The RNLI is mourning the loss of one of its volunteers who dedicated almost a quarter of a century to fundraising.

St Agnes Lifeboat Station said it was "with great sadness" that it announced the passing of Robert (Bob) Johnston, who died earlier this month, on November 8, at the age of 93.

His funeral took place on Thursday (November 19) at Treswithian Downs Crematorium and, due to current restrictions, fewer than 30 of Bob’s family and friends were able to attend.

Bob’s wife, Joan, had the difficult task of choosing who to invite to a funeral that, under normal circumstances, would have been so well attended by the community.

Representatives from the lifeboat crew, branch and guild were present to bid a final farewell, and the eulogy was read by RNLI representative Dave Nicoll.

Falmouth Packet:

Bob had a long and prestigious career in press relations, and in 1989, after retirement, he gave his time and expertise to St Agnes Lifeboat Station.

He was quickly snapped up into the role of press officer for the station and Bob was a master at producing the annual Lifeboat Day Yearbook - a feat which remains unrivalled to this day.

Bob was pleased that he was able to raise hundreds of pounds for the RNLI from donations for the yearbooks over the ten years he was writing them, in addition to money the adverts brought in.

Close to 25 years later, Bob handed over the lifeboat press officer duties but remained interested in the work of the RNLI and supportive of the station.

A spokesperson for St Agnes RNLI said: "He was a true gentleman, full of humour and cheer, always ready with a joke and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him at the station.

"St Agnes Lifeboat crew, branch and guild offer their deepest condolences to Joan, and to Bob’s family and friends at this sad time."

Donations for the RNLI are still being accepted by the funeral director, Malcolm Carveth, at San Marino, Goonbell, St Agnes, TR5 0PQ or call 01872 552587.

Online donations can also be made via the station's JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnli-st-agnes-lifeboat

  • With thanks to Chrissie at St Agnes Lifeboat Station