Newquay RNLI Volunteers Say Goodbye to Friend and Former Colleague Ron Eglinton

Lifeboat station pays tribute to dedicated volunteer

Current and past volunteers from Newquay RNLI lifeboat station gathered at St Michael’s Church, Newquay, on Tuesday, 25th February, to honour the life of Ron Eglinton, a long-serving RNLI volunteer who passed away on 22nd January at the age of 96.

Decades of Service to Newquay RNLI

Ron dedicated over four decades to Newquay RNLI, holding a variety of key roles from 1965 to 2008. His involvement began when the lifeboat station reopened in June 1965, serving as a crew member until July 1978. His experience and deep knowledge of the sea led to his appointment as a deputy launching authority in 1988, before taking on the role of honorary secretary (now lifeboat operations manager) in 1997, a position he held until 1999.

Even after stepping down, Ron’s commitment to the station remained unwavering. He became branch president in 2001 and continued in the role until 2008. Despite retiring from official duties, he remained a familiar face at the annual Lifeboat Day, lending his support whenever he could.

A Lifeboat Legacy

Newquay RNLI’s current lifeboat operations manager, Gareth Horner, paid tribute to Ron’s enduring influence, highlighting the respect and admiration he commanded at the station.

“A builder and boatman, Ron had become a member of Newquay lifeboat crew on the re-opening of the station in June 1965, serving until July 1978. His experience and great knowledge of the sea was put to good use when he became a deputy launching authority in July 1988, a role he filled until being appointed honorary secretary (a role now known as lifeboat operations manager) in February 1997, retiring in March 1999.

Ron also served as branch president from May 2001 until July 2008. However, relinquishing office did not mean an end to his unfailing dedication to Newquay RNLI and he continued to help out at our annual Lifeboat Day every year.

Ron was very proud when his son and grandson followed his example and joined the lifeboat crew. A larger-than-life character, always ready with a smile and a joke, he was much loved and hugely respected by everyone at the lifeboat station.

Ron did not suffer fools gladly and was certainly not a ‘yes man’, often crossing swords with authority in his efforts to look after the best interests of his crew. Always willing to share his knowledge, his influence and the encouragement he gave was legendary and was the making of many a crew member’s career. Ron always had time for people and the goodwill that emanated from him is reflected in the affection and great respect in which he is held and he will be long-remembered by many.

Ron’s loss is deeply felt at Newquay lifeboat station and we offer our condolences to his family.”

Remembered with Affection and Respect

Ron’s impact stretched beyond the roles he held—his knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support shaped the careers of many lifeboat crew members. His son and grandson continued his legacy, following in his footsteps as lifeboat crew members themselves.

The station mourns the passing of a larger-than-life character who will be long-remembered for his dedication, warmth, and enduring contributions to Newquay RNLI.

Photo:  Ron (front row, second left) with Newquay RNLI colleagues, pictured sometime between 1969-79. Credit: David Malone/Newquay Nostalgia.