RNLI praises lifeboat mechanic after he retires after 37 years with the Invergordon team
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TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifeboat mechanic who has retired after 37 years.
Kevin Dent, was Invergordon RNLI Station’s mechanic, but has now hung up his boiler suit – albeit in a virtual scenario due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Mr Dent became the mechanic in 1983, serving on four different lifeboats at the station up to and including the present-day Trent class vessel ‘Douglas Aikman Smith’.
He has seen many changes throughout the years, not only in the increasing capability of the lifeboats but the crew facilities – which were only a portable cabin with oil drums for use as crew seating in his earliest days.
As well as a full-time station mechanic, he was also involved in many of the charity’s fundraising activities – even becoming chairman Easter Ross Fundraising Branch for a number of years.
Paying tribute, Invergordon Coxswain Andrew Murray, said: “On behalf of the lifeboat crew and myself we wish Kevin all the very best and a long and happy retirement after 37 years of dedicated service as Invergordon’s RNLI lifeboat mechanic.
"Kevin has been a stalwart of the station during this time and will be a hard act to follow not just as mechanic and crew member but also for his huge fundraising efforts for the lifeboat branch.
"It’s unfortunate that due to current circumstances that we cannot celebrate Kevin’s retirement in the way that he deserves but we will keep the champagne on ice until we can."
Community manager, Anne Scott, added: “Kevin will be a huge loss to the RNLI in Invergordon.
"As well as his role as full-time mechanic, his inspiration and hard work contributed greatly to the success of many fundraising events, such as Open Days and Bad Boy Days.
"Over the years these have raised thousands of pounds to support the lifesaving work of the volunteers of Invergordon lifeboat station.
"As a charity the RNLI relies on donations and the support of members of the public but without people like Kevin organising the events, we wouldn’t be able to raise the money or awareness of the invaluable work our brave crews do.
"With so many memories over the years and a strong figure at the station we wish Kevin a very happy retirement and wish him well on his next adventure."
Mr Dent said: “I would like to thank the RNLI for a wonderful 37 years, it has been a pleasure to serve with the fabulous crew in Invergordon and I've made some great friends over my time at the station.
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