By Julie Morgan

Last updated at 12:00, Thursday, 12 July 2012

WHITEHAVEN’S former harbourmaster, Neil Foskett, has died.

Neil Foskett

Mr Foskett, who had battled cancer, died last Saturday. He was 47.

In 2001 he succeeded Capt David Allan as Whitehaven harbourmaster and helped developed the marina until leaving his post in 2009 when he became harbourmaster at Maryport.

Capt Allan said: “He was a very likeable, and capable, lad. I am very sorry to hear about his passing.’’

Mr Foskett, a marine engineer, has also worked with Cunard and was previously a fitter at British Steel.

In a previous interview with The Whitehaven News, he said: “Most of my family have had connections with the sea, in one form or another, and two of my uncles, who are serving chief engineers, persuaded me to give it a try.

“In my summer holidays I went on a couple of trips ‘coasting’ and enjoyed it and the work, so I applied to Cunard as an engineer cadet.’’

Last January, Mr Foskett helped present Hospice at Home West Cumbria with a cheque for £1,150 after he played in the reformed Sour Mash band at a charity concert.

Gordon Thomson, former chairman and now president of Whitehaven Harbour Commissoners, interviewed and appointed Mr Foskett as the town’s harbourmaster.

“He was a very personable and confident young man. We worked together, attending conferences and he became a very good friend,’’ Mr Thomson said.

“Neil was very supportive, efficient and respectful in his work. He will be missed by everyone and will remain in the hearts of all those associated with Whitehaven harbour.’’

The funeral of Mr Foskett, who leaves a wife, Helen, and children Lauren and Cameron, will be held at Distington Hall Crematorium tomorrow at 1.15pm.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk