IN MEMORIAM Tributes to valued members
Barney made the world a better place Port Stephens salutes good friend and shipmate in touching tribute.
S
unday, February 7, was a special day for members of MR Port Stephens, who were honoured to be asked to scatter the ashes of our former Coxswain, Watch Officer and Boat Manager, Barney Pinney. Our good friend had been bravely battling mesothelioma for some time and finally succumbed to this deadly disease in mid-December. He had been a most active member of our unit for eight years, holding the ratings of Coxswain and Watch Officer. He was also the current Boat Manager. Barney’s many skills ranged from being a competent and trusted skipper, skilled navigator and lecturer, engineer and systems expert. He was always willing to share his knowledge and wide ranging experiences. Barney’s wish for his ashes to
Coxswain Barney Pinney at the helm.
Members of MR Port Stephens line the breakwall to farewell Barney on February 7.
be scattered in the waters of Port Stephens from our vessel Port Stephens 31 was fulfilled during a small private family ceremony. Our members lined up on the breakwall in a touching salute to Barney as PS 31 departed the marina for his final trip across the bar.
As our members farewelled PS 31, PS 30 and Water Police 45 left the marina under flashing lights in response to a Mayday call from a boat on rocks. Barney was a good friend and shipmate. The world is a better place for Barney having been here
and without doubt our unit has been able to deliver on its promise to protect and serve our community due to his efforts. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his wife, Merril, and family. Tony O’Donnell & Iain Blackadder
Sussex Inlet loses its founding member New rescue boat named after John Nicholas before his passing.
M
embers of MR Sussex Inlet have farewelled founding member, (Francis) John Nicholas ESM. Volunteer marine rescue services in Sussex Inlet began in 1974 when John established a stand-by marine radio base in his home for the Shoalhaven Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, at Greenwell Point, of which he was a member. As more residents joined the organisation, it was decided in 1982 that Sussex Inlet should apply to the national headquarters of the RVCP to be recognised as a new division, serving the growing boating community of Sussex Inlet and St Georges Basin. The new division was formally established, with John appointed Divisional Commander. Members used their own private boats to meet the needs of the boating community,
John Nicholas ESM.
The commissioning of Sussex Inlet 20, named after John Nicholas.
providing an efficient rescue service for the local inland waters as well as the adjacent coastal waters of Wreck Bay. In 1991, John was promoted to Captain and appointed the RVCP Southern Region Captain for NSW. He was appointed Officer Commanding of the RVCP in 1998. John’s many honours and awards include the RVCP Bronze Albatross
Award for Bravery in 1994; Life Membership of RVCP in 1995 and MRNSW in 2012; the National and Centenary Medals 2001; the Emergency Services Medal 2002 and a South Coast Community Award in 2015. In his later years, John continued to actively serve as a night base operator, supporting 24/7 radio
operations until only a few years ago when his eyesight started to fail. He was ably supported by his wife Dot throughout his long career. The unit’s new rescue vessel, Sussex Inlet 20, was commissioned in 2020 and named John Nicholas to honour our founder’s lifetime of service to the boating community. Les Pataky SOUNDINGS | MARINE RESCUE NSW
47
