Falmouth lifeboat crew bid farewell as Clifford slips his anchor (From Falmouth Packet)

Falmouth lifeboat crew bid farewell as Clifford slips his anchor

9:00am Friday 8th March 2013 in News By David Barnicoat

Falmouth lifeboat crewmembers joined other waterfront people, family and friends to say farewell to Clifford Atherton, of New Street, who slipped his anchor at the age of 93 years.

Moving eulogies were read at the funeral service by coxswain Alan Barnes and Jason Wilkinson.

Clifford served in the Army during the war taking part in many actions throughout Europe. He fought in Italy, Austria, France, and North Africa.

Originally from Manchester he came to Falmouth after the war with his wife Dorothy. He worked at the docks for a short time before joining Falmouth Corporation as a painter and decorator. Clifford retired in 1981 to look after Dorothy who died in 1987.

Former lifeboat coxswain Alan Barnes befriended Clifford offering him a job as a boarding boat attendant with the Falmouth Lifeboat a job he enjoyed for 20 years.

Clifford worked alongside mechanics Donald McLennan and then Tim Julian. A mild mannered gentleman, Clifford was always on hand to assist people. He leaves a daughter Anne.