ROBIN Nye, who has died aged 85, was an Oxford man ‘through and through’ who played a part in several walks of life in the city.

To some he was a printer at Alden Press, while to others he was the much-loved head porter at Oxford University’s New College.

Some people even knew him as the flamboyant dame in the annual pantomime in Bletchingdon, the village he lived in for more than a decade.

Robin Nye was born on August 25, 1934 in Oxford.

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His dad, Bert, and older brother Phil were both keen bowls players, with his father enjoying a glittering career in Summertown and West Oxford.

The family of four, completed by mum Gertrude, lived in West Oxford when the two children were growing up and both attended St Philip & St James School in Navigation Way.

Robin left school to become an apprentice compositor, although this was put on hold during his national service in the Royal Air Force in the mid-1950s, when he was briefly stationed in Germany.

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Back in Oxford, Mr Nye married Pamela Samson, a nurse, and resumed his career in the city’s famous printing industry.

He worked as a compositor until the 1980s, mostly with Alden but also at Oxford University Press and Pergamon.

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In the 1960s, Mr and Mrs Nye moved to Bletchingdon, near Kidlington, and their children, Andrew and Catherine, were born in 1966 and 1972 respectively.

Despite living in the city for his whole life, Mr Nye and his wife quickly threw themselves into the community.

Mr Nye became churchwarden at the village church, while Mrs Nye played the organ.

But arguably his finest hour came during the village pantomime, where he was the dame for many years and loved playing to the crowds.

Mr Nye was a keen sportsman and was chiefly interested in rugby and cricket.

He almost reached county level in the latter, thanks to his skilful spin bowling and his aptitude with the bat.

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The family returned to Oxford in 1978 and Mr Nye left the printing industry shortly after.

After a year-and-a-half in insurance, he became a porter at New College, before taking the assistant porter role at Pembroke College.

Mr Nye returned to New College as head porter and stayed in the role until he retired.

He clicked with students and staff alike and became a part-time TV star in several productions that were filmed at the college.

Mr Nye was even given a couple of lines in Inspector Morse and built up a rapport with Kevin Whately, who played Robert Lewis, while he also enjoyed a picnic with Rick Stein in one of the TV chef’s series.

He remained at New College until he was well into his 70s and in retirement continued to indulge his love of gardening, which saw him keep allotments throughout his life.

Robin Nye died on Tuesday, August 27, and is survived by his two children.

His funeral took place yesterday afternoon at Oxford Crematorium and the family has asked for donations to Sobell House hospice.