Douglas passed away on September 17, 2013 at the age of 88 (he was born on February 16, 1925 in Wallasey). He served in the Royal Air Force during WWII taking part in the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944.   He was among the first to enter the Nazi concentration camps in France.   In 2012, he was awarded the Medal of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, as ordered by the President of France, for his part in the liberation of that country. He joined the PSNC in 1946, with his career taking him to live in Chile, Panama and Peru as an Inspector for the company before joining a U.S. Shipping Company and moving to Florida in 1970. Former colleagues have said . . . . ."He worked in Chile (PSNC of course), in Lima, and here in Panama, where Central America was controled (the joint RML- HAL) CAL service.   He was a natural leader, honest and a hard and very fair worker/boss." Douglas was proud to serve as President of the Ft. Lauderdale branch of the Royal British Legion for a number of years.   An avid Ballroom and Square Dancer, he was President of the Westernaires Square Dance Club for eight years and was dancing weekly with the Jackpots Square Dance Club of Hollywood until his illness this summer.  Douglas had sung in the choir of Plantation Community Church for the past ten years. He is survived by his loving wife, Angela; three children, Michael(Patricia) Bomford, Suzanne (Miles) Dickson and Malcolm (Deborah) Bomford and seven grandchildren. A Celebration of life service will be Monday, September 23, 2013 at 2:00PM at the Plantation Community Church. This Obituary was published in "Sun-Sentinel" from September 19 to September 21, 2013 with dditional details provided by former PSNC prsonnel Tony Conte and Fred Mullin who knew him well.

Sad News email from Mike Quirk on 16th April 2019

" Hi Barry.  Sad news.   Peter Boyle passed away suddenly yesterday - 15th April 2019.
Can you let "Gentleman John" know?   We went to see him last year.   Peter sailed with John as 2nd Lecky."
Peter's Funeral was on Thursday 25 April 2019 at the Star of the Sea Church (Not far from Gladstone Dock.)
Any former colleagues were welcome to attend

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

My Dad, Terry Clarke from Liverpool, sailed with PSNC as a Purser from the mid 1950's until 1963.   He sailed mainly on the Reina del Pacifico and our lives were filled with his happy reminiscences of those South American travels.   I remember so well his tales of travelling through the Panama Canal, running aground in Bermuda and sailing a troupe of elephants back to Liverpool.   He left PSNC in 1963 when my sister was born and built up a successful milk delivery business.   Dad also gained an Open University degree, but I feel that it was those experiences at sea that shaped his life and helped him become the remarkable man that he was.
He "Crossed the Bar" in 2019, surrounded by his loving family.   He was 85 years old - a good age although he had been ill for a couple of years.
Information from his daughter Helen Clarke

Don Caddock, ex MN and one of our Associate Members, passed away 12th November 2013 aged 78 years.   He went to sea with the Sugar Line, Athol Tankers and Shell and finished up in PSNC as a Navigation Officer with the rank of 2nd Mate.
The funeral is at Stonefall Crematorium in Harrogate at 1420 on Friday 22nd November 2013.  If any of your Members decide to go we will be wearing Blazer and Flannels, Medals optional, and will meet at the Crem at 1400 to form a Guard of Honour.
Afterwards at The Travellers Rest, Crimple Valley for the wake. Could you please let me know if any of your Members will be attending at Travellers Rest so that I can inform family regarding numbers for catering.
Yours Aye,
Dougie (Secretary of the local Royal Navy Association branch)
Information from Dougie

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

		The following email was sent to me in July 2019 by Mrs Elaine Farr "I thought I ought to let you know my husband, Ken Farr, passed away on 16th June this year (2019). Ken passed his accountancy exams with flying colours in 1957 and instead of doing National Service he applied to PSNC who were delighted to employ him as Purser. He joined the company in 1957 and you will see his voyages from the enclosed photos and his Discharge Book. We were married in 1959 while he was on leave.   When he left the Merchant Navy we went cruising on the "Arcadia" and went through the Panama Canal before they widened it. Ken was delighted because the captain of the "Arcadia" stamped a "Passenger" entry in Ken's Discharge Book as it was his 50th transit through the Panama Canal. Ken became ill around January this year and was in hospital eight weeks before being transferred to a lovely nursing home where he was well looked after until he passed away peacefully in his sleep on 16 June this year.   He was 84 years of age so you can see he had a very eventful life." Ken's Discharge Book showed he signed on his first ship - "Santander" as Asst Purser - for a West Coast trip on 20th March 1957. Thereafter he joined "Reina Del Mar" as Asst Purser on 17th Sept 1957 and sailed in her for nine voyages until Sept 1959, ultimately as Senior Asst Purser. He then sailed in Eleuthera for one trip before returning to the "Reina" for three trips.   His last voyage with PSNC was coastal in "Salinas" as Purser Jan 1961.

		I received this email on 1st November 2014 from Philip Gregson:- Terry Parke, Chris and I went to the funeral of Bob (Bud) Garner on 31 October 2014 in Willerby, Hull. He died suddenly on 22 October aged 82.   Bud was a Bosun with PSNC for many years and was well known to anyone who sailed on the "O" boats in the 70's and 80's.   He was undoubtedly the best Bosun in the fleet; very knowledgeable, hard-working, utterly dependable and a thoroughly nice guy who was well liked and respected by all who sailed with him. Bob also represented the Company at Buckingham Palace on the presentation to PSNC of the Queen's Awards to Industry in 1979, (I think it was), and received two Trinity House awards for bravery. We have kept in touch with him and his wife Dora (who twice sailed on the Oroya) in the intervening years.

		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. This initial information came from E. John McGarry 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

Dad lived in a small town called Motueka in New Zealand for his last 29 years. We believe he worked with Sugar Lines, Athol Tankers and his days in international waters ended in 1971 when he came to NZ. Then he worked for the Anchor Company in Nelson; this company was taken over by the Union Steam Ship Company. He became a double amputee in 1993. After rehabilitation he returned home and took it upon himself to counsel others in similar situations, and this became one of his "jobs". He also started to stir things up with the local councils to make sure shops/buildings/libraries/public toilets etc were accessible to disabled people. He became well known around the region for this and much appreciated by many, for the improvements he helped happen! He did a lot for the community, in his own time, in many different ways. He was coaching swimming at the time of his sickness (he lost a leg from a blocked artery and the other from that flesh eating bug) and after 2 years rehabilitation he was back on the side of the swimming pool coaching again. Wheeling up and down the pool, I know the kids certainly will never forget him. He took part one year in the World Champs for the disabled in New Zealand. He painted many lovely pictures. One of his last projects was a series of "Blue Star" ships. He had finished four before his passing.
Born 12/05/1936 and Died 27/01/2007 PS - I know he lived a lot longer than he thought he ever would!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe this is why he lived life to the full?!

Sad to report the peaceful death of Captain Eric Gowland on 9th June 2014. His funeral was held on Friday 20th June. Further details of his life and career will be provided by his daughter Elaine in due course.

Dickie joined Conway in January 1957 on a three year cadetship.
On leaving "The Ship" on 18th December 1959, Dickie joined PSNC and sailed on the Sarmiento on 24th December 1959.   He served at sea until summer 1968.   On passage from Antofagasta to Trieste with a cargo of copper blister, destination Hungary, his ship lost her propeller in the Mediterranean, completing the voyage under tow.   Discharging her cargo and dry docking resulted in Dickie meeting his future wife.   He married, gave up his sea career and settled in Trieste, becoming a lecturer at the University of Trieste and also teaching English to shipyard workers building the new generation cruise ships.

His health deteriorated and he had to have a major operation in late spring of 2009.   Persisting, he made every effort to come to our term gathering of 50 years and the 150 years of The Conway.   Martin Johnson and Jimmy Quinn, both living in Queensland, and Ramsey Cringle in the Isle of Man had contacted him.

Richard stayed with us after our Liverpool re-union, returning to see his family in Mortimer near Reading, Berkshire, where he was taken quite ill.   He was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Janet and I visited him there.   He was moved into a local hospice and his departure from this world was on 25th September 2009.   He leaves a daughter, grandson and son-in-law residing between Trieste and Switzerland and his sister and brother-in-law and five nephews living in the UK.   "God Bless Dickie".
Written by GS Brown (1958-59)

I am grateful to Neville Humphreys for sending me a copy of an Obituary written by Richard's close friend G.S. Brown (1958-59) and printed in "The Conway Cadet" Spring issue from which I compiled this abbreviated version.

		Len and his wife wife Claudette had kept in touch with Pat Tanner and her husband for years after they had sailed on the Reina del Mar. Sadly, Claudette was in touch with Pat in October 2019 to let her know that Len had recently passed away on 24 September 2019 in Canada where they had lived for a number of years. Carlisle Scott, former Chief Engineer, said Len had been Fifth Engineer with him on watches on the Reina del Mar. They were also both members of the "Delmars Skiffle Group" on that ship and entertained passengers on occasions.

His son Chris informed me his father had died on 18th March 2014 aged 85 years.   When he was appointed Captain of Eleuthera at age 31 he was the youngest Master in PSNC history.

Beloved husband of Ann Marion, passed away peacefully in hospital, December 31, 2016 aged 79 years.
A Graveside Service was held at St Andrews Church, Maghull on Thursday 12th January at 10.45am.
No flowers by request but donations, if desired, went to St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital.

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

		Former 3rd Engineer on various vessels, including MV Salaverry, which he regarded as the happiest ship he ever served on, and latterly of ICI.   Keith died very suddenly and unexpectedly on 10th June 2007 (aged 66 years) at home in Hambleton.   He was instrumental in encouraging and motivating me (Barry Erskine) 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.

My name is David Owen, the grandson of George Herbert Owen who was born May 1894 and died July 1964.
The following is a transcript of the PSNC acknowledgement of his service at his retirement:-

		"Mr G H Owen, Senior Electrical Engineer, who retired on 31st December 1957, served his apprenticeship with the British Insulated & Helsby Cable Co. at their Prescott Works and after gaining varied experience in mines, power stations and Ship Repairers and Builders, he joined the Company in January 1919 on the shore staff. His first appointment was to the "La Paz" as Senior Electrician, and he sailed in this vessel until he joined the m.v. "Reina Del Pacifico" which was then under construction in Belfast. Mr Owen, to quote his own words, "enjoyed twenty-five years unbroken service in this vessel". It might constitute a record. He was withdrawn in June 1955 to take up a similar appointment in s.s. "Reina Del Mar" when she was under construction in Belfast. He retires with many happy memories, spread over his thirty-eight years with the Company and he looks forward to enjoying the happy home life he has always longed for. We hope it will last for many years." You are welcome to publish this text and photo Regards, David Owen

"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"

"Rex was 2nd Officer on the Reina del Pacifico in the 1950's.   He sailed under Capt. Eckford and was great friends with him until he died.   In 1955/56 he emigrated to Canada and while there he joined the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. He worked for the Ontario Hydro Commission operating a Supply Boat on Georgian Bay.   Later he had a successful career in Insurance becoming Vice President of The American Insurers Underwriters.   He died in 1980 and is buried near Toronto."   (Thanks to Kenneth Owen for supplying this information in March 2010.)

Sadly, we learned from Chris Welton that Dave died of Prostate Cancer in Macclesfield District General on 15 July 1998.   Chris and Janet are in contact with Dave's widow Charlotte.   (May 2010)

		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.

		His first ship was Loriga in 1944 followed by Lautaro, Losada and Sarmiento.   He appears to have stayed on the latter vessel until injury in the 1950's brought about confinement to office based work until 1977. He died on Anglesey, where he had retired to, on 8 April 2008, of what appears to be an asbestos disease. If you sailed with Derek, or knew him, please contact me, Barry Erskine,  because a firm of solicitors acting for the family are hoping to learn more about his work.

Sailed as 1st Electrician on Reina del Mar.   He died peacefully at home on Monday 12 June 2017 after a long spell of illness.
His funeral will take place at 2pm on Friday 23rd June 2017 at Southport Crematorium.   There will be family flowers only, but donations can be made to Queenscourt Hospice if desired.

William Taylor lived in Newburgh, Lancs, and retired in October 1971. Originally he was 2/5 Engineer on the Reina del Pacifico and later sailed on various PSNC vessels as Chief Engineer including:-
MV Samanco 20/10/1955 - 24/10/1955, Cuzco, Kenuta, Potosi, Flamenco, Pizarro, and last ship was SS Cotopaxi 12/07/1961 - 31/07/1961.
He died in Ormskirk District General Hospital, 28 March 1985 and was cremated at Thornton Crematorium, Sefton, Merseyside. His ashes are buried at Thornton Garden of Rest plot 208, section CR1.
Information supplied by his son Tony Taylor on 10th August 2011

		"Hi Barry, I am the son-in-law of Gilbert Thackeray. It is with great regret I have the sad duty to inform you that on Saturday morning 26 July 2014, after a long battle with cancer, Gilbert passed away, in no pain!" Gil's funeral took place on Friday 1st August 2014 at St Peter's Church, Ireleth followed by a service at Barrow-in-Furness Crematorium. Some of Gil's former PSNC shipmates and friends attended, including John Flaherty, Bill Hilton, John & Wendy Jenkins, and Dave Newton. Refreshments were available at the Lisdoonie Hotel afterwards. John Bracegirdle  (Son-in-Law)"

After leaving HMS Conway, Martin joined PSNC as a cadet in January 1958, his first voyage being on ss Flamenco.  During the next three years he sailed on several ships including mv Sarmiento and finally ss Reina del Mar.  After 2nd Mate's in 1961 he re-joined PSNC and sailed as 4th Officer on the tanker George Peacock for several months, before taking up shore employment with Caledonian Stevedoring Co.in Birkenhead.   As the shipping industry declined and after various takeovers, he joined the Birkenhead office of the Land Registry from where he eventually retired due to ill health in 2006.
Martin was involved in amateur dramatics with the Carlton Players at the Little Theatre in Birkenhead where he met his future wife, Pamela.   They were married in 1965 and have a daughter, Helen, a son Graham, four grandchildren and two great granddaughters.
Martin was always very proud of having been a Conway Cadet and never tired of regaling his family and friends with tales of Conway and his life at sea. He died on February 16th 2019 at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral.  The funeral was at Landican Cemetery where his coffin was draped with a Conway ensign.

I am grateful to Neville Humphreys for sending me this Obituary.

In March 2012 I received the following report from Russell Judge who had been in regular contact with Bill prior to his passing.

"I am sorry to report that Bill Waring has had a small stroke and is unable to travel and is unlikely to attend any further reunions.
Mentally he is OK with little or no memory loss but physically he finds it difficult to walk or even stand for any length of time.
He also has diabetes which has caused kidney failure and prostate cancer that was not caught quickly enough and has now spread.
Bill now lives in Kendal having moved there to be near his wife who had also had a stroke while living in Spain but was confined to the Leonard Cheshire Home at Holehird, Windemere.
Unfortunately, she died in 2010 and I suspect he never really got over this as they had been married for years, certainly since I first met him on "Oropesa" in 1968."

"Regret to inform you that Bill Waring died 19th February in Kendal.   As previously advised, he had been quite ill for some time and in the end, it was a bit of a release as his quality of life was nearly non-existent.
He went into a care home just before Christmas and I visited a couple of times.   Although coherent, Bill was in a poor way and it was obvious he was not long for this world.   He is now reunited with his late wife in Barrow (Thorncliffe) Cemetery."

Don Wheeler, Capt David Houghton and Lesley Wheeler at the 2008 Reunion

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.

		Information from "Chalkie" and his sister Judy Joined PSNC in June 1963 and initially served two years on the Pizarro before a 6 month break on the George Peacock and then returned to Pizarro for another year.   He completed his apprenticeship on the Black Prince. After obtaining his Second Mate's ticket He did a 14 month stint on the George Peacock before going to Warsash for his First Mates ticket. By this time PSNC was swallowed up by Furness Lines and Houlder Brothers with whom he stayed until 1978 when he left to join Rowbotham Tankships. Dudley obtained his Master's ticket at Warsash and specialised in dangerous cargoes in tankers. He came ashore in 1999 when he failed his medical because of diabetes which affected his eyesight. He was married three times (two were short-lived marriages) and the third was to Jen in 1993, but they separated in 2004. Sadly, Dudley died on 11th November 2010 at the early age of 65 from kidney failure.

			Colin died peacefully in hospital, June 8, 2009, aged 74 years. He was a 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. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Service was at St. Jerome's Church, Formby on Thursday, June 18 at 10.30 a.m. followed by Private Cremation at Southport Crematorium. The request was for family flowers only, but donations, if desired, 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.