Gone Home – Robin Corti
It is with deep sadness that we learned the news that Robin Corti passed away peacefully on Tuesday 5th March 2024. 
Robin had a remarkable adult volunteering career with the Scouts spanning over 46 years, beginning as an Assistant Scout Leader in 1969. He held various appointments with 2nd Whitton, including Venture Scout Leader, until he was appointed District Commissioner for Twickenham District in 1993.
In 2001, as District Commissioner he oversaw the amalgamation of Twickenham District with Richmond & Barnes District which became Richmond upon Thames District that we know today.
Robin continued his role as District Commissioner for the new enlarged District for a further four years.
Not one to lie down after a distinguished career as DC for 12 years, Robin took on a number of important and key roles within the District and Greater London South West County which he retained to the last. As well as being the self-appointed archivist for the District, collecting and preserving all sorts of histories and artifacts of all things Scouting locally, Robin was the District President, a technical adviser and assessor for a number of water activities and he was appointed County Manager for (all) Activities Permits in Greater London South West.
As if that wasn’t enough for him, his passion for boating on the Thames meant that he held very active roles both with 14th Richmond Scout Boating Centre and with Skerries for Schools – a charity whose express purpose is give young people access to the river through the fun of traditional fixed seat rowing. Additionally, Robin was instrumental at keeping alive the memory of the Wangle III tragedy by maintaining regular dialogue with our Scouting friends in Texel, Netherlands. Robin joined a contingent of 30 Young People from GLSW County to visit the memorial in Texel in 2022 (Read more about the tragedy here)
Medal – Chief Scout Commendation for Meritorious Conduct
Robin was awarded the Silver Wolf – the highest Good Service award in Scouts – in 2012 in recognition of his immense devotion and highly distinguished volunteering career.
In 2023 Robin was extremely proud to receive the Chief Scout Commendation for Meritorious Conduct Medal (pictured) for his continued service, dedication and sense of duty despite his illness.
There will be generations of Scouts right across the District, County and beyond who will have benefitted from the knowledge, skills and the attention to detail that Robin was famous for. He creates a big gap in all the organisations he belonged to and will be sorely missed.
At this time our thoughts are with Carol, his wife and their family.
Gone Home. In Scouts in these sad circumstances we often use the trail symbol for “gone home” – a simple dot in a circle. It’s a gentle reminder of our humanity and humility.
Scouting friends and parents of Scouts of all ages past and present have sent in memories and tributes – Robin touched a lot of hearts! You can read more about Robin’s involvement with 14th Richmond Boating Centre HERE
The funeral service for Robin will be held at the Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Whitton on Friday 12th April. at 12.30pm.
Scouts should wear full uniform with decorations as appropriate. The family have asked us to form a Guard of Honour at the church steps – Robin would have loved that!
The Church Service will be followed by a private Cremation Service for family and close friends.
Following the Church Service, the family extend a warm invitation for refreshments and to continue to share memories of Robin, at the Reception in the Windsor Rooms at The Lensbury, Broom Road Teddington where they will join you shortly after the Committal Ceremony.
If you are thinking of attending please drop a quick email or message to DC@richmondscouts.org.uk or to Carol directly, so that the family has an idea about catering.
Family flowers only, though if desired, donations will be gratefully received to skerries4schools or the Princess Alice Hospice. You can donate, light a “candle” or just leave thought via Robin’s Tribute website HERE
