Builder dies in a fall on Greek isle
Friday 19th September 2008, 11:50AM BST.
A Shropshire man has died after a suspected fall on the Greek island of Crete.
Robert Holbrook, believed to be in his 40s, of Sundorne, Shrewsbury, died on Wednesday.
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Family of Mr Holbrook, who have now returned to the UK, today confirmed his death, but were too upset to talk.
Neighbours today spoke of their shock at what has happened and said the self-employed builder was known as “Bob the Builder” because of his friendly demeanour.
They paid tribute to a “hard working” builder.
Neighbour Hayley Whiting said she did not know Mr Holbrook very well, but described him as a “cheerful and friendly” person.
Fellow neighbour Jackie Slater said: “I knew him in passing and I used to see him out walking his dog. It is very sad.”
Another nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “He hadn’t been here very long, only about 12 months. He lived with his partner there and was a very busy man.
“He was a builder and a very hard-working one.”
Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said Mr Holbrook was a self-employed builder.
He said: “I have heard he was in Greece and he has had an accident and I don’t think he has recovered from it.
“He was always working, always doing something. He was a busy man and was always cleaning windows or climbing ladders.
“He had only been living here a short time.”
A spokesman for the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office said: “We can confirm the death of Robert Holbrook, a British national, in Crete on September 17. We are offering consular assistance.”
Mr Holbrook was the Shrewsbury person to die in Greece this week.
Samantha Price, 21, of Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, died after a suspected asthma attack in a club on the Greek island of Zakynthos on Monday morning.
Her mother Susan Minor, also of Shrewsbury, today said she was awaiting information from the Foreign Office about when her daughter’s body will be flown home.
By Russell Roberts
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One of the best people that I have ever met so far in my life and in this country; my condolences to his family and his close friends…
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From everyone at the BritsinCrete Forum I pass on our condolences to the family and close friends.
Gerald
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A truly friendly and happy go lucky person.you couldnt wish to meet anybody nicer.will be sadly missed.My condolences to his family and all that knew him.
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So sad to hear about the death of my Uncle Bob. Big hugs to the family, our thoughts are with you all. Love Rebecca Cox and family (New Zealand)
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my uncle will be saddly missid buy us all and my thoughts are with the family
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so sad to hear of the sad and sudden death of my uncle bob my thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.
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My thoughts go out to Shirley, he was a great bloke and she must miss him terribly.
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