Town mourns loss of popular citizen (From Penarth Times)

Town mourns loss of popular citizen

PENARTH has lost one of its most popular citizens, the chairman of Penarth RNLI Eric Dutfield.

Eric of Robinswood Close died suddenly on Friday, June 13, at the age of 62.

The chairman since 2001, he was a man well-liked and respected by members of the lifeboat service and many in the town.

Eric's involvement with the service began in 1997. In his time there he was public relations officer and had just appointed a new officer to publicise the RNLI's job in Penarth.

Vice chairman of the Penarth RNLI, Andrew Rabaiotti said: "We will all miss his calming influence on the committee. His death is an impossible void to fill.

"He was always ready to help when he could. Only a few weeks ago he took up the reigns of the PR officer again until we found a new PR officer. Nothing was too much trouble for him to sort out.

"We are pleased that the lifeboat members can pay their own tribute by being pall bearers at his funeral."

Eric was a retired police chief superintendent of the F Division in Bridgend. He had 32 years service in the force having joined Cardiff City Police in 1959 which later merged with South Wales Police. He was later awarded a long service medal by the police.

In 1982 Eric co-ordinated the youth event in Cardiff for the visit of the Pope which was a very rewarding experience for him. In recognition of these services he earned a Papal medal.

An avid supporter of the Windsor Bowling Club and involved with choosing Penarth District's scout volunteers, Eric was very Penarth-orientated.

Eric leaves behind wife Jean, son Philip and daughters Julie, Claire and Nicola.

His funeral service will be on Monday, June 23 at 2pm in All Saints Church followed by cremation at Coychurch.