Tobermory RNLI mourn loss of chairman Richard

Born in 1943, Richard ‘Popz’ Fairbairns passed away on Wednesday August 19, 2020, after a series of long illnesses.

Appointed chairman in 2014, Popz was a huge part of the lifeboat station. As a true man of the sea and with one of his sons, James, being second coxswain, Popz was a natural choice to be the station’s chairman. Popz cared passionately about the welfare of the volunteers as well as taking a keen interest not only in the activities of the lifeboat and its crew, but also those of the fundraisers and shop volunteers.

Popz was born in Yorkshire where his father was a leading stud farmer. The family then moved to Norfolk where they ran an arable farm. Popz took over the farm and as well as supplying onions to Marks and Spencer, flowers to Covent Garden and spinach to the Queen when she was at Sandringham, he created the first irrigation scheme in the county. The success of this during a drought led him to buy a yacht which started a lifelong connection to the sea.

In 1978, Popz moved to Mull with his wife Judy, who has gone on to become an accomplished writer. The couple took over the Quinish estate near Dervaig. This required Popz to teach himself about hill farming, as it is very different to arable farming. Other adventures followed. Together with Judy, he ran a four red rosette bed and breakfast. Popz also set up a recording studio on Mull, having been trained by former Beatles’ manager, George Martin. The studio attracted artists from all over the world and was where Capercaillie recorded their most popular album, Delirium.

However, it is perhaps Popz’s connection to cetaceans for which he will be best remembered. He established the first whale watching business and marine research centre in the UK, Sea Life Surveys, and was also instrumental in setting up the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

Deputy chairman, Ian Stevens said: ‘We were delighted that Popz agreed to be our station chairman. He was a delight to work with and was an asset to the station.’

Station Coxswain, David McHaffie said: ‘At the lifeboat station, we always talk about the RNLI as a second family. That couldn’t be more true with Popz. Not only was he a great, knowledgeable and kind friend, but he was the father figure in our second family.’

Popz leaves behind wife Judy, five grown-up children, 10 grandchildren and thousands of memories which will live on in many, many hearts.

His funeral will take place at Dervaig graveyard on Friday September 4 at 11am.

For full tribute, visit www. obantimes.co.uk