A Scots RNLI hero has been hailed a ‘true gent’ with an ‘incredible dedication to saving lives at sea’ following his sudden death. Dozens of heartfelt tributes have poured in for operations manager Stan MacRae, who helped establish RNLI Kessock Lifeboat, based near Inverness, more than 25 years ago.
His tragic passing was announced by grieving colleagues at the charity on Wednesday, February 15, with flags at the station lowered to half-mast. Writing on social media, they said: “It is with the greatest of sadness that we share the devastating news of the sudden and unexpected passing of one of our founding RNLI members Stan MacRae.
“As a station we are grateful for the outpouring of condolences which we pass to his family with love.” Friends, colleagues and members of the public have expressed their condolences with Stan’s family while sharing memories of the seafaring hero.
Alex Purves wrote: “Stan you were an absolute gent and a true friend to me who I often turned to for advice and a chat about family, lifeboats and flood rescue. You will be very sorely missed by all who knew you.
“My deepest condolences to your family who I know you loved with all your heart as you very often spoke about them, your friends and your RNLI colleagues in both your beloved Kessock and the wider RNLI. Rest easy my friend, your watch is over.”
Allan Lipp said: “Stan was a good man who did very good things to help people. Privileged enough to have worked alongside Stan on many shouts and exercises over the years, he was always passionate and deeply professional about the RNLI.
“He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Stan's family, friends and RNLI Kessock Lifeboat as well as the wider SAR family - who have lost a gent of a team member.”
Brian Foggo added: “An absolute gentleman! And a massive loss to everyone that knew him. Rest in peace Stan.”
Scottish Mountain Rescue posted: “We are extremely saddened to hear the news about Stan. Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with Stan’s family, friends and colleagues.”
James Lynch commented: “I learned a great deal from Stan during my time on the crew at Kessock. I also attended some memorable shouts with him.
“He was always very happy to share the vast amount of knowledge and experience that he had acquired over the years and supported me greatly during my time as crew.
“I was shocked and saddened to hear this news yesterday like many others and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. RIP Stan.
And the RNLI added: “Thank you so much for your incredible dedication to saving lives at sea, Stan. Our thoughts are with family, friends and the crew.”
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