And now he is being honoured not just for his amazing career background but because this week he had reached the age of 90.

Terence Robinson, who will always remember the day he put someone else’s life first ahead of his own, is a true hero of Northern Ireland.

For it was Operation Coca Cola, based on his wartime exploits, that pushed the Lambeg-based bottling plant to the forefront of Ulster industry.

And as every day young and old refresh themselves with a glass of coke they should remember him as the man who helped his father Tom Robinson introduce Coca-Cola to Northern Ireland.

Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd are today celebrating Terence Robinson’s life — commending his tireless work and contributions as Non-Executive Director of the Lisburn bottling company, on his 90th birthday.

Born April 22, 1918, he is the son of Tom Robinson, who introduced Coca-Cola to Northern Ireland in 1939. His legacy with Coca-Cola began when he returned from World War II and become an influential driving force behind the business and remained at the helm of the company for some 50 years, until his retirement in 1989.

An inspiring business man, Terence has held the posts of Managing Director, Executive Chairman and more recently Non-Executive Director of Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd.

Mr Robinson said: “Thank you. I’m delighted to be here today with my family, friends and Coca-Cola colleagues to celebrate my 90th birthday. The company has been an integral part of my life since I first started selling Coca-Cola to hotels around Belfast from the back of an icebox fitted moped during the 1940’s.

John Barrett, Executive Director at Coca-Cola Bottlers (Ulster) Ltd, presented Mr Robinson with a commemorative bowl to mark the milestone occasion and to acknowledge his continued long-standing service to the company and local community.

Mr Barrett, said: “Terence has devoted his life to creating and developing the excellence of the Coca-Cola brand in Northern Ireland and although he retired in 1989, he continues to play an important role in the company’s future.”

And it was on February 15, 1942, that he saved the life of his ship’s Cook, diving into the icy water to rescue him after he fell overboard. For this act of bravery, he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Testimonial on Vellum. In 1945 he returned to Belfast, beginning of ‘Operation Coca-Cola’.

In June 1987, Terence was awarded the OBE “For Services to the Community”.

Looking back on his life Terence said: “To be honest, I haven’t really thought about how I feel to be turning 90 but now that you mention it, I feel very lucky to have reached this stage in my life. I am a firm believer in the following saying: “If you want your dreams to come true, don’t oversleep.”