RNLI Portishead pay respects to much loved Padre Reverend Philip Auden

Philip was a huge part of our lifeboat family here in Portishead and for 19 years he played an important role in the welfare of our volunteers and served the community when they needed him most.

Reverend Philip joined the charity in 2002 when it was operating as The Portishead Lifeboat Trust*. If a family wanted to spread their loved one’s ashes at sea, or after a difficult call out and our crew needed support, or a new lifeboat needed to be blessed, he was there. Philip would lend an ear, a shoulder to lean on and often offered support and council: nothing was too much trouble. This wonderful man was very much loved and respected by all who met him.

This is what some of the RNLI volunteers at Portishead thought of him….

Dave Slack, Lifeboat Operations Manager, ‘As we beat against the tide of life, every now and then, we get to know people who we will never forget. For me, Philip is one of those people. As our Chaplain, Philip served with distinction, always with a smile on his face and time to pay a genuine interest in you. He had the knack of knowing when things were not right. There was never any pressure, just the right balance of encouragement and good, solid advice, from a wise and caring man. Philip was always a constant source of support for the lifeboat crew, as well as for our families, and he and Gill have always been very much part of the RNLI Portishead family.

Philip was a very special man indeed, who meant so much to so many people. The lifeboat crew and I will miss him dearly. I would like to extend our condolences to Gill and to the rest of the family, I know that Philip will always walk alongside me in life. Rest in peace my friend.’

Peggy Gittings, RNLI fundraiser and shop volunteer ‘A man with a sense of humour but a great understanding of people’s needs, I loved him to bits x.’

Paul Weston, lifeboat crew member and trainee Helm ‘Philip was a warm and compassionate man, with a wicked sense of humour. He always had time for you whenever you saw him. He represented the church in such a down to earth way - an absolute breath of fresh air!’

Mike Roberts, Chairman ‘A compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humour.’

Bob Crane retired Lifeboat Operations Manager, ‘A true member of the lifeboat family fraternity. Wonderful man loved by all.’

Angela Andrews, Lifesaving Shop Manager, ‘I first met Philip when he was the minister at my late husband’s funeral. A truly remarkable man with a wonderful sense of humour. He had the ability to make you smile and laugh at even the saddest of times.’

Geoff Vian, Treasurer, ‘Philip was always very welcoming as a preacher at St Nicholas Church, and his sermons were always amusing but thought provoking. He was an exceptional communicator.’

Adam Forrest Deputy Launch Authority, ‘We can't ignore the time the Padre refused to put a life jacket on to scatter some ashes from the lifeboat during our PLT days, his excuse was, my boss walked on water once, so I reckon I'll be ok.’

Philip will be sorely missed by us all. Our love and sympathies go to Reverend Philip’s wife Gill, all the family and their friends.

*The Portishead Lifeboat Trust was an independent lifesaving charity operated in the Bristol Channel for 19 years before we were adopted into the RNLI.

RNLI notes to editors

All images are ©RNLIPortishead

1) RNLI Padre Emeritus, Reverend Philip Auden MNM MNI DL. At RNLI Portishead’s Official Opening Ceremony in March 2016.

2) RNLI Padre Emeritus, Reverend Philip Auden MNM MNI DL. After an ashes ceremony at the lifeboat station.

3) The lifeboat station flag was at half mast.

4) RNLI Padre Emeritus, Reverend Philip Auden MNM MNI DL. Blessing a loan lifeboat during the Portishead Lifeboat Trust days – March 2011.

5) RNLI Padre Emeritus, Reverend Philip Auden MNM MNI DL. Blessing the Portishead Gig Club’s first boat at the Festival on The Quay – July 2018

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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