My father, Jeffrey Roberts, who has died aged 88 of heart disease, was a British diplomat whose postings took him to Pakistan, Paris, South Africa and Singapore.
Born in Warrington, Cheshire, Jeff was the eldest of three sons of Margaret (nee Smith), a domestic servant, and Arthur Roberts, a wire drawer. He attended the local Boteler grammar school, where he excelled in sports. An outstanding gymnast, he played football in the Warrington under-18 league, winning the local Stockton Cup.
