Ramsgate RNLI honour the passing of their station mechanic

With his strong Northern accent and dry sense of humour, it may surprise people to know that in fact Phil was born in Billericay, Essex in 1963. He attended Loughborough College where he did a HND Motor Vehicle Management course, and he proudly said that he finished on the Friday and started work on the following Monday at Manchester Truck and Bus Ltd, a Volvo truck distributor.

This is where Phil first met Vicky, 21, who was working as a temp in the Sales Admin department with him. This is where their story began; they quickly became inseparable, and their relationship went from strength to strength.

Shortly after this Phil's parents, Tony and Rosemary, took over Davis Marine Engineering Ltd, based in the arches in Military Road, Ramsgate, and Phil was offered the opportunity to join the business. The pair decided to relocate together, and a couple of years later, they were married. Working around the harbour became Phil's new way of life, and it was here that he met many of the current lifeboat crew. In 1997 he joined Ramsgate RNLI as volunteer crew.

Back then, Ron Cannon was full-time Coxswain/Mechanic at the Station, but when he announced plans to retire in December 2000, his son, Ian Cannon stepped into the full-time Coxswain role and Phil was offered the full-time Mechanic role. Phil reflected that, other than the birth of his children and his wedding to Vicky, this was his proudest moment.

Phil’s enthusiasm for classic motorbikes and motorcycle racing, lead to many a trip with Vicky as pillion. One of which was a thousand mile round trip journey watching World Superbike racing at Assen, Holland.

Two sons, Jake and Joshua, completed the family, and from an early age, became accustomed to Dad disappearing at the sound of his pager!

Both boys joined the crew of Ramsgate RNLI as soon as they were old enough. "It's not just a job, it's a way of life, and you become part of a bigger family" Phil explained.

Jake, now 22 years, moved away to Chichester for University and now works in the University’s Careers Office. Josh, 21, is working for global renewable energy firm RWE, whilst completing his three year apprenticeship, and remains part of the crew when he comes home.

During Phil's 27 years with the RNLI, he was awarded medals in recognition of the Queen’s Golden (2002), Diamond (2012) and Platinum (2022) Jubilees. In 2017, he received a 20 years’ Service Award, and most recently was presented with the Kings’ Coronation Medal.

In October 2008 Phil was amongst the crew named in a framed letter of thanks from the, then Chief Executive of the RNLI, Brigadier Andrew Freemantle CBE. The letter described a rescue on 14 May 2008 at 0158am when both lifeboats were launched in rough seas and force 6 winds to the yacht 'Spirit' with four people onboard, aground on the North Bank sandbank.

RNLI statistics show that during his service, Phil was credited with aiding 2,881 people and credited with saving 52 lives. As one crew member said, ‘That’s not a bad tally when you are standing in front of the pearly gates!’

His family and friends were so proud, when in November 2019, Phil was chosen to represent the London and Southeast region, and attended the Cenotaph for the Remembrance Day Service in the presence of the Royal Family.

Phil’s wife Vicky, remembering Phil’s commitment and eagerness to represent the RNLI, recalls when Phil dressed as RNLI’s Stormy Stan at the Legoland Windsor Resort which they attended as a family, and when they attended Buckingham Palace for a Garden Party together, in the presence of HRH Princess Anne in June 2024 to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.

Although Phil had been fighting cancer for over two years, he continued to work right to the end. Even when he was given his final prognosis, Phil, with his always positive attitude, invited his friends and RNLI family to visit him.

At one point, in his final days, twenty crew members, family and friends gathered around Phil’s hospital bed at his home, laughing and remembering the good times, whilst Phil, ever committed to his job, set off the launch test pagers for both boats one last time. It was quite a sound to behold, with so many pagers beeping in one room!

Coxswain Ian Cannon said, “We have lost a dear friend, who was a huge part of our RNLI family here in Ramsgate. Life is a lot quieter without Phil around. He will be greatly missed, and our heartfelt sympathies go to his family Vicky, Jake and Josh at this difficult time.”

Phil's funeral took place on Thursday, 17 October with over five RNLI stations represented as well as the Coastguard. There was a procession from the boat house around the harbour following the coffin to St George's Church, Ramsgate. As the crew have recently been given the Honorary Freemen of the Town the procession was allowed to enter through the gates at the bottom of Harbour Street and process through the middle of the town where many townsfolk paid their respects.

Karen Cox Ramsgate Lifeboat Press Officer Tel. 07779848431 Email. [email protected]

Hatti Mellor RNLI National Media Manager Tel. 07724801306 Email [email protected].

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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