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Captain BJ Waters OBE RFA(Retd) Crossed the Bar Sitrep 1 (412)

Published on Saturday, 09 June 2018 11:04 Hits: 2325

Category: Crossed the Bar

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Sitrep 1 Funeral Arrangements

It is with so much sadness that I report that Captain B (Brian) J Waters Crossed the Bar this morning (9 Jun 2018) aged 74 in a Salisbury Hospice. Brian was a stalwart of the RFA Association as a former Trustee, Chairman and latterly President of the Solent Branch, his contributions to all our activities will be sorely missed.

Brian's funeral will take place at St Lawrence Church Salisbury (HERE for their website and HERE for a map) at 14.00 hrs on the 27^th June 2018 followed by a committal and private cremation. Rig of the day “sober” dark Tie/ RFAA tie.

Friends, colleagues and shipmates will be made most welcome to attend the service at St Lawence Church and wil be invited to join the family afterwards for refreshments.

Family flowers only but donations in Brians memory, if desired, should be made to the Salisbury Hospice (HERE for their website and HERE for a map) donations will be coordinated by the Funeral Directors I N Newman from their Salisbury office (HERE for their website and HERE for a map)

On behalf of the RFA Association I offer our sincere condolences to Stephanie and all his family.

If you have any remembrances of Brian please email them to me at captain.pat@rfa-association.org.uk and I will post them on this page. I am also looking for photographs of Brian for this piece and the RFA Association Gallery and Archive, If you have one please email it to me.

Pat Thompson Writes:-

I never actually sailed with Brian but over the years we frequently met up together on courses, cross deck and to swing the lantern. We both joined the RFA at about the same time, me from a north east coast tramp outfit and Brian from the Blue Funnel Line aka the "Scouse Navy" and our RFA careers pretty well ran concurrently. Brian served in RFA Headquarters back in Empress State Building Days and was always proud to state that he was the last "Marine Superintendant" with the RFA.

Fair winds and following seas Brian, I will miss you and your wise counsel, your warmth and friendship

Peter Fry writes:-

I sailed with Brian back in 1986 on the Fort Austin when a young, newly appointed, green as grass STO(N) and he the Chief Officer. He was a joy to be with, both as a wise, experienced mariner, never outwardly ruffled, happy to advise and always with the right words to ease tensions and pressures and as a friend with a quick quip, a joke and the ability to make one feel totally at ease in his company. I have enjoyed the same company socially over many years with the RFAA for which he worked incessantly. A lovely man and a good friend he will be greatly missed. Anne and my condolences go to Stephanie and their family at this very sad time.

Peter & Anne Fry

Martin Seymour writes:-

Brian was a Gentleman and will be sadly missed by the old RFA. We had fun together.

Regards

Martin Seymour

ex Sparky and later converted to SEO

Pam Axworthy writes:-

A true gentleman whose support to me during my early days as a trustee were much appreciated. Rest in peace.

Pam

Ray Bennett writes:-

I sailed with Brian three times and worked once the office for him. Each time was a good ‘trip’ and in the early days as Chief Officer he was something of a mentor to me. Probably most memorably was when Gold Rover lost her rudder off the Falklands. Worst weather I’d ever known! I was on the foc’sle head with the bosun and sailors trying to connect a tow from the harbour tug that had battled its way out to us. While trying not the be washed off the deck I radioed the bridge to speak to Brian, to be told he was lying down. Thought it odd, but passed the message via the navigator. Later found out he was trying to run the ship and control a nose bleed. After we were safe and in the bar (am I allowed to still say that?) the next day it was a subject of great amusement with Brian laughing the loudest. It is really sad that we have lost a shipmate all too soon! Calm seas and fair winds.

Shaun Jones writes:-

I sailed with Brian in FORT AUSTIN (1986) during a very long and extremely busy Falklands deployment. It was my first “big ship” Nav/Ops appointment and very daunting with a large replenishment programme and 4 Sea Kings embarked. Brian was the Chief Officer and provided much highly valued advice and mentoring throughout. He was never too busy to assist and I will be eternally grateful to him for his guidance, friendship and encouragement. My sincere condolences go to his family at this sad time.

Shaun

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