News / Tributes paid
TRIBUTES have been paid after the former chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Sir Michael Vernon died at the end of last month, aged 87.
Lerwick’s Severn class lifeboat was named after Sir Michael and his late wife Jane in 1997.
Operations manager Malcolm Craigie said Sir Michael took great pride in the Lerwick lifeboat station and had been keeping in touch ever since.
“There was no major donor for building the lifeboat and since he had close connections with Lerwick in the past and had been chairman of the RNLI for a number of years, the boat got named after him and his late wife.
“He has made annually donations to crew’s fund in recognition that the boat had been names after him. We are appreciative that he kept ties with us and has been regularly in contact over the years,” he said.
Born in 1926, he served with the Royal Marines during World War 2 and then joined Spillers Ltd in 1948 becoming chairman and CEO from 1968-1980.
During this time he had a long association with the sea through his sailing activities.
Sir Michael was appointed to the RNLI committee of management and was its chairman between1989 and 1996.
He is survived by his third wife Penelope and his one surviving son Mark, from his first marriage, and three grandchildren.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.