OBITUARY: Robert John Harker 'Nokka'

The St Ivean recently reported the death of 'Nokka'. This week's St Ives Times & Echo carries a contributed obituary which I post here.

'Robert John Harker (Nokka), who died in Steeple Woods, St Ives, on March 29, was a well-known figure in the area. He lived in the woods and was well- liked and respected by the majority of those who knew him. He had many friends among those who visited the woods and who worked there as project volunteers.

Born at Hunstanton in Norfolk, in 1945, and brought up in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, he had a difficult childhood, and was always 'fighting the system'. He recalled hiding in a chicken coop where his mother couldn't reach him to avoid going to school to be 'brain washed'. Nevertheless, he always spoke of his mother with great respect.

Nokka spent the last twenty years living with as little as possible. In fact, it was his aim to live with nothing. He abandoned conventional housing and modern amenities and had no income. In the woods he resided in a bender - the traditional gypsy shelter - using an open fire for cooking and warmth. He also preferred to wear as little clothing as possible and relied for sustenance on salvaging passed 'best sell by date' food from shops and on the goodwill of those who respected his life-style.

For some of these years he enjoyed a loving relationship with a female companion who supported his life-style. The couple had three children, two of whom were born in the Steeple Woods bender. Although his chosen life-style made it difficult to stay in touch he would often talk of his children who now live with their mother.

Seen as an 'anchor' in the woods, Nokka always had a fire going to feed anyone who needed cups of tea and chapattis. Friends would sit round the fire enjoying his stories and humorous conversation. He was something of an aesthetic inspiration to others who shared his concerns over mankind's detrimental effects on the environment and disillusion with modern living.

He enjoyed walking alone along Carbis Bay and Porthkidney beaches and cut a striking, if unconventional figure, with his brown, weather-beaten face, a sincere (if rather stern) expression, dreadlocks and beard. In his own lifetime he became an almost figure of folklore - the guardian of the woods.

Nokka will be sadly missed by many who knew him. Some maybe living alongside him for a while or visited him by way of retreat, for he offered balance to their lives. In these times of remembering him one thing is sure, there will always be laughter.

Nokka leaves three daughters who live with their mother in New Zealand, and a sister who it has not been possible to trace.'