Dad.

[mattlad]

Hi folks I just thought I better let you know that my father, David Phillips, passed away this evening after a long illness.

 

Some of my earliest memories are of boating on a wooden ex Leonard Leighs tug which was the family boat for a time, we sold it while I was still young and although we didn't go on the canals for many years we still maintained a presence on the water with dinghy sailing, "kinky craft" races and...... an old wardrobe! (A story to be told one day.......)

 

We returned to the canals after a hire boat holiday 21 years ago when we purchased a boat from Les Allen and Sons and fitted it out. We've had many adventures on "Narrowboat May" made many lifelong friends and met many wonderful people.

 

Dad retired from the motor-trade at the age of 65 in 2002. After 3 years boredom set in and after some wheeling and dealing he formed RN Diesel Engine Company Ltd and set up a production facility in Daventry, continuing production of Russell Newbery engines.

 

Sadly it was too short a journey as health issues set in but Dad put up a brave fight and was still running the company even after he had had a laryngectomy.

 

Obviously we sold the company but we managed a few trips on the boat until last year when health issues called time on his boating career. Dad was very pleased that the boat has remained in the family.

 

I know that many people on this forum won't know my father but I'm sure that there are more than a few who do, and probably quite a few who met him without realizing who he was.

 

Dad, David Phillips, 24/07/1936 - 24/08/2014 RIP. For too short a time, "Mr Russell Newbery" The cut won't be quite the same!

 

I will also post this in the vintage engine section of this forum.

 

Edited for details and typos.

Edited August 25, 2014 by mattlad

[MtB]

I'm very sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.

 

I think I had a rather long chat to a chap who was probably your father at a boat show seven or eight years ago on a Russell Newbery stand. He was telling me about how he was getting the company back on it's feet and making new engines once again.

 

MtB

[leeco]

so sorry about your loss.

 

RIP

 

But it sounds like he had a great life.

Edited August 25, 2014 by leeco

[deckhand]

My sincere condolences to you and your family. It sounds like you and your dad created some special times for you to remember. I, too, no longer now have my dad around to share life with but I do know, that to have some great times to think about and to remember, will stay with you forever.

Edited August 25, 2014 by deckhand

[Southern Star]

Obviously as a newbie I never knew your Dad but he sounds like he lived a very fulfilling life and I'm sure you have the most wonderful memories to take forward, may he rest in peace.

[Beaker]

My condolences.

[John V]

My condolences.

 

 

Ditto from me

[Wanted]

Sorry to hear of your loss, and I'm glad you were able to create some amazing memories. All the best.

[Nightwatch]

Sad news for you and your family.

 

My thoughts are with you.

 

Memories, what would we be without them?

 

Martyn

[Dyertribe]

Sincere condolences from me too.

Alyson

[keble]

My condolences too. I know a few RN aficionados and all are great types. Enjoyed some cider with them at a rally in Saul 6 years ago.