Friends' tributes to Newhaven lifeboatman (From The Argus)

Friends' tributes to Newhaven lifeboatman

12:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

Tributes have been paid to a lifeboat volunteer who has died.

Gavin Butcher, who had three young children with his wife Lucy, died on February 25.

The 49-year-old, of Denton, Newhaven, was diagnosed with cancer in May 2012 while still serving with Newhaven’s lifeboat crew.

A statement from Newhaven RNLI said: “It is with great sadness we report that Gavin passed away peace- fully.

“Gavin joined the crew in 2006 and was appointed as assistant mechanic in 2008.

"He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 in recognition of his service.

“He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, especially his friends at the Newhaven lifeboat station.

“After Gavin was diagnosed fellow crew and friends of the lifeboat station raised £8,390 last July for Macmillan Cancer Support by mountain biking 100 miles of the South Downs Way and a sponsored walk over part of the South Downs.

“The huge sum raised reflects the popularity of Gavin and how his vol- unteering work has been appreciated.”

Coxswain Paul Legendre said: “Gavin was one of those larger than life characters who always looked out for others and would do anything for anyone.

"We have so many great memories from his time on the boat.”

The date for Mr Butcher’s funeral is to be confirmed.

Pay your tributes to Mr Butcher here.

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