The 32-year-old Westport man Robert McKibben who was killed last week in Afghanistan has been described by his family as someone who had “very definite plans of how he wanted to live his life”.
Robert’s family have said they are very proud of their “Robbie”. “He was always thoughtful, considerate and had an amazing sense of humour that touched so many lives. He was so full of life and was loved so much by his family and by all his friends. Robbie has left a huge void in our hearts and he will never be forgotten.”
Robert, from Carnalurgan, Westport, was taking part in a British military joint patrol with Afghan soldiers on Wednesday last week when tragedy struck.
Marine McKibben and Marine Neil David Dunstan were both killed by an explosion in the Garmsir District of Southern Helmand. They were operating as part of a routine joint patrol when their Jackal vehicle was struck by an explosive device. Despite the best efforts of medics, both men were pronounced dead at the scene. A member of the Afghan National Security Forces also lost his life and a third Royal Marine was seriously injured.
Robert joined the Royal Marines at the age of 27 and, after completing Commando Training, joined J Company 42 Commando based in Plymouth.
He was described as an excellent, all-round field soldier who went on to pass Recce Troop selection, joining 42 Commando’s Recce Troop. With this unit he learned the “pleasures” of soldiering in the winter Arctic conditions of Norway, and passed the arduous Recce Operators’ course with flying colours. He served in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 5 where he performed with great enthusiasm, compassion and gallantry.
Following this operational tour he volunteered to move to Brigade Patrol Troop, where he travelled to America, Norway and Switzerland, amongst other places overseas. A very experienced operator, he hoped to fulfil his long-term ambition of becoming a member of UK Special Forces. In addition to his impressive military exploits, he held an honours degree in Environmental Science.
Robert is survived by his parents Tony and Grainne O’Malley McKibben, his brother Raymond and sisters Carmel and Rachel.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
