Royal Southampton YC

Sue, the wife of our steward, Robert Jenkins, passed away during the afternoon of Thursday February 7, 2008, after a long and brave fight against her illness.

More than three hundred mourners filled every seat in the Beaulieu Abbey Church for the funeral, and extra seats were brought in to accommodate the huge turnout. Members of RSYC; family and friends attended.

There were moving tributes from close friend Bob McQuay, a former chairman of Gins, and Sue's brother-in-law Alec, on behalf of his wife Margaret, Sue's sister. The reading was by Sue's eldest daughter Louise.

Everyone soon got to know and love Sue when she and Robert took over the running of Gins in 1989. In those days it was very much a family operation with Sue in the kitchen and daughters Sarah and later Kate waiting at table and generally helping-out.

In the ensuing years with Robert’s hard work and investment in improvements by the RSYC, the business grew steadily, and Sue was able to stand-down when a chef was employed, but she very much remained the support behind Robert and a contributor to the business.

Sue was easy to like, with her warm sense of humour, ready smile and warm personality. She was devoted to her family, and was also well known for her love of animals and car boot sales.

Sue was a very special lady - her part in the operation of Gins, partnering Robert, initially up front, and then later behind the scenes, played a key part in developing Gins to where it is today – the jewel in the crown of the RSYC.

Bob McQuay quoted an appropriate old Irish proverb: "Death leaves a heartache no-one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Donations may be made to Marie Curie Cancer Care, the charity chosen by Colin Lewis as the Commodore's Charity this year, and you can easily donate directly through the Club.

Please send a cheque to Ocean Village, made payable to the Royal Southampton YC, and endorse the words "Sue Jenkins, Marie Curie Cancer Care" on the reverse of the cheque, and the club will take care of the donation on your behalf.

Please mark the envelope "Sue Jenkins Donation" to ease internal processing.