Tributes paid to stalwart of the RNLI
EXMOUTH RNLI has paid tribute to former colleague Tim Mock, who has sadly passed away after a short illness, aged 62.
Tim worked for the charity for 34 years, first joining as a crew volunteer in April, 1980, aged 21, before becoming Boats Mechanic just three years later, in 1983.
After 30 years in the position, Tim handed in his pager and returned his keys to the lifeboat station on Christmas Day, 2013, before officially retiring in February, 2014.
Throughout his years of service, he received various RNLI awards for his work with the crew as well as receiving an honorary membership of the Exe Sailing Club in 2013 and Rotary Club citizen of the year award in 2014.
Andrew Woods, operations manager at the RNLI, said he was an “absolute stalwart in Exmouth RNLI history”.
“I have very fond memories of working with him and enjoying a pint after. Lovely man and surely missed by all that knew him,” he said.
Chair of Exmouth RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, Simon Davidson, said: “Even within the RNLI, people of the stature, personality, and with the devotion to service of Tim Mock are rare. No wonder that he was held in such high regard and affection by all who knew him.
“His family, friends, fellow volunteers and Exmouth have lost a colossus. Rest In Peace, Tim.”
Vice Chair of Devon County Council and Former Exmouth Mayor, Jeff Trail, said: “Exmouth will remember Tim for his long and exemplary service to the town’s residents and its visitors. In times of need, the Coxswain is ‘at the helm’ and making those all important decisions, very often in extremely hazardous and risky conditions, and Tim’s long service has shown that his decisions over the years have saved many, many lives.”
Volunteer RNLI Crew, Inshore Lifeboat Helm and Navigator, Guy Munnings, said: “I am fortunate enough to have served under Tim on many shouts in all sorts of weather always with full confidence that we would return safely.
“Whether we were crossing the bar at Salcombe in a Force 9 and the boat touching bottom or taking a large wave over the USP, Tim would take these things with his usual calmness and would just
give a sly smile and a raised eyebrow. He never demanded respect, he earned it through his knowledge and seamanship.”
Second Coxswain, Scott Ranft, paid his respects to Tim, saying: “Tim was always supportive to me as I learnt the role as crew, and he was happy to impart his knowledge and experience of the role.
“He was a very hands-on Coxswain in terms of Station and crew management and carried out his day-to-day duties diligently.”
Volunteer RNLI Crew and Inshore Lifeboat Helm, David Preece, recalls: “I’d go anywhere in any conditions with Tim at the helm and his passion and professionalism is why we still have a Shannon lifeboat at Exmouth.
“Exmouth and the RNLI owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Tim leaves behind his wife, Mel, and son Henry, who has followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Exmouth lifesavers as a crew volunteer in 2011, aged 17. He is now a fully qualified RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Helm, Head Launcher and Tractor Driver.
‘People of the stature, personality, and with the devotion to service of Tim Mock are rare’ SIMON DAVIDSON, RNLI