The former Durham County Cricket Club chairman worked tirelessly to secure the Chester-le-Street site that the club now call home, and campaigned long and hard to raise the necessary funding.
A determined man of vision, the former leader of Durham County Council saw his ambition to bring counties cricket in the region come to fruition in 1995 when Durham played their inaugural first-class fixture at their new home against Warwickshire.
Today, the Don Robson Pavilion, which forms the cornerstone of the Emirates Riverside ground, stands as testament to his momentous contribution to cricket both in County Durham and the wider North-East region.
In the early 1990s he spoke of his dream of seeing a local player turn out for both Durham and England – a wish that has been fulfilled many times over – and such endeavour ultimately put the club on the map at a national and international level.
Among those to have paid tribute to Don is current Durham captain Paul Collingwood, who said: “Sorry to hear about the passing of one of the most influential men in the history of Durham Cricket. Don Robson, thank you.”
The club’s Second XI Coach Neil Killeen also took to social media to say: “Sad news that Don Robson has passed away. A great man who did so much for Durham CCC which allowed so many of us to follow our dreams.”
Former Durham and England bowler Steve Harmison says he is “gutted to hear we’ve lost a great man in Don Robson”, while current number nine Graham Onions called him a “true gent and an inspiration at Durham.”
Cricket clubs from across the region have taken time out to pay their respects to Don.
South Shields Cricket Club called him a “great man who leaves a massive legacy”, while Whickham Cricket Club praised him as “a pioneer of Durham cricket”.
Members of the North-East media have also voiced their admiration of Don, with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Martin Emmerson saying: “He was among a group of people who believed the country could be first-class.”
The Journal’s Stuart Rayner added: “Everyone who’s played cricket for Durham or just watched it owes him a huge debt.”