www.ran-skilledhands.net

Last night, Saturday 16th August 2008, Peter Cottam let go all lines and crossed the bar for his final time. His wife Desley was with him at the time.

Pete fought a hard battle against cancer over a short couple of months, but as happens so often in these circumstances, he was not victorious this time.

Pete was no stranger to this fight, having lost his first wife to the same malady shortly after the birth of his daughter Christie in the mid 70's. (Interestingly, he always called her Polly, and I never knew her real name until the mid 80's.) And his assistance to Christie's son Elijah in his fight against a similar disease is well documented on this site.

Farewell, my friend. You take with you the knowledge that you were loved by all you knew. Likewise, thank you for the privilege of being your mate for 30 years.

I am reminded of one of George S. Patton's quotes, where he said: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the loss of such men. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived!"

Essentially right, but Pete's passing still leaves an empty space in my soul.

Vale, Peter Cottam. May you always have gentle breezes, fair skies, and a following sea wherever you go.

And save me a spot on the upper deck for when I get there.

Well said CJ,

RIP "Lumpy"

Farewell Lumpy, whilst I met you only once, through SeeJay and your presence on the site we all feel we've known you forever...

Rest on your oars brother, your journey's done...

My sincere condolences for all those who's lives you've touched....

Peter, thank you for keeping us informed. The sentiments expressed by Chris & yourself are shared by many people. The 4th intake of LEEUWIN JR's in particular have been keeping each other informed as to Pete's deteriorating condition.
Yes, we have all lost a good mate, the world has lost a good man, & more importantly Desley & family have lost a good husband & father.
Let's keep them in our prayers....Vic Boreham.

My deepest condolences to Peter's family and friends,although he has gone from your lives ,he obviously left his mark.Take strength in the knowledge that only his physical prescence has gone but his spirit will never leave you.

Vale "Lumpy",fair winds and a following sea.

Bob Moult

Rest in peace Pete, my thoughts are with you.

Your popularity was astounding, many people are very sad today.

SAD is certainly the word for today for sure.

The wind became a gentle breeze
The seas abated
The bar was smooth
Farewell Lumpy and God's speed

Very sad to hear of Peters passing, he has gone on ahead of us and yet he lives on in each of us.

Pete

You can rest easy now, we have the watch.

When you are in that big CIC in the sky and you get a call for fire, a fire mission from Hell, go ahead and take it as that will be me in trouble again and I'll need a good Aussie RP to bail me out again.
Remember to cancel danger close and fire for effect.

Psalm 23, Mariner's Version by Captain J. H. Rogers

The Lord is my Pilot; I shall not drift.
He leadeth me across the dark waters
And steereth me in the deep channels.

He keepeth my Log and guideth me by the star of holiness
for His Name's sake.

Yea, though I sail amid the thunders and tempests of life,
I shall dread no danger, For Thou art with me;

Thy love and Thy care, they shelter me.
Thou preparest a harbor before me in the homeland of eternity;

Thou anointest the waves with oil, and my ship rideth calmly,

Surely sunlight and starlight

Shall favor me all the days of my voyaging,
And I will rest in the port of my Lord forever.


Vale "Lumpy",fair winds and a following sea.