Newquay RNLI volunteers say goodbye to friend and former colleague
Newquay RNLI volunteers say goodbye to friend and former colleague
Lifeboats News Release
Current and past volunteers from Newquay RNLI lifeboat station gathered at St Michael’s Church, Newquay on Tuesday (25 February) to pay their respects to friend and former RNLI volunteer Ron Eglinton, who crossed the bar on 22 January at the age of 96.
Ron served in a wide variety of key roles at Newquay RNLI between 1965-2008, and Gareth Horner, the station's current lifeboat operations manager, paid tribute:
'A builder and boatman, Ron had become a member of Newquay lifeboat crew on the re-opening of the station in June 1965, serving until July 1978. His experience and great knowledge of the sea was put to good use when he became a deputy launching authority in July 1988, a role he filled until being appointed honorary secretary (a role now known as lifeboat operations manager) in February 1997, retiring in March 1999.
Ron also served as branch president from May 2001 until July 2008. However, relinquishing office did not mean an end to his unfailing dedication to Newquay RNLI and he continued to help out at our annual Lifeboat Day every year.
Ron was very proud when his son and grandson followed his example and joined the lifeboat crew. A larger-than-life character, always ready with a smile and a joke, he was much loved and hugely respected by everyone at the lifeboat station.
Ron did not suffer fools gladly and was certainly not a 'yes man', often crossing swords with authority in his efforts to look after the best interests of his crew. Always willing to share his knowledge, his influence and the encouragement he gave was legendary and was the making of many a crew member’s career. Ron always had time for people and the goodwill that emanated from him is reflected in the affection and great respect in which is held and he will be long-remembered by many.
Ron’s loss is deeply felt at Newquay lifeboat station and we offer our condolences to his family.'
Notes to editors
Main picture: Ron (front row, second left) with Newquay RNLI colleagues, pictured sometime between 1969-79. Credit: David Malone/Newquay Nostalgia.
Newquay lifeboat station first opened in 1860. Today’s RNLI volunteers operate two inshore lifeboats and are on call 24-hours-a-day to save lives at sea off north Cornwall.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Andy Hobkinson, volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer at [email protected] or 07880 507464 or Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Communications Manager at [email protected] or 07786 668847 or contact the RNLI Press Office (24 hours) on 01202 336789.
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.
