One of Rye’s Great Fire Chiefs
It is with great personal sadness I have to report the death of one of Rye’s truly great characters.
I have known ‘Mick’ Bourn since school-days, he was in the same class at Rye Primary.
Mick worked with his dad’s painting and decorating business. He joined the Rye Fire Service when his dad was fire chief at Rye and learned the secrets of Rye’s inter-connecting buildings, roof and wall spaces. This knowledge became invaluable when he was made Rye fire chief. There is a fantastic service by the Borne family to Rye Fire Service. Mick’s grandfather was Rye Fire Chief before the War.
Michael Bourn’s service to Rye was acknowledged when he was awarded the MBE. He told me he regarded it as an award to his family for their service to the town. Michael’s son Gary continues the family tradition and is a Rye Fireman.
There will be a full tribute in the May Issue (The April magazine has already been printed) until then I leave you with these words from son Gary which were posted on FB.
“I believe I have seen all of the family and there are far too many other people to tell face to face that we, the family, are very sad to have to tell you all of the sad news of the passing away of my dad in the early hours of Saturday morning after losing his fight with cancer. We all love you Dad rest in peace x”
Rye’s Own Bulletin Monday 21 March 2016