FORMER chief of Granada Television Gerry Robinson was “always a Donegal man at heart”, his family has said.
The former TV boss and later television presenter, Sir Gerry died at Letterkenny University Hospital on Thursday at the age of 72.
One of ten children, he was born in Dunfanaghy but spent a great part of his life in England where he enjoyed a varied business career before branching into television. He joined Granada Television in the 1990s, serving as chief executive and later presenting and producing shows.
He enjoyed a high-profile media career, presenting “I’ll Show Them Who’s Boss” in 2004 for the BBC and later hosting “Can Gerry Fix the NHS”. He served as chairman of ITN, British Sky Broadcasting Group and the Arts Council of England. On his retirement, he returned to live in Ireland, buying and developing the Oakfield Park Estate near Raphoe.
In an emotional tribute his family said he would be “lovingly missed” by his wife, Heather, two sons and two daughters and wider family circle.
Announcing his funeral details, they said: “Gerry was always a Donegal man at heart.”
The family said Oakfield Park became his passion as he renovated the house and gardens with his wife and showed himself to be a talented artist and carpenter.
“Everyone who met Gerry will remember him for his kindness, humour and generosity of spirit. He was greatly admired and loved by all. He is a sad loss to his devoted family and friends.”
The funeral will leave his home at Oakfield Park tomorrow travelling to the Lakelands Crematorium in Co Cavan for a private family service.
