George, husband to Doreen and father to Lynn and me, Neil, was a committed RNLI supporter for much of his life. From a very young age I remember him talking of his great fascination and respect for the sea, acknowledging its power and hence the importance of the RNLI in making our seas a safer place. I know that the bravery of the rescue crews was something he admired greatly. I recall him once saying that he must have been a sailor in a previous life as he had no maritime background and could barely swim! Regardless, most of our family holidays were taken at seaside resorts around the British coast and the family would always take the time to visit the various lifeboat houses we found ourselves staying near. George Fletcher was the kindest and most gentle man you could ever wish to meet and I think that he recognised that same quality of kindness in such an amazing volunteer service as the RNLI.