Friends and colleagues who wish to attend Bob Doyle's funeral in Jarrow on 14 December 2022 should contact his son Michael at michael@doyleojeda.uk
Robert Doyle: 7 August 1955 – 22 November 2022
Robert had a 47 year career in the Merchant Navy. He never thought that he was academic, but eventually had tickets as a chief engineer for both diesel engines and steam. He sailed on just about any vessel - tankers, bulk carriers, banana boats, cable layers, dive support and passenger vessels. In his later years, he worked in the offshore oil and gas industry. He loved ships!
He was a keen supporter of the Merchant Navy union and enjoyed attending the conferences. He was a devoted husband and dad to his six children. He suffered in his last year from pulmonary fibrosis and still tried his best to remain independent and busy.
Catherine Doyle
Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson writes: I have sent sincere condolences to Bob Doyle's family on behalf of the Union. I knew Bob as he was on the Council when I was recruited to work for NUMAST, and he continued to serve until 2019.
I remember Bob was good company with a great sense of humour. He was dedicated to our work and served on pretty much all the Council committees during his time. This included the Establishments Committee, Professional and Technical Committee and our 'Blueprint for the Future', working group in which he supported me personally. I always valued his insight and his wit.
More letters
In memory of Anthony (Tony) Fell
In memory of Anthony (Tony) Fell, a former Council member and a Union member since 1963 who was dedicated to furthering the development of radio officers.
SED should be extended to all those at sea for over six months a year
Given the changes in the operation of UK-flagged vessels, is it not time for the rules around claiming Seafarers' Earnings Deduction to be reviewed?
Scarlett Barnett-Smith: the maritime woman my mother wanted to be
I was very pleased to read in the last edition of the Telegraph about the success of recently-qualified officer Scarlett Barnett-Smith, whom I first met during her time at the Port of London Authority (PLA)