How very sad I am to receive the news that Bruce Napier from NB Sanity again lost his battle against pancreatic cancer yesterday 24th January. Bruce and Sheila being local to Fradley for much cruising latterly residents in the marina and with a lodge at Mercia meant I saw them a few times. I was always welcomed onto their boat for a brew and a chat if they were on the area of Fradley where I moored until 2018.
Their combined knowledge of boats and the system was extensive and well enjoyed. Bruce’s blog was always pleasantly honest, enjoyable and informative. It was so sad that just after Bruce and Sheila announced their plans for a smaller new boat to be commissioned Bruce in his typical open and frank way announced his illness. It is a great credit to Sheila and to Bruce as well that Sheila is looking to continue with that build with some adjustments for solo boating. I am sure Bruce will be with Sheila and us on the cut as we chug along enjoying all he did for so many years.
I am sure if there is a boating heaven he is discussing the relative merits of hybrid drives with Les and they now will share a sad anniversary together.
Rest in Peace Bruce.
5 comments:
Sad news indeed Nev, thanks for posting.
We only met Bruce and Sheila once and that was at Hack Green. I had read his blog from before we bought Waka Huia, so they seemed familiar to me when we finally met, in that way that occurs when you have read people's thoughts and comings and goings.
If I thought there was an afterlife, I'd agree that he and Les would be looking at us all and comparing notes about how we could all still learn a thing or two from them ...
Thank you for posting, Nev.
Be well,
Marilyn
Thanks for the notification Nev. We knew Bruce had a serious illness so the news isn't completely unexpected. Like many boaters we followed Bruce's blog and were also grateful when he wrote to us in Australia back in early 2011 suggesting there might be issues with Ben Harp Narrowboats. Without this information we might never have realised our dream of cruising the cut.
Eventually we met Bruce and Sheila at the Crick Show where he could usually be found at the Braidbar Stand. One of lifes gentlemen!
Tom
Thank you for letting us know Nev. It is sad news indeed even if it is not unexpected. We met Bruce and Sheila very, very briefly at Braunston some years ago. Their blog is one I have read regularly. If you see Sheila, please send her our condolences and wish her well with the new build and solo cruising. Jennie and Chris
Thank you all for your comments , as Tom put it one of lifes gentlemen
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