Dr Adrian Head was a remarkable man in so many ways and his untimely death has left a huge void in many people’s lives. His death was announced on Facebook by HM Coastguard and Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat and the outpouring of sympathy and tributes to an incredibly caring and kind doctor was overwhelming to the family. Mish Head, his wife, said that she had not realised just how loved he was.
Adrian played an important part in the community being medical officer for the RNLI Hastings Lifeboat crew for many years and also one of the founder members of the Pett Independent Level Rescue boat crew. The service was started by two fisherman and became The Pett Level Rescue Boat Association (more recently the Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat Association) in 1971. Charity status followed in the 1980s and it has gone from strength to strength. Mish, said that Adrian was a forceful character, a Leo, who just got on with things and was a guiding light in the growth of the rescue team. Mish said: “Everything needs a nucleus and he was their nucleus alongside other locals who shared the same passion.”
Mish met Adrian whilst working at the doctor’s surgery and they shared their love of travel and the sea. Mish joined the crew in 1982 at Pett and was the first female helm.
They retired together and bought a house in Greece where they had a boat and spent many hours sailing around the islands enjoying the sunshine. His joy of life was infectious and he loved to party and was a big family man. His three lovely daughters remember fondly the parties and the fun.
Mish explains: “He was generous, kind, cantankerous but underneath it all he was genuine and caring. What you saw was what you got and he never did anything by halves. Even the cancer he developed was one of the worst cancers you can get. He was diagnosed on January 24 and he died on March 6.”
One of the most memorable occasions when working with the crew of the RNLI Hastings lifeboat was the night of November 20 1984 when they had to launch to aid an Irish container-ship Bell Rover which was in trouble in heavy breaking seas and strong south-westerly gales. Adrian went with the crew and they managed to rescue a sick crew member and take him to safety. Medals were awarded in recognition of the crew’s courage and determination and seamanship, including Dr Head who was considered to be a vital part of the crew.
Dr Adrian Head’s funeral was held at Hastings Crematorium on Thursday, April 11 at 11:15am.
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