Man of the sea remembered for his generosity

Get on with it and get the job done. It was the Fred Bairstow way.

When hundreds gathered last Thursday to farewell the founding Albany Sea Rescue squad life member, it was clear the sea was not his only passion but one he had dedicated his life to.

The echoes of a true gentleman rang throughout with his far-reaching dedication to many community groups in Albany.

Such was the turnout at the service which was a celebration of the 84-year-old’s life, work and character, only standing room could be found.

The moving sea ceremony on a brisk Thursday morning laid the foundations for a fitting afternoon tribute at the Wesley Uniting Church and adjacent Albert Hall where a simulcast was played to mourners.

But amid tears there was laughter and priceless cherished memories shared.

Sons Matthew, Colin and Les along with daughters Eileen and Angela remembered their dad’s love of the ocean, tennis, music and especially his family.

There was no doubt of one overriding theme of giving.

Affectionately known as Bam to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Mr Bairstow passed away earlier this month just days before the Sea Rescue squad’s Rescue 1 vessel was launched.

But he would become the vessel’s first passenger last Thursday in a fitting farewell to their patron and founding member.

A guard of honour from Port Authority workers watched on as the port’s pilot boat and two tugboats escorted the new vessel into the Albany marina, watched on by more than 50 family and friends before the crowd swelled to more than 500 at the afternoon service.

His four decades of involvement with Sea Rescue was recognised by son Colin, who also recalled his dad’s sea ventures with long-time friend Stan Austin, his pride and joy boat the Avon, annoying whistling and his unselfish nature.

Both had been a crucial cog of the Albany Sea Rescue squad team since its inception in 1974 and both received an Emergency Services Medal for distinguished service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2010.

Colin recalled the proud day in 2013 he received his 35-year service medal with Albany Sea Rescue alongside his father.

“To be with dad that day was a real honour,” he said.

“It was people like dad who could not say no and he was always helping out in any capacity he could do.

“I have never heard him say no.”

Son Les used his eulogy to detail his father’s dedication to sporting and community groups, which included the Merrifield Park Sporting Club from the start in 1959 and to the end of his life.

“For him it started and always remained a family affair,” Les said.

“The day before dad passed he was there helping out, that was his thing.”

He was the club’s first life member in the 1980s, an achievement “played down”, according to Les but an achievement he knew his father was immensely proud of.

The Princess Royal Sailing Club, Rotary Club and Mission to Seafarers were given similar commitment as his connection with the ocean continued into retirement.

“It was unparalleled commitment to the four clubs he was involved in,” Les said.

“In some way shape or form he always helped out.”