I bring more sad news at the start of the New Year. Captain John Fisher died on the 29th December at the age of 82.
John joined P&O as a 4th Officer in 1956 after previously serving with Runcimans. He then stayed with P&O until 1966 by which time he had achieved the rank of 2nd Officer.
After leaving P&O he joined the Port of London Authority (PLA) and remained with them until he retired. During this time, he served in a number of posts culminating in that of Harbour Master of the Lower District of the Thames and finally Harbour Master of the Upper District of the Thames.
The funeral will be at 2.00 pm on Tuesday the 15th January at Thames View Crematorium, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3JH.
John’s wife Anne has requested that dark clothing should NOT be worn.
Refreshments available afterwards at Bartellas Restaurant, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0JE.
Derek Warmington
Roy was the partner for 52 years of Bill Allison, Cruise Director with P&O Cruises (now retired).
Roy was born in Auckland, New Zealand and he began his theatre career there, becoming a prominent actor before moving to UK after World War 2. After working in various repertory companies and the Old Vic theatre company he moved into directing. In 1981 he joined P&O and became the Principal Theatre Director of the Stadium Theatre Company in ‘Canberra’, the first repertory company at sea, and he also wrote and directed the first musical shows that became a mainstay of the entertainment on board and remain so today.
Derek Warmington
Pippa was the widow of John Englefield retired Chief Engineer Officer with P&O Cruises who died in 2011, and the daughter of Charles Sheen who was an Entertainment Officer with P&O in the 1960’s.
The funeral will take place at 11.00 am on Friday the 21st December at St Keverne Church, 4 Lemon St, St Keverne, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6NG.
It was Pippa’s wish that this be a celebration of her life and those attending are requested to wear bright colours. Refreshments afterwards at The Paris Hotel, The Cove, Coverack, Helston TR12 6SX.
Derek Warmington
I am writing with the sad news that Maurice Dibsdall, former Senior 1st Electrical Officer with P&O/Princess, died on Sunday 11 November. He was aged 89 and had been in a care home since last January.
Maurice joined P&O in 1950, having previously served an apprenticeship in electrical engineering with Southern Railways. He was promoted to Senior 1st Electrical Officer in 1956 and remained at sea until his retirement in 1989.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
Further to my message below, Maurice’s funeral will take place at 10.00 am on Thursday 29 November at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, West End, Southampton, SO30 2HL.
Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Fox and Hounds, 3 Winchester Road, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, SO50 7GD.
Derek Warmington
I have received the following sad news from Rod Clayburn: -
“News has been received that John Pace, Senior First Electrical Officer, passed away on the 4th November 2018.
John served his apprenticeship with ICI Grangemouth and upon completion in 1955 joined P&O.
During his career with P&O John sailed on the Aden, Chusan, Strathbrora and was with the first P&O engineering team lead by Maurice Marriott that stood by the fitting out of “Spirit of London” in 1970/1 at Riva Trigoso and La Spezia, Near Genoa, Italy. John’s surname, PACÉ with the acute é, is pronounced ‘Pachay’ in Italian and means ‘Peace’ in English, this resulted in John obtaining the nickname ‘Pachay’.
Following the Spirit of London becoming the Sun Princess (1) John moved on to the newly acquired Pacific Princess (1) and Island Princess (1) and Sea Princess (1).
John retired from P&O when on Canberra in 1995.
John’s funeral was held at Falkirk Crematorium, on Wednesday, 14th November 2018. There were family flowers only and a collection in aid of Macmillan Nurses.”
Anyone requiring further details please contact Rod Clayburn at: rod.clayburn@ntlworld.com
Derek Warmington
David joined P&O in 1969 having previously been with Lloyd’s Register in Malaysia and Hong Kong. He retired in 1987.
In 1982 he was awarded the MBE for his role in preparing ‘Canberra’ and ‘Uganda’ for the Falklands’ Campaign.
The funeral will be at 10.30 am on Thursday the 8th November at Sunderland Crematorium, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR4 7RS.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from the USA that Anthony Fruscione, whose stage name was Tony Austin, passed away on the 2nd October at his home in Reno, Nevada, at the age of 95. Tony was the leader of the Tony Austin Trio, which was a Guest Band on board the P&O and Princess ships for over thirty years.
Tony, with the other two members of the Trio, Elmer Nemeth and Bob Jackson, was first employed by P&O on board ‘Arcadia’ for Alaskan Cruising in the late 1960’s. In 1972, the Trio joined ‘Spirit of London’ (later ‘Sun Princess’) for her maiden cruising season and in the years that followed, their popularity with the passengers ensured that they remained with Princess Cruises until the early 2,000’s, when they were obliged to retire due to Tony’s ill health.
Derek Warmington
More sad news received. Margaret O’Connor passed away on the 14th August at the age of 80.
As Margaret Hughson, always known as Margo, she was an Assistant Purser with P&O in the 1960’s and sailed in Canberra and Arcadia.
The funeral will be at 11.30 am on Wednesday 29th August at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5JJ.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from her daughter that Mini Klincke passed away on the 8th August at the age of 75.
As Mini Koopman, she was a ‘Dutch WAP’ (Assistant Purser) with P&O in the early to mid 1970’s and sailed in Arcadia and Canberra.
The funeral will take place at 2.00 pm on Wednesday the 29th August at St Botolph’s Church, St Botolph’s Church Walk, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE. This will be followed by burial at Oakfield Wood, Church Road, Wrabness, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2TQ.
Derek Warmington
Andrew joined P&O Cruises in 1980 as a Ship’s Accountant and transferred to management ashore in 1984, later becoming Finance Director. He retired in 2011.
There will be a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Andrew's life at 2.00 pm on Wednesday the 15th August at St Mary’s Church, Easton, Hants, SO21 1EH.
Light refreshments will follow at Easton Village Hall.
No flowers, but donations on Andrew's behalf to the Winchester Hospice through the website www.muchloved.com. Andrew’s page should be available from the start of next week.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Ted Hook passed away on the 20th July. He was aged 88.
Ted Joined the Orient Line in 1949 as an Assistant Purser and rose to be Purser before leaving the sea in 1959.
His subsequent career ashore covered many aspects of catering and supply including hotels, restaurants, duty free shops, bonded stores and franchise operations before being approached by P&O Ferries in 1975 to be their Fleet Supplies and Services Manager. This was followed in 1979 by his appointment as Group Manager – Administration until 1986.
There will a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate Ted’s life at 2.15 pm on Tuesday, 21st August at the Isle of Wight Crematorium, Whippingham, East Cowes, I.O.W., PO32 6NJ. Family flowers only but donations if desired to ‘The Merchant Mariners of Wight’, c/o Geoff Leather Independent Funeral Directors, 45 St James Street, Newport, I.O.W., PO30 1LG.
Refreshments will be available afterwards at the ‘New Holmwood Hotel’, Queens Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8BW. Would those planning to attend from the mainland please notify Judith Hook at judithrh@talktalk.net to provide an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news from Australia that Keith Fox passed away in Queensland on the 5th July at the age of 95.
Keith joined the Administration Department of the P&O Orient Lines Office in Sydney in 1962 and at the time of his retirement in 1988 he had been the Operations Manager of P&O Cruises in Australia for several years.
The funeral took place on the 12th July.
Derek Warmington
Neil (Bob) Whitmore died suddenly on the 25th June at the age of 83.
Neil, also known as Bob, joined P&O in 1952 as the Bureau Bell Boy in Stratheden and during the years that followed he worked his way up to the position of Head Waiter (Restaurant Manager). He left P&O in 1985 after being made redundant following the withdrawal of the first Oriana.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
I have received the sad news that Sylvia Hale passed away peacefully on the 23rd June at the age of 93. Sylvia was the wife of Alan Hale, retired Purser with P&O Cruises.
Sylvia Stevens joined P&O as a Nursing Sister in the early 1950’s and met Alan when they were both serving aboard Chitral.
The funeral will be at 12 Noon on Wednesday the 18th July at St. Lawrence’s Church, Mickleton, Gloucestershire, GL55 6RZ. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton, GL55 6SB.
Derek Warmington
It is my sad duty to pass on the news that Captain Derek Hansing passed away peacefully on the 11th June. He was 87 and had been in a care home for some time.
Derek joined P&O in 1947 as a Deck Cadet and left in the late 1970’s as Staff Captain of Canberra. After leaving P&O, he continued his seagoing career in cargo ships and offshore supply vessels, before founding “Hansing and Associates” a marine surveying company.
The funeral will be held at 12.45 pm on Thursday the 12th July at Guildford Crematorium, New Pond Road, Godalming, GU7 3DB.
Refreshments will be available afterwards at The Inn on the Lake, Ockford Road Godalming, GU7 1RH. If you plan to attend, please email Tim Hansing, Derek’s son, at hansing@mac.com, to give him an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
More sad news. Geoffrey (Geoff) Copus died on the 10th June at the age of 88.
Geoff joined J B Westray & Company (Brokers to the New Zealand Shipping Company) in 1950 at 128 Leadenhall Street, and then in 1967 transferred to P & O and joined the Baggage Department in the Cockspur Street office. Eighteen months later, he moved to Beaufort House and joined Passenger Relations where he eventually became Passenger Relations Manager. He retired in 1990.
The funeral will be at 2.30 pm on Wednesday the 4th July at St Barnabas’ Church, Stanley Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2RH. Afterwards there will be a party to celebrate Geoff’s life at 17 Oakdale Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8DS (non alcoholic refreshments). Some may then wish to adjourn to the nearby Beau Nash Tavern from approximately 5.30 pm onwards.
If you plan to attend the funeral and/or the party at Oakdale Rd, please send an advice to geoffreycopus@outlook.com to give the family an indication of numbers.
Derek Warmington
Eileen Baigent died on the 9th June at the age of 89. Eileen was Secretary/Personal Assistant to Bill Williams in the Staff Department of 122 Leadenhall Street and later Beaufort House. After leaving P&O she moved to Cornwall and later to Shipston-on-Stour in Warwickshire.
The funeral took place at Banbury Crematorium on the 25th June.
Derek Warmington
More sad news. I have been advised that Jeff Woodhead died on the 31st May at the age of 70.
Jeff joined P&O in 1963 as a Deck Cadet and left in 1973 as 2nd Officer.
The funeral will be at 11.00 am on Wednesday the 13th June at St Luke’s Church, Headley Road, Grayshott, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6LF. Refreshments afterwards at the Fox and Pelican, Headley Road, Grayshott, GU26 6LG.
Derek Warmington
The sad news has been received that David King, retired Chief Engineer Officer, died on the 25th May as a result of a stroke three weeks previously. He was aged 86.
After serving an apprenticeship, David joined P&O in November 1953 as an Assistant Engineer Officer and spent the whole of his subsequent career at sea with P&O and P&O Princess until his retirement. He was promoted to Chief Engineer Officer in July 1965.
The funeral will be at 2.00pm on Wednesday the 13th June at Roucan Loch Crematorium, Roucan Road, Collin, Dumfries, DG1 4JF. Afterwards, refreshments will be available at the Caledonian Hotel, 67 Annan Road, Dumfries, DG1 3EG.
Derek Warmington
Some of you may have already heard the sad news that Clive Simpson passed away suddenly on the 20th May at the age of 71.
Clive had been due to attend the reunion on the 4th May but earlier that week he was taken ill with a stomach ulcer and admitted to hospital. There, on investigation, he was found to have stomach cancer.
After serving an apprenticeship, Clive joined P&O in 1972 as an Electrical Officer and served at sea until 1978 when he transferred ashore as a Technical Assistant Electrical. During the succeeding years he became Assistant Electrical Superintendent (1981), Electrical Superintendent (1990), Technical Superintendent (2003) and finally Ship Manager with Carnival UK (2008). He retired in 2012.
Funeral details are still awaited.
Derek Warmington
Further to my message yesterday, I can now advise that Clive’s funeral will take place at 3.15.pm on Friday 8 June at Test Valley Crematorium, Ridge Lane, Romsey, SO51 6AB.
Afterwards, Refreshments will be available at The Mortimer Arms, Romsey Road, Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AF.
Derek Warmington
Dr Tom Poole passed away on the 23rd April. He was 97 years of age and had been in a Care Home since his wife died in January.
Tom Poole was the Chief Medical Superintendent of the P&O Group until his retirement. Prior to joining P&O, he had been the Medical Officer for the Inchcape Group in Assam, India
Derek Warmington
Mary Aston passed away in Cheltenham General Hospital on the 18th April at the age of 81.
As Mary Gedge, she was a Children’s Hostess in Canberra from late 1964 until early 1966.
Derek Warmington
Bert Booth passed way in a nursing home in Aberdeenshire on the 15th April. He was aged in his late eighties.
Bert joined P&O in 1970 and was the Furnishing and Equipment Manager in the Hotel Services Department of P&O Princess Cruises in Southampton. He retired in 1991.
Derek Warmington
News has been received from her daughter that Patricia Spread died on the 7th April. She was 70 and had been diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer only one month previously.
Patricia was the widow of Richard (Dick) Spread, former Chief Officer and Acting Deputy Captain who died in 2013 at the age of 72. He left P&O in the mid 1980’s.
Derek Warmington
Ronnie was a Chief Engineer Officer with Cunard who also sailed in several P&O Princess ships after the Carnival takeover. His last appointment prior to his retirement was ‘Adonia’ in 2016.
Ronnie spent 25 years at sea with Denholm Ship Management where he rose through the ranks to Chief Engineer Officer before spending a period with Renaissance Cruises and joining Cunard in 2003.
Derek Warmington
Linda Onyskiw passed away on the 23rd of February at the age of 60.
Linda was a Nursing Officer with P&O Princess for approximately 10 years, leaving to work ashore early 1997. She served on several ships during her time in Canberra, Oriana, Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Star Princess and Sky Princess.
After leaving the sea she worked for BUPA, in Occupational Health.
David A Jewkes
Ken Gibson, former Chief Radio Officer, passed away on 13 February. He was 92 years of age.
After Ken had trained as a Radio Officer, he joined Marconi and his first ship was mv ‘Niconia’, a Shell Tanker, in February 1944. His first P&O ship was ‘Arcadia’ in January 1954 and he sailed in various ships of the P&O Princess fleet during the years that followed. He retired when he left ‘Pacific Princess’ in December 1985.
In 1982, he was Chief Radio Officer of ‘Uganda’ during the Falklands campaign.
Derek Warmington
Captain Cecil ‘Cess’ Smylie died suddenly on the 7th February at the age of 83.
After attending the Thames Nautical Training College, HMS Worcester, Cess joined P&O as a Deck Cadet in 1951 and his first ship was ‘Soudan’. His last appointment was as Staff Captain of ‘Oriana’ in the early 1970’s.
After leaving P&O, he pursued a career in Pilotage and Port Agency Management in the Middle East for several years, before becoming Managing Director of Fairdeal International Ltd, a Shipping and Ship Management Company, based in the Baltic Exchange in London.
He was also a Past Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
Derek Warmington
Bill Brooker, former Storekeeper and member of Hotel Services in Southampton, died in February aged 86 (dob 24.12.31) in Blackpool where he had been living in retirement.
Derek Warmington
Gordon Durnford passed away on the 18th January after losing a long battle with cancer. He was 79.
Gordon joined the Orient Line in 1956 as a Cadet Purser and remained at sea until 1961/2 by which time he held the position of Tourist Purser (Senior Assistant Purser). He then moved to Australia where he worked in the P&O Orient Lines Office in Sydney for several years, before moving into television advertising and later magazine advertising.
Gordon lived in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, south of Sydney.
Derek Warmington
Mrs Katie Poole passed away in her sleep on the 10th January at the age of 93.
Katie was the wife of Dr Tom Poole, the former P&O Medical Superintendent.
Derek Warmington
