Christopher Haskins|Christopher Haskins, Baron Haskins

Christopher Robin Haskins, Baron Haskins, slipped away peacefully on April 1st, 2026, at the grand old age of 89. It feels utterly impossible to write this, to truly capture the essence of a man who was, quite simply, a force of nature wrapped in a wonderfully dry wit. Born in Ireland in 1937, he carried that mischievous twinkle in his eye throughout his life, a reminder of the stories he’d always be ready to tell – usually embellished, of course, but always utterly captivating. I remember as a child being utterly bewildered by his tales of navigating Dublin’s pubs and charming his way into impossible situations, and now, looking back, I realize that was just Christopher being Christopher, always embracing the adventure. He wasn’t a man for stuffy formalities; he preferred a good laugh, a strong cup of tea, and a perfectly timed, slightly cynical observation. Christopher’s career as a businessman and life peer was impressive, of course – he served in the House of Lords for over two decades – but it was the *way* he approached it that truly defined him. He wasn’t driven by ambition, but by a genuine desire to understand and, when he could, to improve things. He had this incredible ability to cut through the noise and see the heart of a matter, and he always treated people with a surprising amount of kindness, even when they didn’t deserve it. He adored his family – his wife, Eleanor, whom he adored with a quiet, steadfast love, and his children and grandchildren, who were the absolute center of his world. We were so lucky to have him, to witness his booming laugh and his unwavering support. He found immense joy in the simple things: a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a challenging crossword puzzle, and, above all, spending time with his loved ones. He was a passionate collector of vintage maps – a hobby that revealed a deep-seated love of travel and exploration, mirroring the spirit he embodied. More than anything, Christopher was a connector, a man who brought people together. He had a knack for making everyone feel seen and valued, and he genuinely cared about the well-being of those around him. Christopher’s absence leaves a hole in all our lives, a quiet space where his laughter and wisdom once resided. He wasn’t a man who sought grand gestures or public acclaim; his legacy lies in the countless small acts of kindness, the shared stories, and the enduring love he gave so freely. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.