Terry Hutson THE UNTIMELY death in Durban recently of Ricky Taylor, former chairman of the South African Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and director of Panafco Maritime, has brought to an end a varied and eventful career in the ports of Durban and Richards Bay. He played a leading role in the introduction of a basic shipping course through the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), which was pioneered here in South Africa. Taylor represented that organisation at several institute meetings in the UK and Ireland, gaining respect and admiration from his worldwide colleagues. In 1975 he was among the first ships agents to handle a ship at the then new port of Richards Bay. He later became involved with the Association of Ships Agents and Brokers (ASABOSA), serving ultimately on the national council and as national president. He was instrumental in helping set up the maritime studies department at New Forest High School, Durban's first school to offer this course as a matric subject. Possessed of a strong faith and despite a busy business career, Taylor still made time to work among seafarers through the Mission to Seamen, and was a founder member and first chairman of the Richards Bay Seafarers Club. In his many ways Ricky Taylor was an inspiration to others in the shipping industry, and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife and a son and daughter.
