Vale – Thomas Martin North
It is with profound sadness that we report the death of Thomas Martin North on 18 December 2017 in Hobart following a long battle with cancer. He was most recently Harbour Master Geraldton. Martin joined the Merchant Service Guild of Australia on 9 January 1980 and retained his AMOU membership until his passing.
Our sincerest condolences have been expressed to Martin’s wife Jeanette, daughter Jennifer and son Tim.
Martin was born in Geraldton on 25 April 1954. He became a senior deck officer with the Eastern & Australian Steam Ship Company serving aboard Arafura and Ariake. He came ashore to take up a Marine Pilot’s position in Hobart. He showed great courage in the 1980s in forcing management to reverse the decision to put his colleagues onto sub-standard individual employment contracts. Martin ultimately became Harbour Master in Hobart and is recognised for making a major contribution to the welfare and industrial interests of Hobart Pilots and Tasmanian Pilots generally.
Martin moved back to his place of birth to take up a Marine Pilot’s position and again became Harbour Master, occupying this position until shortly before his death. Martin provided considerable guidance and support to AMOU industrial staff during last year’s protracted enterprise agreement negotiations for Mid-West Ports Authority despite his rapidly declining health. Geraldton port developed significantly under Martin’s watch. AMOU has lost a good friend.
Fair winds and following seas Martin.