The Association has learned of the death of Cdre Rhoderick Adrian Nigel Palmer on 6 March 2016. He leaves a widow, Irene.
Rhod, an Air Engineer, lead the Royal British Legion and Independent newspaper campaign for the government to treat those veterans who contracted Mesothelioma the same as those in civilian life. The government had finally agreed in the last few weeks for the right to have a lump sum or alternatively a pension to those diagnosed with the disease on or after 16 December 2015. Following further sustained pressure the Government has also now agreed to extend eligibility for the lump sum payment to those diagnosed before that date. After hearing the announcement on 29 February 2016 Rhod, a third-generation Royal Navy sailor who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2015 and had stood to miss out on the new payment, said of the announcement:
“No amount of money will ever compensate sufferers and their families for a preventable death. However, it is a real breakthrough that the Government will treat all current and future sufferers of mesothelioma exposed to asbestos during their service under comparable terms as civilians. This payment allows patients with mesothelioma to make arrangements to maximise their quality of life during this terminal illness and to support the family that they leave behind.”
Funeral Details
The funeral will take place on Tuesday 22 March with a 1330 Committal Service at Mendip Crematorium for family and close friends only, followed at 1500 by a Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s Parish Church, Bruton, BA10 0EF. Irene has requested that those attending should not be dressed totally in black.
Family flowers only, donations and leaving collection will be to the Royal British Legion