THE RNLI has paid tribute to a former coxswain of two of Barmouth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboats who recently passed away.

Ken Jeffs, former coxswain of the all-weather lifeboats, the Chieftain and the Princess of Wales died on Wednesday, 25 November.

Ken, 85, from Barmouth, spent his childhood on the quay. From a boy he learned from local boatmen and fishermen and went on to join the Merchant Navy in 1946, intending to make it his career.

However, when his father was taken ill he returned to Barmouth to help out the family business at the Birmingham Garage and to run the local ambulance.

He joined the RNLI in 1960, serving on the Inshore Lifeboat from 1967 until 1975. Ken served as second coxswain on the Chieftain for nine years, becoming coxswain in 1979. He retired in 1988 after completing 28 years’ service to the RNLI.

Ken went on to run the ferry on his boat Jo-Anne and played an integral part in the lively harbour scene at the time.

The RNLI have paid to tribute to Ken and described him as much respected, not only for his courage, but also for his extensive experience of the harbour and Cardigan Bay area and for the knowledge he passed on to the younger crew members.

A spokesperson for the Barmouth RNLI said: “He will be sadly missed by all his family, remaining friends in Barmouth and by present members of the Barmouth lifeboat crew.”