Robert's Story
Remembering Robert Morris
A Life of Dedication and Resilience
Robert Morris, known to those close to him as Bob, was a father, teacher, farmer, and sportsman. Born in Croydon, he grew up alongside two brothers and later made Witney his home. Over the decades, he built a strong connection with the local community, where he became a well-respected educator. Teaching at Henry Box School for nearly 30 years, Robert left a lasting impression on generations of students, covering subjects such as Mathematics, Design and Technology, Physical Education, and even French and Food Technology when needed.
Beyond the classroom, Robert was passionate about farming. He kept sheep, goats, pigs, and ducks, taking a special interest in rare breeds. He purposefully raised Cotswold sheep, believing they belonged to the land he called home. More than anything, Robert was a family man. As a father to twelve children, grandfather to fifteen, and great-grandfather to three, his family was his greatest source of pride and purpose.
Facing Mental and Physical Health Challenges
Robert’s journey with mental health challenges was complex and deeply personal. Having grown up in an era where mental health was not widely discussed, especially for men, he carried the weight of his struggles in silence for much of his life. However, in 2009, following a significant relationship breakdown, Robert experienced a severe depressive episode that led to his first psychiatric hospital admission.
Around this time, Robert was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that would bring additional challenges in the years to come. His mental health continued to fluctuate, and in 2017, he was admitted to hospital again due to a medication-related psychotic episode.
Finding Support through Response
Robert was able to find the correct support through a range of mental health services. Their expertise and compassionate care played a crucial role in helping him, and his family, navigate the complexities of his mental health journey.
Finding Strength and Connection
In the last 15 years of his life, Robert’s primary goal was clear. This was to be as present as possible for his children. Despite personal hardships and fluctuating health, he remained determined to make the most of the time he had. While he never fully overcame the pain of his past relationship breakdown, he took steps towards acceptance. This allowed him to reconnect with his younger children, take them on outings, and return to farming in whatever capacity his health permitted.
Robert had always been a resilient man. Growing up with limited financial means, he defied the odds and secured a place at Oxford University, passing the entrance maths exam without needing to show his workings. He pursued a teaching degree and later expanded his expertise by studying Design and Technology. Throughout his life, he faced many barriers, such as financial struggles, physical limitations from his illnesses, and the ongoing battle with his mental health. Yet, he met these challenges with quiet perseverance, always pushing forward.
A Legacy of Love and Unity
Robert’s life was filled with both triumphs and hardships, and his passing marked the beginning of an unexpected gift, unity among his children. While they may not have always been close during his lifetime, his passing brought them together in a way they had never experienced before. This, perhaps, would have been his proudest achievement.
His legacy lives on not only in the family he built but also in the students he taught, the community he shaped, and the values he imparted. Through the support provided by Response-trained professionals, Robert and his family were able to navigate his mental health challenges with greater understanding and care. His story is one of resilience, love, and the lasting impact of kindness and support.
