We are deeply saddened to report the death of our old friend and colleague Tom Barnes who served in the Force from 1964-1967.  Tom passed away this morning at Cosham Hospital in Sussex where he had been admitted just a few days ago although he had been ill for some time. Although he only worked in Bermuda for 3 years Tom was one of those unforgettable characters who will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Tom was initially posted to Central Division but was transferred to Beach Squad and then to Dog Section where he came under the influence of the legendary Custerfield "Custy" Crockwell who was an outstanding police officer and dog handler. That experience with Custy would stand Tom in good stead because many years later he finished his career in the Sussex Police as a dog handler.

Tom left Bermuda in style, along with several other police officers including his good friend Mike Caulkett, Eric Sanderson, Dave Ashurst, and "Captain" Des McSherry on the Fletcher Christian, intending to sail all the way to Fiji.  Both Tom and Mike went their separate ways traveling around the world before both returned to England where they joined the Sussex Police.

Tom married his wife Juliet in 1983, and he and Juliet formed a lifelong friendship with Mike and Jill Caulkett, and also occasionally met up with Mike Parris and his wife who also settled in Sussex. For more information about Tom, Mike and their travels, please check their respective articles in our Then and Now column, along with Mike Caulkett's fascinating accounts of their adventures on the Fletcher Christian in our Interesting Articles column.

We extend our sincere condolences to Juliet, and to Mike and Jill, and will publish funeral details as soon as we receive them.

UPDATE  -  Tom's funeral will be held at Chichester Crematorium, West Sussex at 11.00am on Monday 5th October 2015 and family and friends will gather afterwards at Inglenook Restaurant at Pagham near Bognor Regis, approximately 6 miles from the Crematorium.  We understand that Tom's wife has asked Mike Caulkett to speak at the funeral.  We send our sincere condolences to Juliet and family and friends of a great friend and colleague.