Obituary: John C. Gowie – distant water skipper and fishing journalist

John C. Gowie, the former technical editor of Scottish Fishing Weekly, sadly passed away recently.

A former fisherman from Aberdeen, his love of fishing and everything related to the industry always shone through, as did his compassion and wonderful sense of humour.

After retiring from sea, he became technical editor for Scottish Fishing Weekly, part of the Oban Times Group, in 1989. Based in Aberdeen, John covered a wide range within his work. As well as boat reviews and general reporting from the East Coast, he wrote the popular ‘Gearbox’ column, where he looked at technical issues facing the successful operation of a fishing vessel. He was especially interested in fishing gear and how to maximise catching performance under different sea conditions.

Keith Broomfield, who worked alongside John in the Aberdeen office of Scottish Fishing Weekly (SFW) said: ‘John was in so many ways ahead of his time, being very aware of the importance of sustainability and conservation, and of finding ways to ensure that trawls released juvenile or unwanted fish species.

He cared about the industry and its sustainability.’ Born on 2 April 1937, John first went to sea as a deck hand aged 16 on fishing boats working the distant water grounds towards the Arctic, serving on vessels such as Aberdeen Venturer, Japonica, Ben Brackie, and Ben Loyal. He was quickly recognised for his leadership potential and sound common-sense, and worked his way up to skipper boats for the Ben fishing fleet, becoming one of the top skippers of his time. He was particularly proud of serving on the Ben Asdale, which had developed a formidable reputation as a top fish catcher.

John loved fishing but he never talked much about his time at sea, despite the many adventures and experiences he must have faced in truly challenging conditions. Although, he once let slip in a private conversation that on one occasion he was washed overboard from his vessel in stormy and icy seas, only for the next wave to send him crashing back onto the deck again!

On retiring from sea in the late 1980s, he was the perfect choice to become its east coast correspondent and technical editor for the then fledgling SFW, bringing fishing knowledge and experience to the small team of journalists working on the paper at the time.

Alison Chadwick, who also became the paper’s editor, along with Finlay Oman and Keith Broomfield who were part of the editorial team, remember him as being generous and kind-hearted, and always with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was a formidable mentor, keen to offer advice and guidance, and quickly pointing out if he felt something was wrong or unfair.

Alison said: ‘I was privileged to work with John on SFW for many years. He was a true Aberdonian – ‘stoic throughout’ – and a better colleague and friend you could not have wished to work alongside.

‘John was the first Scottish correspondent based on the East Coast for SFW. From his office on the quayside in Aberdeen he would cast a sharp eye over the comings and goings of the fleet of fishing and commercial boats and many folk called-in to get his ‘craic’ and great sense of humour.’

John and his wife Sheila had five children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.