Robin Clement was born in 1941 in London, England and died on March 26, 2023, in Tampa, FL after a long struggle with vascular dementia. Robin lived a life of adventure, full of sailboat racing, motorcycle riding, marathon running and traveling with his beloved family. He spent his childhood adored by his beautiful mother, Isobel Laing Clement, while finding treasures in buildings destroyed by the bombs dropped on the city during WW2. Much to his amazement, he scored high enough marks on the “11 plus exam” to be accepted to the prestigious Alleyn’s School which he attended from 1952 to 1957.
After building a motorcycle given to him by his older brother, he spent less time studying and more time riding too fast along the “lanes” with Mike, Mick, Bigs, and George. When the authorities threatened to take away his driving license, he decided it was time to leave the country and set his sights on America.
He arrived in Tampa in 1962, alone, by sea freighter. He moved into the YMCA and started living out the “American dream”. He soon obtained a job in electrical sales, which he turned into a very successful career. He met Jean in Atlanta, and after stealing her away from his roommate, they were married in 1969. They built a beautiful home on the water on Davis Islands and had two children, David, and Christy Robin. The family spent time on the water together at the Davis Islands Yacht Club, snow skiing in Utah and Colorado, and water skiing on Lake Burton.
Jean died in 1992 and Robin married his second wife, Jeep, in 2003. Robin was a quiet man who could be intimidating to some, but who could be brought to tears instantly thinking about the many beloved dogs he cared for throughout his life. Robin’s love for dogs went so far as hiding a dog from his wife at the office and driving to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to rescue dogs stranded by the storm. His collection of vintage English motorcycles was legendary, even earning a visit from Jay Leno to ride Robin’s beloved red Vincent. Some of Christy’s favorite memories with Robin include their motorcycle trips through the English countryside on his visits back home. David loved sailing with Robin countless times on various boats including a sunfish, Rampage and Whiplash.
Robin is preceded in death by his mother, his first wife Jean, and his second wife Jeep. He is survived by his sister, Georgette, and her three children, his son David and his wife Christy, his daughter Christy, his 4 grandchildren, Ally, Nate, Cash and Magnolia, and countless loving friends in England and the US. He will be tremendously missed, but we find solace knowing he lived 81 amazing years making the most of his countless adventures.
A funeral will be held on Friday, March 31st at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in South Tampa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to LifePath Hospice or your favorite animal charity.