Newhaven RNLI and Fire Brigade remember volunteer at funeral

A lifeboat was launched and two flares were sent up to honour Andrew Norrie Macqueen, who passed away on Sunday, August 14, aged 62.

Andrew, who had also been in the fire brigade, passed away having suffered from cancer.

At his funeral, he was given a guard of honour by both fire and lifeboat crews in Newhaven.

Jim Macqueen, Andrew's brother, said: "Everyone thought it was so nice and they were very happy to see them there.

Andrew Macqueen's funeral joined by an RNLI lifeboat (Image: Jim Macqueen)

Andrew Macqueen's funeral wreath (Image: Jim Macqueen)

"He was a hero to everyone that knew him and lots of people have been contacting me on Facebook saying that he saved their lives."

Andrew joined the Newhaven RNLI as a volunteer when he was 17 and served for a total of 34 years, including a period of working full time.

A guard of honour was given to Andrew by RNLI crew (Image: Jim Macqueen)

Andrew from earlier in his life when he volunteered for the RNLI (Image: Jim Macqueen)

During his time with the lifeboat service he was most notably a part of the crew which saved the lives of those on board the Athina B when the vessel's engines failed and it ran aground on Brighton Beach in 1980.

Andrew is survived by his wife, Joy, who he married three months before his death, as well as his three children fom his previous marriage, Courtney, Scott and Hadleigh.

Lifeboat crew at Andrew Macqueen's funeral (Image: Jim Macqueen)

Jim added that Joy was often described as Andrew's "Miss Karma" as she "kept him on an even keel" during their time together.

Andrew's funeral took place on Friday, September 9, at The Downs Crematorium in Brighton.