All supporters of Swanage Lifeboat will be sad to hear that Walt Bishop collapsed and died on Sunday the 19th of August. He was 75. Walt had a long and distinguished association with the Swanage Lifeboat, joining as a shore helper in 1966. In 1968 he became a crew member on the 41ft Watson class lifeboat 'RLP' and became bowman on the 'J Reginald Corah' when she arrived on station in 1975. Walt continued to serve until he stepped down from the crew in August 1981. During that time there were 707 launches, and 440 lives were saved. Instead of retiring, Walt became Head Launcher until November 1992, and after having to give up this post, he became a regular boathouse attendant, imparting to many thousands of visitors his stories of past rescues, in his own inimitable way. Walt was unique, one of the now 'rare breed' of old lifeboatmen. At all times he carried out his duties with great professionalism, but it was always accompanied with his own distinctive wicked sense of humour. He was a great man, and it was a immense privilege to have served with him on the crew. Our thoughts go out to his wife Ros, his daughters Diana and Susan, and to his grandchildren and other members of his family. (Words thanks to Dave Corben)
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
Dulce et decorum est............
All supporters of Swanage Lifeboat will be sad to hear that Walt Bishop collapsed and died on Sunday the 19th of August. He was 75. Walt had a long and distinguished association with the Swanage Lifeboat, joining as a shore helper in 1966. In 1968 he became a crew member on the 41ft Watson class lifeboat 'RLP' and became bowman on the 'J Reginald Corah' when she arrived on station in 1975. Walt continued to serve until he stepped down from the crew in August 1981. During that time there were 707 launches, and 440 lives were saved. Instead of retiring, Walt became Head Launcher until November 1992, and after having to give up this post, he became a regular boathouse attendant, imparting to many thousands of visitors his stories of past rescues, in his own inimitable way. Walt was unique, one of the now 'rare breed' of old lifeboatmen. At all times he carried out his duties with great professionalism, but it was always accompanied with his own distinctive wicked sense of humour. He was a great man, and it was a immense privilege to have served with him on the crew. Our thoughts go out to his wife Ros, his daughters Diana and Susan, and to his grandchildren and other members of his family. (Words thanks to Dave Corben)
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6 comments:
A great loss to Swanage and to Swanage Lifeboat.
RIP Walt
A
I was very sad to hear of Walt Bishop's death.On my return to Swanage each year, Walt would have a few trips on the Rother.I am so glad he did this year,I'm going to miss him,he was a good man.
May your anchor always hold Walt,
with many fond memories,Roger.
I last chatted to Walt when he told me of the day 71 years ago when he caught his first fish. We anglers will miss him, always ready to cheer up a quiet fishing day day with his humour and sense of fun.... a good man.
Very sad news. I knew Walt well, a lovely fellow.
My daughter-in-law gave birth to Walt Bishop (7lb 10oz) on 29/11/07 in Wagga Wagga,NSW, Austrlia One in and one out. I hope the new one develops into a "good man" and I hope learns to fish.
That's superb news. I hope 'Walt' prospers and is as much of a credit to society as our Walt was!
Best wishes
John
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