Obituaries

Keith 'Shallot' Jamieson: Long Battle

Keith 'Shallot' Jamieson: Long Battle

The definition of friend clearly describes the character of the man Keith Jamieson, or to many as 'Shallot', who passed away in March after a long battle with cancer. Keith started in the maritime industry at Nicholson Bros Harbour Transport until Stannard Bros bought them out in May 1969. History showed that conditions had been pretty sparse at the Nicholson's Balmain yard until then. Keith supported the Yard Committees over the years and later became a member of the yard committee to improve not only maritime workers conditions, but all workers conditions. He never took anything for granted and questioned any decision he thought may undermine the conditions of employment.

Keith was a linesmen on the first ship to move in Darling Harbour when the Patrick dispute commenced in '98. He along with the other gang members refused to handle the ship. Shallot again demonstrated his sincereness with the wharfies and commitment to the Union by attending the picket line at Darling Harbour nearly every day with a couple of his workmates from the yard, even when rostered off.

Shallot showed his responsibility to society when he found out after his retirement that he was suffering from cancer. Upon that news he immediately made himself available to the doctors so as they could research the disease.

He will be missed but never forgotten...

Paul Garrett
Sydney Branch
Assistant Secretary

Audrey Beck: Bass Strait Nurse

Audrey Beck was one of those people who made the sea her life and her family. She enjoyed her years at sea, where she made many great friends who always kept in touch. Many of us have enjoyed her great letters and emails, particularly since her retirement.

Known and loved by her workmates for her lovely smile and positive enthusiasm, Audrey was always energetic and very much an individual.

After many years of nursing in Melbourne, she chose to become a seafarer. Audrey first came to sea as a nurse on the Able Tasman about 18 years ago. She then changed to being a stewardess, working on the "Spirit of Tasmania", and later on the "Devil Cat". Audrey loved working on the "Devil Cat", and would arrive driving her VW beetle on the wharf at Port Melbourne.

Audrey was always well groomed and expected the younger stewardess's to be the same. Some of the crew thought Audrey, saw the younger stewardess's as trainee nurses and always expected high standards from them, in their dress and attitude to passengers. Audrey always made a fuss over the "regular truckies", giving them extra help in the dining room. She was always interested in helping other crew members, and listening to stories about their special interests, ambitions, family and friends. Audrey dearly loved her own family, in particular her four grand daughters. When told by her daughter in law that if she didn't give up smoking, the grand daughters would not be allowed to stay with her, Audrey instantly gave up cigarettes, giving all her ashtrays to the younger Stewardess's.

Audrey recovered well following back surgery and moved to the Gold Coast about three years ago. Following an illness of 6 months Audrey died on Sunday 13th March. On Monday 14th I received a letter and a photo from her. Right to the end she was still writing and had enough spirit to still be able to smile.

Dawn McClure
Union No: 25948