Tribute and funeral details for Alec Strike, Porthleven coastguard

Many have been paying their respects following the death of longstanding Porthlevener Alec Strike, at the age of 93.

Part of the longstanding family of coastguards, who marked a combined 215 years of service last year – himself serving 37 years of those years, from 1952 to 1989 - he was on lookout during the Penlee Lifeboat Disaster, when the Solomon Browne and Union Star were both lost to the sea 41 years ago.

He was then called out to the shout down on the shoreline, leaving in the early hours of the morning of December 19, 1981 and not returning until late the following night.

His grandson Chris said Alec never spoke much about that time, simply recalling how they picked up pieces of the boat throughout the day and “he just said it was horrible.”

Alec (right) receives a long-service medal midway through his time as a coastguard (Image: Strike family)

A born and bred Porthlevener, Alec attended Church School and worked at Christopher's Garage at St John's in Helston before joining the army aged 17 through National Service, as a driving instructor for lorries and other vehicles.

It was in North Wales that he met his wife Enid, and they moved back to Porthleven, where Alec took over the running of the family builders and undertakers business following the death of his father Frank in 1967. Frank had also been heavily involved in Porthleven and was mayor of Helston Borough Council at one stage.

Alec ran the undertakers until his retirement in 1994, although he continued to help out for many years afterwards.

Alongside his work in the coastguards, Alec was perhaps best known for his love of football.

A keen supporter of both Chelsea and also his beloved Porthleven FC, he was a manager, secretary and committee member for the club, following them everywhere – particularly when his sons Iain and Tony, and later grandson Chris, were playing.

Alec (second right, pictured with his son, grandson and great-grandson) coined the 'One more Port' chant at Porthleven FC (Image: Strike family)

Chris remembers how he would follow him across the Duchy – and indeed country – to support him at matches, including driving to Gloucester for Chris’s debut for Cornwall FC.

He was also part of the ‘Dads Army’ group helping out at the club, from cutting the grass to carrying out general maintenance.

Alec was in fact responsible for coining the club’s famous ‘One more Port!’ phrase, still cheered by Porthleven FC fans today when their team scores, without many even knowing where it originated.

A minute’s silence took place at both Porthleven’s New Year match and also Helston Athletic’s match, such was the level of respect in which he was held in local football.

Chris described his grandfather as “like a dad to me,” with Alec and Enid raising him between the ages of six and 12.

Alec with his late wife Enid (Image: Strike family)

Chris said: “I know any family member would say this about their close loved ones, but he really was everything to me. When my nan passed we became even closer.

“I was always there doing stuff and seeing him, along with my dad and uncle who looked after him in the last few months. I loved being there, it was where I felt most at home, when I was with him.

“He was my best friend and hero.

“He was also basically a granddad to my wife Lucy, who he loved like his own.”

Alec with his son Iain, grandson Chris and three great-grandchildren (Image: Strike family)

He was grandfather to Chris, Caitlin, Justin and Daniel, as well as great-granddad to Archie, Evie and Darcy.

Alec lived independently at home right up until his death and remained mobile up until a month or so beforehand, when he then took to his mobility scooter and could often be found at the Harbour Head chatting to those who passed.

He has been described in some of the many tributes as “a great Porthlevener, the likes of which can never be replaced,” and “Mr Porthleven”.

A funeral for Alec will take place on Thursday, January 19 at 2pm in Fore Street Methodist Chapel, Porthleven.