It is with great regret that I have to inform you all that Captain John “Sid” Kempton RFA, Rtd, (RFAA No 0068) crossed the bar today.
Funeral arrangements will be made known when we have them.
We send our condolences to his family and friends. RIP Sid.
UPDATE 2
By:
Mike Deegan, RFA Supply Officer 1986-1995 and currently Director of Fleet Operations and Legislative Affairs, Noble Caledonia Ltd.
In accordance with his wishes and those of his widow Jane, I have been asked to arrange to scatter the ashes of the late Captain Kempton at Drygalski Fjord, South Georgia from our expedition cruise vessel MS Island Sky by former RFA Chief Officer and retired FIPASS Harbourmaster Chris Locke. Accordingly we have arranged a discrete and appropriate ceremony on 25 February at which Chris will officiate and which will be attended by both the Duty Master of Island Sky (Captain Jose Fonseca) and his relief (Captain George Hendry – they will be conducting a handover at the time) when they will pay full respects to a departed former mariner as he is committed to the deep at the end of his final journey. On behalf of Noble Caledonia I have assured Jane that we shall be thinking of her and her wider family and shall take our responsibilities in this regard very seriously indeed to ensure that our late former shipmate is accorded the appropriate respect whilst he is in our care.
UPDATE
The funeral of the late Captain John (Sid) Kempton RFA Rtd will be held on 24th July at 1300 at Bournemouth Crematorium, North Cemetery, Strouden Avenue, BH8 9HX.
The Funeral Directors are Messers George Scott Funeral Services (01202 395 327).
Family flowers only but donations can be made to the following charity: The Macular Society, South St, Andover SP10 2BN include ‘In Memory of John Kempton’ in your response.
The reception will be held at the Meyrick Park Golf Club, Central Drive, Bournemouth, BH2 6LH. Please let Jane Kempton (via RFAA Admin) if attending so she can advise the caterers.