Rodney Stone-Pearn passed away on July 8, 2013, at the age of 75, according to his widow, Amberley. He lived in Fetcham, near Leatherhead, Surrey.

Rodney began his career after spending three years at the NCP, leaving with a handful of ‘O’ levels. These qualifications enabled him to embark on a seafaring career with BP Tanker Company as a Deck Apprentice. In March 1955, at the age of 16, he joined his first ship. Over the next four years, he served aboard various BP tankers ranging from 8,000 to 16,000 tons, as well as a steam tug. His voyages, typically lasting around nine months, took him across the globe—from the Middle East to Australia, India, Africa, South America, and Europe.

In late 1959, Rodney joined the Scottish dry cargo company Andrew Weir. By 1961, he had passed his First Mate’s Certificate. At this point, he made a significant career shift, spending four years teaching English and Maths as a prep school master. He later returned to the sea, joining the British & Commonwealth Shipping Company as a Third Officer. In 1968, he earned his Master’s qualification, and two years later, after getting married, he left B&C to pursue a degree in Nautical Studies at Southampton University. During the summer breaks, he resumed sailing with B&C to help support himself financially.

With the goal of becoming a nautical lecturer, Rodney completed a post-graduate Certificate in Education after receiving his BSc. He then joined Southampton Nautical College (now known as Warsash), where he lectured for five years. His tenure included a six-month secondment to Iran in late 1978 to help establish a similar training institute. However, the assignment was cut short the following year due to the overthrow of the Shah, prompting his return to the UK along with his wife and two children.

Rodney briefly resumed life at sea, serving as a Master on vessels owned by Dutch and Egyptian companies. In 1983, he transitioned into marine surveying, joining London-based Murray Fenton & Associates. There, he inspected ship and container damage, investigated navigational incidents, and prepared expert reports for arbitration. He remained with the firm for two decades until his retirement in 2003.

Reflecting on his varied and fulfilling career, Rodney once wrote:

“What a joy and privilege it is to conclude one’s working life with no regrets but only contented reflections.”

From Old Pangbournian Society