I've just heard the sad news that Steve Clark has passed away.   He sailed as 3rd Engineer on the Pizarro in 1969.   Steve originated from Robin Hoods Bay and latterly was living in Southern Spain.   He had been battling cancer for the past three years and finally succumbed to the disease on 5th August 2009.   Steve was with Texaco Overseas Tankships throughout most of the seventies as 2nd and Chief Engineer though I never sailed with him during my time with Texaco.   Information from Brian Russell

It is with great sadness that Sheila, Lorna and Jen have to write to let you know of Ian's passing.   He battled for so long and lost the fight on the evening of 21st September 2007 at Ayr Hospital.   He will forever be in our thoughts and we will gain great comfort from our many happy memories.   With warmest regards from us all, Sheila

Unfortunately, I have to advise you my brother Reg, aged 81, passed away at home on the 12th November 2007.  Only recently he spoke about the good times he had on the Reina del Pacifico and other boats.   Best Wishes Gordon Dagnall

Former Chief Purser of Reina del Pacifico and Shore Purser at PSNC's office at Canada Dock died on the morning of 26th December 2009 after a long struggle against bowel cancer.   His wife Doris used to work in the company's freight department.

His widow said that by his own request, Alan's funeral would be a very quiet and private one.
This old photo was taken on board Sarmiento about 1950

Oct 29 2009 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle
"Tributes paid to Frodsham cheese shop owner Gordon Meek"
A community is in shock following the death of a much loved town patron.
Gordon Meek, 54, of High Street, Frodsham, was found dead at his Church Street premises, The Cheese Shop and Deli, on Monday morning.
Stationhouse Brewery owner Barrie Davidson said: “He did an awful lot to attract people to the area and to shop locally.   He had a lot of great ideas and was a great contributor.  He was at a board meeting last Tuesday and came up with some brilliant ideas for the Christmas festival.   When I heard, I was dumbstruck. It's a great loss of such a strong man. We were good friends. He was full of beans and very funny, you would never get bored with Gordon.   I have spoken to some of the members of the group and we will be doing something in memory of him but at the moment it's still so fresh in our minds and hearts."

A former Radio Officer, he was on "La Paz" when torpedoed in 1942 and "Lautaro". Sadly he died aged 91 just before Christmas 2008

When I started with PSNC in early 1961 I met a young (25) Chief Officer called Tony Nickson.   He was from Liverpool but had been to school in the Isle of Man, and was also on the 'Conway'.   Prior to PSNC he had sailed with Moss Hutchison and Palm Line.   Tony only ever 'coasted' with PSNC during 1961/1962 while he was studying for his Extra Master's ticket, which he duly obtained. He would have "coasted" on most of the PSNC ships during this period.
Subsequently, he joined Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, and spent the remainder of his working life with them in various positions - e.g. he was early into computing and, would you believe, fish farming in the docks!   He also spent a lot of time on the MDHB survey ship.
We became good friends, and I met my wife through his then girl friend (also a midwife).   They married in 1966 and we married in 1967 when Tony was my Best Man.   Tony and Anne lived in Ainsdale for most of their married lives.   Sadly, Tony died on 20 October 2008 and we attended his funeral on 28 October in Ainsdale. Arthur Stringfellow

Former 3rd Engineer on various vessels, including MV Salaverry, which he regarded as the happiest ship he ever served on, and latterly of ICI, died very suddenly and unexpectedly on 10th June 2007 (aged 66 years) at home in Hambleton.   Keith was instrumental in encouraging and motivating me to arrange the first of what have now become Annual Reunions for former PSNC sea-going Officers; he will be sadly missed.

The funeral was held on Thursday 21st June 2007 at Hambleton Parish Church.   Keith had requested a simple service and was buried at the church.   A number of former shipmates, Deck and Engineering Officers, managed to attend and pay their last respects.

It is with much regret that I have to inform you of the recent death of Electrical Engineer Ronnie Rice who passed away peacefully in hospital on the 15th June - aged 67 years - following a short illness.   I have known Ronnie since 1966 when we sailed on the Santander.   He will be sadly missed.   Kindest regards, Eric James

Horace S. Staley, aged 102, passed away early Thursday, January 29, 2009 in Binghamton General Hospital, Walton, USA. after a short illness.

Horace was born in London, England on June 6, 1906 the son of the late Frederick and Katie Rachel (Mayor) Staley. He was 3rd Radio Operator on the Oropesa in the mid 1920's. - Latterly he was employed as a Fleet Supervisor, by S.P. Thomas, Inc., Totowa, NJ. His wife Galina died on December 14, 1998. He was also a Ham operator (KA2HDO)and was on the Internet.

Sadly, former Chief Engineer Don Wheeler from Merseyside died at home on 4 November 2008 (aged 73) after a battle with illness.   He is survived by his wife Lesley, son Ian and daughter Cathy.
His funeral was on 10th November at St Andrew Parish Church, Maghull and thereafter to Thornton Crematorium.
A number of his former Officer colleagues from PSNC attended to pay their last respects - several with their wives.
Don, Ian Tickell, Keith Nuttall myself (Barry) were the founder members of the PSNC Reunions for ex sea-going Officers.   Don and Lesley attended every Annual Reunion following our inaugural trip up the Manchester Ship Canal in August 1997. His his dry sense of humour and sharp wit will be sadly missed.

Died peacefully in hospital, June 8, 2009, aged 74 years.   Loving husband to Pauline, beloved dad of Geoff, Val, Clare and Lesley, loving granddad to Kieran and Oscar, father-in-law to Peter and Jude.   Will be sadly missed by all who knew him.   Service at St. Jerome's Church, Formby on Thursday, June 18 at 10.30 a.m., followed by Private Cremation at Southport Crematorium.   Family flowers only, donations if desired payable to Southport Kidney Fund.

My father Thomas (Tommy) Wood served with PSNC from about 1954 to 1961 as Second Engineering officer.   Unfortunately, he passed away on Sunday (26/10/08) after a long battle with cancer.   He served on Cuzco, Pizarro and Potosi which was his last ship.   After leaving the company in 1961 he served as a police officer for 26 years in his home town of Wigan.
His funeral was held at St Michaels Church (Swinley) Wigan on Monday 3rd November 2008 followed by cremation at Charnock Richard crematorium.   Mark Wood

Former Superintendent Engineer from Merseyside died on 16 February 2007 (aged 84) after a long illness and shortly after losing his wife.