Surfladle

28/07/10

A week ago last Sunday morning Phil's family and close friends met at the beach to place two floating flower bouquets out onto the water where Phil had spent many a happy day. In time honoured fashion, and an event which I am sure Phil must have laughed at, one of the boats didn’t quite make it all of the way out the correct way up.

I have added a few of the pictures that were taken for those of you who could not be there in person (larger images can be seen in our Gallery. )

Phil's family have named the RNLI as a charity people can donate to if they would like to do something on Phil's behalf, so perhaps you could put just a little something into the RNLI collection boat on our counter the next time you drop by.

09/07/10
This is one News item that I would rather not have had to write, and have delayed doing so only in respect to the family, as it announces the departure of a friend who we all will miss.

Phil Wickens, who many of you will have known if you sailed at Shoreham, Worthing or Hove, died last Saturday evening after suffering a fatal blood clot.

Phil had spent the afternoon sailing, as many of you did, in gloriously warm and windy summer conditions, but whilst packing his kit away he collapsed, and although he was immediately attended to by fellow windsurfers, two passing nurses and then by the Paramedics (who everyone has commended for their efforts), his condition would not allow a recovery.

I am not sure if there is ever a good time to move on from this pretty world of ours, but I have been told by a person who at the end of the afternoons sailing saw Phil sitting against a beach hut with his wetsuit around his waist, that he had the look of someone who was really contented.

Phil was one of the nicest guys we have ever had the pleasure to know, so polite and easy to get on with, yet with a wicked sense of humour and a real sense of fun. He owned a very successful engineering company in Portslade, servicing Aerospace and other High-Tech. industries, but by his laid back approach to life you would never have guessed it! His attitude to sailing was just as brilliant, get out there, have fun and always smile.
His smile is one we won't forget.

Phil's committal is being held at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton next Thursday the 15th at 12.45pm and the family will be happy for any of Phil's friends from the beach to attend. I am sure flowers will be accepted, but a donation to the RNLI would be preferred and you can do this at the service or drop it into us at the shop. You can find directions to Woodvale Here.

Our sincere condolences and best wishes for the future go out to Phil's family, his close friends and to those who worked with him at his company.


Thank you Phil, for having been part of our world.