A retired shipping executive described by his family as a “maritime visionary” has died at the age of 98.

George Chapman, who was born in Falmouth, passed away in Dubai on October 29.

He was the former chairman of Port Rashid and ex-general manager of Gray Mackenzie (now Maritime & Mercantile International), and had spent the last 70 years of his life working mainly in Dubai.

He was born in Falmouth in 1925 and before the war was active in the Civil Defence and Home Guard.

In 1942 George joined the army, where he saw active service in the Arakan and Northern Burma.

Falmouth Packet: George has been described as a maritime visionary George has been described as a maritime visionary (Image: Family picture)

On demobilisation he joined the Falmouth Ship Agency but in 1950 felt the call of the East again and assumed employment with Gray Mackenzie. He was awarded the MBE in Oman in 1959 and OBE in Dubai in 1978.

George’s wife Doreen passed away in 2017 and he has two daughters Vanessa and Katherine.

The family will be meeting to celebrate his life and bid a fond farewell at the Trelowarren Inn, in Budock Water, at 3pm on the November 18.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to let Katherine know on 07939 805152.