In Memory of Vice Admiral (ret’d) Peter Cairns, CMM, CD
Vice Admiral (ret’d) Peter Cairns, CMM, CD, passed away peacefully in Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, February 18th, 2023.
Peter’s distinguished naval career began in 1956, included many seagoing appointments, command of ships, submarines and squadrons, and culminated in his appointment as the 24th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Following his retirement, Peter was a driving force behind the establishment and operations of the Shipbuilding Association of Canada.
Link to Obituary: https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/peter-cairns-1087196059
In Memory of Alexander Barbour
Alex, 86, of Ottawa passed away peacefully in the wee hours of the morning Monday December 5, 2022 at home with his two lads on deck.Alex was born in Dundee, Scotland (the world’s greatest city) where he worked as a millwright and studied to become a marine engineer. He then served with Ben Line sailing the world for six years earning his Chief’s ticket. He emigrated to Canada with his English wife Rita and a “wee bairn”. Alex held a teaching position as Head of Marine Engineering at George Brown College before coming to Ottawa where he joined the department of Public Works as Chief Engineer, Marine and Industrial Conservation.
Alex’s life work was always about preservation and restoration of historic ships and machinery. It was a passion that took him from coast to coast in Canada, into the United States, to a rum distillery in Martinique and even to the Falkland Islands. He was happiest on site wearing a dirty set of overalls and a pair of work boots. His marine restoration projects included the stern wheelers S.S. Klondike, S.S. Moyie, and S.S. Tutshi. In Baddeck, N.S. his team replicated Alexander Graham Bell’s Hydrofoil HD 4. His salvage work included a 2000 Ton gold dredge (Dredge No.4) out of the permafrost in the Yukon and the preparatory work to move H.MC.S. Haida from Toronto to Hamilton. He worked with the original steam whistles from the RMS Titanic and designed the system for blowing replica whistles for the travelling TITANIC Exhibit. Closer to home he worked on restoration projects for the fences on Parliament Hill, the Mint and Rideau Hall and the preservation of the NCC’s Tin House. For a number of summers Alex could also be found at Mooney’s Bay in his white boiler suit with a big smile on his face stoking the fires of the Bytown Pumper.
Alex is survived by his loving wife Rita and their two sons Stuart and Andrew (Lauren). He supported his sons in all their endeavors. Whether it be building a dark room in the basement or building a magic apparatus, or driving them to countless hockey and soccer practices. He taught them the importance of hard work, problem solving skills, frugality and to always make time for a good laugh. He will be sadly missed by his three grandsons Isaac, Levi and Aaron, his workshop apprentice.
He was predeceased by his brother Bill (2021) (Wendy) (Carol d. 1991) and will be fondly remembered by niece Kim (Tom) and nephew Brad. He will be sadly missed in Sweden by his sister-in-law Pat (Lennart d. 2008); and his nephew Andrew and niece Catherine; and fondly remembered in England by niece Sally and partner Kerstin who have made many visits to Canada.
A special thanks to Kathleen Murphy, the engineer daughter he never had, who always had time and an ear for another “I’ll tell you a funny story” and “Just tell me old shipmates, I’m taking a trip, mates,
And I’ll see you someday, in Fiddlers’ Green” (John Connolly).
As per Alex’s wishes, his sons will spread his ashes on The Law in Dundee, Scotland.
Nautical 150- Marine Skills Competition and Career Fair
NSCC Nautical is proud host the annual Marine Skills Competition and Career Fair. This year marks the Nautical Institute’s 150 Anniversary and we plan to celebrate.
Save the Date: March 8-9, 2023
The event this year will include three components:
- Marine Skills Competition
- Nautical 150 Gala
- Career Fair
We will be reaching out to alumni, community and industry partners from throughout the Nautical Institute’s history to mark this special occasion.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the Nautical Institute’s premier showcase. Join the crew as a competition sponsor. Click here to see the opportunities available!
In Memory of Derek Perkins, A.M.I. Mar. E.
Derek Perkins served in the merchant navy from the late 1940’s to the mid 1950’s for various UK shipping companies. Derek held a MOT First Class Marine Engineering certificate, Steam Ship and Motor Ship.