Seadogs Departed

In Memory of Peter Pallas 

Born … 30th March 1948

Died … 1st August 2006

Peter found the Seadogs site and first emailed me on 22nd October 2005 and then Dave Harbinson sent me this email the very next day;

I was contacted yesterday, by an old shipmate Peter Pallas (don't think you would know him) ex Sun Princess. He said he got my address off a P&O related website (yours I guess) turns out he is in Seattle and we are going to be based there next summer, so looking forward to meeting up with him.

I added Peter’s section on the 29th December 2005.

I received this information on the 20th April 2006;

Subject: Peter Pallas Update April 20th

Peter commenced chemo three weeks ago Monday.  He was supposed to have the second treatment a week later, but they had to hold off for seven days to boost Peter's white blood cell count. That was done and he resumed the chemo treatment Monday. He has encountered the normal side effects associated with chemo treatment, like nausea, and it's not easy. He also still struggles to keep his pain level tolerable with good days and bad days. He did spend Easter at home with the family and they had a meal prepared from their new kitchen. The doctors will assess the chemo's affect in a few weeks to determine Peter's progress. For those of you who pray, Peter still needs your prayers for comfort and healing. He has greatly appreciated all of the support, prayers and encouragement received. I will send out an update when there is any news of note.

On the 30th April 2006 I received this email from Ian Settle;

Steve

I may not have sailed with Pete but I, and believe everyone, would like to wish him a speedy recovery.

Regards

Ian Settle

I received this information on 9th June 2006;

Subject: Peter Pallas update June 9th

Peter had another CAT scan last week and the primary results that came back were said to be "great." It showed no advancement in four of  the previous areas of concern and a marked shrinkage in the one area that had not shown progress the last time. Therefore the doctors were satisfied with the chemo cocktail they had prescribed and continued with that treatment last Tuesday. The CAT scan also showed some "cloudy bits" in his lungs that will require further watching.  Peter has had his ups and downs but reports now more ups than downs with some good periods. This has improved his spirits. Yesterday, Peter had a spike in his temperature and he apparently now has pneumonia. It is not serious enough to warrant a hospital stay, but they have stopped his chemo treatment for now and are treating him with antibiotics for the pneumonia. Today, Peter's temperature was back to normal. Peter and family are very grateful for those who are still thinking about and praying for him (them). The power of prayer has been instrumental in his continued, albeit slow, progress. Peter has indicated that he actually feels a physical boost shortly after these requests have gone out even though he doesn't necessarily know when I am going to send them out. For those of you that are praying for him, the prayer request now is for complete healing of the pneumonia and continued positive progress with the cancer treatment.

Then this bad news arrived on the 3rd July 2006;

Subject: Peter Pallas Update July 3rd

Peter went to the doctor last Thursday to review the results of the CAT scan that he had on Tuesday. The results of the CAT scan were not favorable and showed that the cancer has spread. Peter's choices are not especially great. Intravenous chemotherapy at this stage is so potent as to be possibly fatal. The chances of a favorable response to that treatment is now remote and the side affects would likely be disabling. Therefore, his short term decision is to do those things that will give him some strength and allow him to enjoy a modicum of a life standard that he has not had since beginning this adventure late last year. He would like to get strong enough to be able to see a few people in the coming weeks and to go visit his parents in the UK. You may not know that his Mother has been seriously ill since October. This is his target, and having a focus is important. His oncologist thinks this is a doable course of action and is working toward this goal. Repeating a bit of the previous message, Peter still needs prayer and thoughts for strength, comfort, peace, wisdom, and healing. Strength, both physical and mental, to cope with the many challenges; Comfort for the many discomforting issues his body is facing; Peace for the mental strain he faces on a wide range of fronts; Wisdom to make the right choices; and Healing of body, mind and spirit. Your continued prayers and thoughts are appreciated as are cards, notes, and letters. Gerry Sue reports that: "Peter strongly continues to believe in the power of prayer and that a miraculous healing is still a real possibility."  As has also been mentioned before: "if we do not ask we will not receive."  So, he and his Family are asking.

Following is a letter from Gerry Sue (Peter’s wife) and Peter and is self-explanatory.

Once again Peter and I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, emails, phone calls and visits. Without these daily reminders it would be so easy to become overwhelmed with where we are. Also the networking that is taking place is truly amazing, people have made contact through a huge secondary communication system. It’s awesome. We haven’t asked David to send out an update in a while for a variety of reasons. Primarily because our doctors couldn’t totally agree where Peter’s problems actually were and how he was really progressing. One was very optimistic, the ‘Let’s get you to the UK & then hit the chemo again’, and the other one was more realistic with ‘I’m making you an appointment with Hospice.’ Peter will not be going to the UK, it is totally and completely out of the question in his physical state. On July 16th Peter's father and cousin were able to come across for a week here in Seattle. Peter’s mother was placed in a board and care facility to make this possible. It was really an intense and emotional week with a number of friends flying in to have a chat, give a hug, and take a picture. These have all been precious and bitter sweet moments and so appreciated. Unless God provides a miracle fairly shortly Peter’s condition will continue to deteriorate to the point where his body will just shut down. It’s certainly not the outcome we had asked for, but we are taking all the necessary steps for that eventuality. He will no longer take any chemo or medication to stop the advance of the cancer. All his meds, and there is a long page of them, are comfort care to manage his pain and the effects of the chemotherapy. He has signed up for Hospice care here at home with weekly visits to his GP whose office is only five minutes away. We’ve made plans for cremation and his ashes to be scattered in Puget Sound and a memorial service to take place at a dear friend’s church in Mount Lake Terrace. We are gratefully for the family and friends the Lord has placed in our lives, who have helped us face a horrible disease and an even more horrible medical treatment. We are also grateful for the aid and help offered by ISS. The company has provided Peter with enormous amounts of support. They have taken care of each and every problem and concern. This does not mean we do not believe that a miracle is still possible. We know it is, we are still asking for prayer to that end.

We love you all,

Peter and Gerry Sue

William and James

Finally, the worst news possible arrived today;

Subject: Peter Pallas' Passing

Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Peter Pallas. Peter passed away shortly after noon today at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. His wife, two sons and his cousin from New Zealand were there with Peter at the time. A more formal announcement will be forthcoming. Final arrangements are pending. Details will be provided when known.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:7)

Click here for Inchcape Shipping’s official announcement.

Our sincerest condolences go to Gerry Sue, William and James and all Peter’s family and friends.

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Alan Newby 

Born … 28th Aug 1948

Died … 27th Sep 2006

Terry Bartholomew posted this message on the 30th September 2006; 

It is with great regret that I have to announce that Alan died suddenly. His wife has just phoned me and asked me to pass on the word. At the moment I have no details as she was obviously very distressed. As soon as I know any more I shall post it. Alan leaves a wife Nadine, a son Simon and a daughter Fiona. Alan sailed on many of the P&O and BI ships. 

Terry has been advised by Nadine that Alan died of a Heart Attack.

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Bernie O’Dell 

Born … ?

Died … ?

John Barclay believes Bernie died as a result of a motor bike accident.

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Bob Stewart

Born … ?

Died … ?

No details at present

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Cam Fortune

Born … ?

Died … ?

No details at present

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Dave Crowder

Born … ?

Died … ?

No details at present

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design

In Memory of Dave Turner

Born … ?

Died … ?

No details at present

Rest in Peace fellow Seadog

Steve Borrill © Amberfluid Web Design