In the quiet market town of Thame, Oxfordshire, a profound and moving farewell unfolded as family, friends, and admirers gathered to bid goodbye to Robin Gibb, one of the most beloved voices behind the legendary Bee Gees. The funeral procession began at his cherished home, the place where he had lived for more than 30 years with his devoted wife, Dwina, and slowly made its way to the historic St Mary’s Church, just a few steps from the life he had devotedly built.
At the forefront of this heartrending gathering was Robin’s mother, Barbara, now in her 90s, solemnly walking a familiar path of grief as she mourned the loss of her third son out of four. Accompanying her with strength was Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the Bee Gees, steadfastly supporting their family and the enduring legacy they forged together. As the hearse rolled through the town, hundreds of local residents lined the High Street, paying silent tribute with many wiping away tears as the cortege passed by.
The atmosphere was further deepened by the symbolic gestures during the procession: Robin’s coffin was carried on a horse-drawn carriage, preceded by a lone piper, and accompanied by a guard of honor from the 594 T Squadron Air Cadets, an organization close to Robin’s heart. His unwavering support for the Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Air Force, was a defining element of his life. He passionately championed the Bomber Command Memorial, a tribute that would be unveiled just weeks after his passing—an event he earnestly wished to witness.
Adding a poignant and deeply personal touch, Robin’s two beloved Irish Wolfhounds, Ollie and Missy, trailed the procession, embodying the quiet companionship he cherished in his later years.
The bells of the 13th-century St Mary’s Church rang out as the service began, opening with perhaps the Bee Gees’ most iconic song, How Deep Is Your Love. The coffin was carried into the church by Barry Gibb alongside two of Robin’s sons, surrounded closely by his family, including his three adult children. Each delivered heart-wrenching tributes to a devoted father who left his loved ones—and the world—far too soon, at just 62 years old.
Among the most compelling moments was the playing of Don’t Cry Alone, a tender song Robin composed for the Titanic Requiem, co-written with his son RJ. Though too ill to attend the premiere, his voice resonated clearly through the chapel, delivering a message of comfort, connection, and enduring love.
Robin was laid to rest in a peaceful country churchyard, mere meters from the memorial of his younger brother Andy. Reverberating through the ancient stone walls were hymns such as Be Thou My Vision, Jerusalem, and I Vow to Thee, My Country, interwoven with readings of Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer. His wife Dwina read a deeply personal and touching poem titled My Songbird Has Flown, encapsulating their profound love story that was tragically cut short.
As Barbara, Barry, family, and the wider community mourned, it was evident that while Robin Gibb may have left this mortal world, his indelible voice, timeless music, and devoted spirit to family and country continue to resonate—a legacy that inspires and endures beyond silence.