Ian Davies, Hoylake RNLI writes:
As you may have noticed, at the Lifeboat station we are flying our RNLI flag at half mast to show respect to the passing of Mr JM Brumfitt who was a crew member from 1965 for at least 5 years. This symbol of respect is a tradition at Hoylake RNLI Lifeboat station where the flag is flown from the passing away until the funeral of past and present crew members.
I’m honoured that you showed repect for John in this way, He was involved for a number of years with Hoylake RNLI- while on leave from the Merchant Navy in late 50s and early 60s. Then on a more regular basis for the couple of years that we returned to live in Meols- 1964-1968. Finally for a short period in 1977 when on returning from Zambia we setlled back in Hoylake while job hunting.
My daughters and I are devastated at the sudden manner of John’s passing. At present we don’t have a date for the funeral but it will be held in Swansea.
Sue Vine Brumfitt
As you know none of our immediate family live in Hoylake any more- but if a kind Member on Hoylake Junction was able to photograph the flag it would mean a lot to us.
Sue
In the early fifties, whilst skylarking in Hoylake baths near the foot of the curly slide, my cousin jumped in off the side and landed on my head, laying me out cold. I would have drowned had I not been pulled out quickly. My rescuer was John Brumfitt.
R.I.P.John.
Thanks for that story Mike. John did work as a lifeguard for several summers at the Baths. But even when he wasn’t working spent loads of time there, as we all did in those halcyon days.
John was 72 and we retired to Swansea- from Berkshire- in 2011. In recent years his health hadn’t been great but nevertheless his death was sudden and unexpected.
Sue
I was only 11 or 12 years old at the time, John must have been 13 or 14. An early sign of things to come perhaps.
Thanks to Rob Lydiate who I think is the person who passed news of John’s death onto Hoylake RNLI, Rob if you read this would love to hear from you. I think Rob’s step Mum- Betty Skeggs gave him our sad news.
Thanks to the guys who spoke to Liz Keenan at the weekend and for the photo that has found its way to me- of the flag at half mast for my husband John Brumfitt.
We- my daughters and I- appreciate this so much.