Col Munden - Vindicatrix

[Brian Probetts (Site Admin)]

To all Vindi lads.

I have the sad duty to tell you that Vindi lad Col Munden crossed the bar late last night, 20th October. Col had been ill for some time with cancer and put up one hell of a fight. Over the time he was ill he had to put up with a great deal of pain and suffering but at the end I’m told he was not in pain and through it all his wife, Lang tirelessly tended to his every need. Now with Col’s passing, even though it is so sad, at least now Col is no longer suffering and Lang will be able to take it easy with her grief.

I and a few other Vindi boys, such as Jim and his wife Carol Lloyd in Devon and Gordi and Kimmy in Queensland knew Col personally and I think we all agreed that he was a funny old bugger but as sincere and loyal a friend as you would ever wish to meet. I know I will miss him as I’m sure those of you who knew him will too.

Have a thought for Lang at this time and drink to an old mate.

God Bless You Col and save a place for me wherever you are.

Allan Burrow
Vindi 1955

[Doc Vernon]

Although not known to me,it is always so sad to hear of a former Seaman passing on!

I hope that all the Family will be strong,and that the Hurt will pass with time,but the memory i know will live on forever!

My sincere condolences to all concerned! (especially Lang)

Hope that his future sailings will only take him to those wonderfull places that he so loved!
Thank you for posting this Allen through the Site Admin (Brian)

My thoughts ,and i am sure all here too will be with Col!
To Lang! Be strong as you have been through this all.and remember he is at last at peace! May God bless him,and may he rest in Peace!
Sincerly
Vernon R697530

[Captain Kong]

It is sad another Vindi Boy has passed away, Cancer is a terrible death, the pain and suffering, I have just lost a mate with that disease, it was an awful way to go. My sympathy goes to his family and after watching him go that way it must be a relief now to see him at peace.
I dont recollect the name but I may have met him as I have met most of the Vindi Lads at the 19 re-unions I have been to. RIP. Col.

I am going to another seafaring man`s funeral next Tuesday, 26 October. Captain Frank Clayton, of Ashton Under Lyne near Manchester. we sailed together as Master and Mate with Esso, four years on the same ship. He started as a Cadet with Ellermans City Line.

I guess the world is a little poorer when a Seafaring man crosses the Bar.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Capt
Well yet another has passed over,and as you sailed with him(Capt F Clayton) for some time,it to is going to be a sad occasion for you too!
I hope that the Family will be strong on the day Capt!
As you are going to be there i know that you will be a great comfort as well,to all!
Sorry to hear of this !
Take care and may he rest in peace!

I too know all about seeing the type of slow and painfull period the poor souls have to endure with that dreaded desease! (referring to poor Col) it is a blessing when they suffer no more!

Sincere Condolences to the entire Family of Capt Clayton,and to you too Capt Kong!

[happy daze john in oz]

Our family of the sea shrinks alittle at every crossing of the bar. May they now sail forever on calm seas. Condolences to the families.

[Captain Kong]

Thank you for those kind comments Vernon.

Esso had a reunion last week end and there are another two lads suffering from the Big C. and one of their wives.

My son is an Oncologist, Cancer Consultant. He says cancers have to be caught early to have a chance of survival, so keep on having a check up. even on the slightest suspicion. Also Cancer research is always short of money, He said if cancer research had more money they could cure more cancers,
Several years ago he gave up a Consultants job in London to work for `Cancer UK`, but they ran short of money and had to release him.
I now donate a standing order every month from my bank account to Cancer UK.
If every one did this it would go along way to help to cure more people. An average of one in three people die of cancer, so it is possible you or yours could develope it. It is a horrible death, I have seen a lot of friends who have died from it, The pain is horrible there is no escape even with a heavy continuose dose of morphine, the screams are terrible when the morphine cannot control it. then they cut off food and water and the last couple of days is in a coma then peaceful release in death. Sorry to say all that but it is the reality.
If all these celebs contributed that would realy help, they have money to squander on big houses cars, booze, women etc. once you have it you cannot buy your way out of it.
Sorry if that upsets anyone.
Cheers
Brian.

[Michael Lawrence]

Kong. You don't upset anyone with your comments and yours are always straight and to the point. My wife, daughter and I have battled this disease and it comes in many forms. At Musgrove Hospital the Beacon Centre (oncology dept.,) keep little film tubes and invite people to take 'em away and fill at their leisure with five pences, it's surprising the number you can get in those tubes.

Anyway back to Col and Lang, hopefully he's sailing calm seas and Lang is finding help in coping thru his release from the pain and hurt.
Not how did he die, but how did he live.
Not what did he gain but what did he give.
These are the things that measure man's worth
Not what riches he had, or what was his birth.

[jimmys]

My condolences to the families of the above mentioned seaman.Its difficult I try not to read obituaries.
My Mother, my Father and my younger Sister have been taken with this disease over the last years. They all died in palliative care as Captain Kong discribes.
My Wife has cancer (haematological type) and I have the greatest of sympathy for anyone involved with the cancer type disease.
It is absolutely rife in the Glasgow areas due to the shipbuilding and heavy industry and I am told twenty retired surveyors, mostly ship surveyors of the MCA have lung related cancers. I was ship and engine and if it was not benzene related it was asbestos the industry was alive with these substances.

Sometimes it is good to talk. Again my sympathy to the deceased and families.

regards
jimmy

[happy daze john in oz]

It is a most insideous disease that does not discriminate or favour one over another. Lost mum and dad, two brothers in law, two good mates and a few others I knew. Have a sister in law riddled with it but thankfully not in pain as she has also suffered wto major strokes so is almost paralysed. We that are fit must bless each day that we are for who knows what the morrow brings?

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi All.
I now the fear of cancer I have had prostate cancer for 11 years, had all the radio therapy three months, now on hormone implants seems to be keeping it in check, so i can sympathise with the distress all those people who look after their family endure. I am proud to have been one to help get rid of asbestos from the building sites in NSW, helping to having it banned on a hospital site. But still it goes on now a chemical site in Newcastle has released cancer causing chemical into the air and the Govt is helping with the cover up.
When will it ever end.
Val Col may you get calm waters
Cheers Des