Lt Cdr Gilbert (Gil) Robert Martyn Dippie died 10 October 2011.
Gil Dippie was born in Hove, Sussex on August 2 1937. He entered BRNC Dartmouth when he was 16, graduating as a Sub Lt in 1957. He went on to fly Vixen aircraft with 892 Squadron on HMS Victorious but his flying career ended early when a hearing problem arose. He stayed in the Navy and pursued his love of sailing. In 1975 he started in the British Sail Training Association’s large topsail schooners rising to command. After several years he moved into yacht charters then went into business privately. In 1997 he was engaged to plan port arrangements when HM Bark Endeavour, the Sydney replica of Captain Cook’s ship was visiting British and European ports. He stayed associated with the ship until 2005.
Gil was an enthusiastic trekker. He tackled the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas twice, the second time successfully despite three fused vertebrae and a hip replacement.
In 1971 he married Sheena Hickey. Home was ‘Blackmuir’, 28 hectares on the Heights of Docherty, 20 Km north of Inverness. The marriage ended in 2003. In 2006 he met Elaine Flood and a close relationship developed.
He fell ill on a ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. He was admitted to hospital but he died of a stroke. He is survived by his son, Malcolm, Elaine, Sheena as well as his many friends in Australia.
Jerry Lattinerness, Sydney Morning Herald. Forwarded to FAAOA by Martyn Dean.