Workington RNLI have announced the passing of former Operations Manager and Chairman Robert ‘Bob’ McLaughlin.

Bob McLaughlin had been recognised for 60 years of volunteering for the charity in January having followed his grandfather, who was a member of Whitehaven in 1925.

A spokesperson for Workington RNLI said: “We have extremely sad news to share today. Bob McLaughlin, a stalwart of Workington RNLI, passed away yesterday.
Bob was the backbone of the RNLI locally for over six decades.

“A legend to us all, his knowledge of the charity was unsurpassed and his passion boundless. We are flying our flag at half mast in honour of Bob.

“We will miss Bob. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

“Fair winds and following seas, Bob.”

The Chairman of Workington RNLI, Bob helped found St Bees Lifeboat Station before becoming senior helm there and was operations manager at Workington between 1995 and 2006.

A spokesperson for St Bees RNLI said: “We are very sad to hear the news that Bob McLaughlin, a mainstay of Workington RNLI, has passed away. Bob was one of the founder members of St Bees RNLI before moving on to Workington.

“Local RNLI events will not be the same without Bob there sharing his vast knowledge of the RNLI both local and national.

“Our thoughts are with his family and his fellow volunteers at Workington RNLI. Fair winds and following seas, Bob.”

A major supporter of Whitehaven RNLI fundraisers since 1985, he was appointed life president in recognition of his work.

A spokesperson for Whitehaven Coastguard said: “We are saddened today to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend Bob.
Our thoughts are with Bob’s family, friends and crew mates of Workington Lifeboat.
Fair winds and following seas.”

Bob was awarded one of the highest honours from the RNLI when he was named an honorary life governor of the RNLI in 2016, given to only a handful of people each year nationally.

This followed a British Empire Medal in 1988, plus numerous other honours and titles.

Bob was there for some of the most dramatic moments such as the Solway Harvester disaster that claimed seven lives and the sinking of the Siskin both in 2000.

He was also on board for the visit of the Duke of Kent.