Stanley Gates was well-known to many in the industry, said David Hart, who succeeded him as secretary of SLEAT.

Stanley Gates was also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Launderers and a longstanding member of the Whitsters Club.

His wife Joyce has requested that those who wish to remember Stanley should send donations to the RNLI rather than flowers. These should be sent to Frances Chappell & Sons, 196 Verdant Lane, SE6 1LJ.