A minute's silence was observed and the flag flown at half mast by the Lizard Lifeboat Station last night (June 7) following the death of former crew member George Mitchell.

Posting on Facebook the station said: "All at The Lizard Lifeboat station were so very sorry to hear of the passing of our friend and former crew member George Mitchell earlier today.

"Our station flag has been lowered to half-mast in his memory and our thoughts go out to George’s family at this very sad time. A true character who will be very sadly missed by us all."

A minute's silence was also observed for George in the station prior to the evening's exercise launch.

 

Photographs: Lizard RNLI & Steven Legge

Photographs: Lizard RNLI & Steven Legge

The sentiments were echoed by many people commenting under the post .

Karen Grimes said: "Am so very very sad to hear of George's passing. Have known him since I was a baby (as he was always reminding me!). A lovely man and a real character who will no doubt be sorely missed. RIP George."

Ann Russell said: "Really sad to read this news. We looked forward to chatting with George and watching him making nets at Cadgwith. We will miss him a lot. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest easy George and thank you for your company and tales of times past."

Nigel Wood said George was a "true gentleman" always smiling and laughing and would be missed by all while Rachel Marshall said: "Sincere condolences to Mr Mitchell’s family and all at Lizard RNLI. It’s so sad when someone who’s played a big part in a community passes. We ‘sail’ into peoples lives, and leave enduring memory ‘ripples’ as we pass. God bless him."

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Photographs: Lizard RNLI & Steven Legge