A long procession of classic cars formed a unique courtege for the funeral of Banbury businessman Robert Henn today (Tuesday)

The cars were driven by friends of Robert Henn, 44, of Middleton Cheney, who died suddenly on December 27.
The funeral procession for Robert Henn, followed by scores of classic cars. Pictures by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBEThe funeral procession for Robert Henn, followed by scores of classic cars. Pictures by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE
The funeral procession for Robert Henn, followed by scores of classic cars. Pictures by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE

The procession, coordinated by Mr Henn's niece, Meg Targett, followed the official cars through Middleton Cheney as a mark of respect and support for his family who were subjected to limited numbers at his funeral because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

Following his father Rodney's death in 2019, Robert - who was brought up in Sulgrave - had continued the family business as R Henn Motors and was highly thought of by his customers.

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Mr Henn was born on July 17, 1976 in the Horton Maternity Hospital. He was the middle child of Sue and Rodney. From an early age Rob followed in his father's footsteps, mimicking his car sales tactics and practising on his brother Jonathan.

Robert Henn, whose funeral courtege was supported by scores of friends in classic carsRobert Henn, whose funeral courtege was supported by scores of friends in classic cars
Robert Henn, whose funeral courtege was supported by scores of friends in classic cars

His mother said: "Rob's piercing blue eyes and blond hair made him a real charmer. As a toddler he had many ladies wrapped around his little finger. This charm continued throughout his life, which is shown by his many long term friendships."

A moment always fondly remembered by his mum is of a snowy day in Sulgrave when she sent him off to school in a duffel coat, wellies and carrying his lunch box. As he walked down the driveway she told him he looked like Paddington Bear, at which point he threw the lunchbox across the garden, took off the coat and vowed never to wear it again.

Robert attended Sulgrave primary school, then Chenderit from where he went to Northampton College to study hotel management. Although he never followed this career path, he continued his love of cooking and baking, making many birthday cakes for friends and family.

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Working for Talkland, which became Vodafone, he met some of his closest and most enduring friendships. At the age of 23 his health took a turn for the worse and after some time he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. The illness took a great toll on him, resulting in him leaving Vodafone and working for his father.

Some of the many cars which followed Robert Henn's funeral courtege through Middleton Cheney. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBESome of the many cars which followed Robert Henn's funeral courtege through Middleton Cheney. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE
Some of the many cars which followed Robert Henn's funeral courtege through Middleton Cheney. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE

His mother said: "They were two strong minded people with different ideas for the business and there were some explosive discussions. Somehow humour would overcome these issues and peace was always restored."

"As time went on Rob's health worsened and had to have an operation to remove his colon. Rob was very worried about the operation but in true Rob style he put on a brave face and took it like a champ.

"There were problems during the procedure resulting in Rob contracting MRSA, sepsis and a perforated bowel. He needed a further three operations, during which time he spent eight days in a coma. He faced a long road to recovery with humour and stoicism and began to enjoy a new lease of life."

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Five years ago Mr Henn's health once again started to deteriorate but throughout all this he kept the business going with the help of his 'lads' as he called them. Even when he couldn't get in to work he was continually in touch with his very valued customers. About 18 months ago he was told he had Crohn's Disease rather than Ulcerative Colitis.

Classic cars drove behind the courtege for the funeral of Robert Henn. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBEClassic cars drove behind the courtege for the funeral of Robert Henn. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE
Classic cars drove behind the courtege for the funeral of Robert Henn. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE

Mrs Henn said: "He became very close to the Gastro team and Rowan Ward at the Horton and was very appreciative of what they did for him.

"Rob took on the family business when Rodney retired and when he moved to Waters Lane in Middleton Cheney, many loyal customers followed. Rob was always passionate about helping people if he could, both in his personal and his business life and this was reflected in the great loyalty shown by customers."

When his father passed away in 2019 Rob stepped up as head of the family, being their rock and the glue holding them together.

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"Many people have spoken about their late night Facebook chats when he and they couldn't sleep," said Mrs Henn.

Classic cars of all kinds joined in Robert Henn's funeral procession. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBEClassic cars of all kinds joined in Robert Henn's funeral procession. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE
Classic cars of all kinds joined in Robert Henn's funeral procession. Picture by Daniel Boys and Simon Betts OBE

"Rob had the gift of always being there for people when they needed him and knowing just what to say. During the Covid situation he has cheered family and friends by sending little parcels to cheer them up. He will be greatly missed."

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