel became difficult, Jackie said that Bob had felt an increased connection to the natural world, especially trees and forests.

Bob’s granddaugher, Freya, wrote: “The world has lost a man with so many talents and a man who always had a smile. My best friend and the kindest soul I have ever met. “

Donations at the service were given to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sue Read