Matthew Steeples offers offers a tribute to the late Robert Troyan
I first met the larger than life Bostonian character Robert Troyan (1950 – 2013) with his partner Anthony Feldman in the early 2000s at their impressive apartment in Mayfair. Though I did not come to know them well, I fondly recall a number of evenings that they hosted there planning an event for a charity we were all involved in named Marine Conservation and several dinner parties.
The pair were generous hosts and their home was impeccably styled. Decorated in neutral colours by Feldman, an architect and designer who had worked for both Princess Michael of Kent and former Conservative minister, Jonathan Aitken, Feldman and Troyan’s top floor duplex in Hertford Street was a jolly place. I remember much laughter during our meetings and also lots of champagne. It flowed freely and the affable pair recounted many stories of their lives together.
Feldman tragically died of pancreatic cancer in 2005 and having sadly lost touch with Troyan, I was horrified this morning to learn that he had been bludgeoned to death at his new home, an £800 per week flat, in Mount Street last Friday. He was found later that day by his Filipino housemaid.
It is with regret that I share this news with our readers. Many of you no doubt also knew him and I hope that he can now be at peace with his beloved Anthony.
I am sure I speak for many in stating that our thoughts are with Anthony’s mother, Marie, and her family at this incredibly sad time.
Thank you posting a nice comment as opposed to the many harsh and untrue comments from other sires. Robert was a son, brother, and uncle. His parents are elderly and his dad is quite ill, and needless to say this horrific crime has really done more damage to their health. Robert was a very giving person, and the scumbag that did this, was probably looking for money. There was no need to murder this poor person as he was harmless. The family will pursue this crime and will not stop till this low life is found. I am his cousin and we are all very upset about this awful crime. Upon Anthony’s death, Robert should of returned to the United States, such a waste…………..
I, like many others, hope that the person responsible receives a very significant jail sentence. A man named David Jeffs, 36, a private client adviser with London-based HFM Columbus, has been charged with Robert’s murder and we shall all follow with interest. Robert was a kind hearted man and if Mr Jeffs is indeed guilty, he very much deserves the harshest of sentences. His death was, as you rightly say, a huge waste.
Robert was my dearest friend in my younger years in the US. He was larger than life–gregarious, incrdedibly funny, and astute—once you met him you would never forget him. Truly, a character out of a great novel. He lives on in all who knew and loved him. I will never forgive myself for losing contact, a piece of all his friends is gone.
Matthew
I understand how you feel Matthew and though I did not know Robert nearly as well as you plainly did, I should have made more effort to keep in contact. He will be hugely missed by many. May his killer rot.
The Susannah Butter article is appalling. http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/cocaine-parties-and-a-picasso–the-tragic-path-to-a-mayfair-murder-8535766.html A journalist who trusts the word of a man “who had been jailed in May 2008 for 30 months for attempting to blackmail a member of the royal family” is a fool. I am assume Sean McGuigan was paid something and he certainly delivered on the salacious front. Her article is full of cruel slurs and she ought to be ashamed of herself.
I never asked or was offered money by The Evening Standard. I was Disgusted with Susannah Butter’s artical. Robert whom I spent a lot of time with was a very funny loving Friend Who I Will Miss. Never Read A Book By Its Cover. RIP Pinky X
Thank you for your message Mr McGuigan. I also spoke with Miss Butter prior to the article being published. She did not use my quote but as I pointed out, I had sadly not seen Robert or Anthony for a number of years. Will there be a memorial service for Robert? I am sure many readers who knew him would like to attend as many knew and liked him. All the best, Matthew Steeples
Respect Mr Steeples
Any news on memorial service …. James
David Jeffs received a Life Sentence today 10th December to serve a minimum 24 Years before parole, R.I.P PINKY XXXXXXX