My thanks to LOF E&EO Robert (Bob) Bruce..who sent the following.
Bob Blake, Don Dunlop, Rod Wilkinson, Margaret and I attended today.
I passed on the messages from Campbell Dobie, Dennis Jakobaufderstroht, Bob Mayman, Jonathan Plunkett, Bob Stinchcombe and yourself.
Sheila was very pleased to hear from everyone and sends her thanks for your kind thoughts and support.
He was, like many a good man, a graduate of Leith Nautical College.
He served his time with Hunting’s of Newcastle, then joined LOF.
Andrew did a lot to support the RNLI and was a qualified lifeboat man. Sharon, his daughter who did a trip with us on the Victory, has a son who is now 3/E with Chevron. Apparently his Grandad did forgive him for crossing over to the dark side.
Rather than floral tributes, there was a collection on behalf of the RNLI. After the meal we had an LOF confab with Sheila and Sharon, swung a few lights and told a few sea stories. I’ve had a rummage through my photos, but didn’t find any of Andy, so I’ve attached the one from the order of service, which is a good one of him.