ROBERT John Corbin lived to be 101 years and 10 days, despite a lucky escape from death more than 70 years ago.

Mr Corbin was in the Royal Navy and scheduled to be aboard HMS Hood.

But a delayed train kept him from reaching the ship on time and, shortly after, HMS Hood sank quickly in May 1941.

He knew he was living a charmed life after that moment.

Life started on September 23, 1915, in the New Forest in Hampshire. He left school at 14 and got to work outside in the garden – the place he loved being best.

He started out small and worked his way up after being given a chance by two elderly ladies. He soon became a garden boy and fell deeply in love with the trade. He didn’t know it, but his working life would be dedicated to horticulture.

Daughter Anita Corbin said: “He never had much education. He was dyslexic, so he left school as soon as he could.

“He believed more in his non-academic skills, and wasn’t afraid to start at the bottom of the pile.”

At age 24, Mr Corbin returned to school as he gained a place at Wisley, home of the Horticultural Society.

Having gained his diploma at Wisley, he became a landscape assistant for the London County Council housing department, and then horticultural manager when the council became Greater London Council. He stayed there for 33 years before retiring.

Mrs Corbin said: “He cared so much about preserving the trees, he was known to change plans or move things if he thought he might be able to save a tree or add some flowers.

“He always remembered his background, and helped others that didn’t necessarily have academic qualifications. He knew how important practical skills were.”

“Even in his retirement, he was still dedicated to horticulture, he was involved in charities and committees.”

Mr Corbin also fell in love with photography, his daughter said he was not just a gardener that took photographers, because he loved both so much, he was a gardener and a photographer.

His life has been well documented in his book Travels Of A Bothy Boy, a book he wrote with Jen Green and it includes photographers and the story of his travels.

Mr Corbin moved to Wellington to be closer to his daughter, her husband John O’Grady, and grandchildren Louis and Daisy Corbin O’Grady.

Mrs Corbin said: “He taught us a lot, and he was my inspiration to take up photography.”

“He did a lot in his life and he knew it.

“He passed on his love of travel, and the one bit of advice he gives to Daisy and Louis is to never get old.”

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 25, at Taunton Crematorium.