Aussie Exercises, Darwin Departure & Scott Reef – emailed 09/10/12
Darwin Preparations and Sad News
After a few days in Darwin preparing the equipment, some rest and relaxation, taking on supplies (our funny grocery event was previously mentioned) and re-fuelling, we make final preparations for the next journey. The crew for this journey are The Usual Suspects Five (Curt, Dale, Resty, Sam and me) and Daffy from Defence Materiel Organisation, Gary from L3-Oceania and of course Skipper dog, our ever “on patrol” whale, dolphin and bird-spotter.
Sadly, on the morning of our departure we learn that the previous owner of this vessel, Grant Wilson, whom we are purchasing Whale Song from, has had an accident and suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage the day before. Tragically, Grant passed away in the US at Cape Cod on September 10th while enjoying summer holidays with his family. He is survived by his wife and three children with a lovely bustling, energetic family. We are shocked and shaken by this news. I am glad that I had had nice emails back and forth with Grant only weeks before his passing and again reiterated to him that we felt extremely privileged and lucky to have met him and Whale Song.
Grant Wilson
Untimely passing
Legacy ever-lasting
Availing Whale Song
To a whale throng
To contribute new science
With a vessel of reliance
Thank you for your forethought
Regarding cetaceans sought
Curt and Mich lucky to be
Brought to Grant by chance reality
An awesome vessel
In an Australian niche nestle
A quiet ship
And fully equip
Grant gave us a chance
With whales to dance
Thanks for this opportunity
Of such enormity
Keep you in our hearts forever
Remember you as kind and clever
(Written by Micheline Jenner)
Curt and I will always take very seriously the incredible opportunity that Grant has given us and watch out for our world and Whale Song carefully.
Resty and Sam proudly wearing ‘Whale Song’ shirts to honour the memory of Grant Wilson. Photo credit M.Jenner
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