TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known figure in Southampton’s shipping industry.

John Fahy, a former gunner for the merchant navy, passed away aged 77.

He served in the wars in Korea and Burma before becoming a silver service waiter on the Queen Mary liner.

John helped write books and magazine articles on shipping and was personally invited to the Titanic memorial.

He was born in Limerick and served in the Irish Army before joining the English Army.

John, a father of two and grandfather of three, was married to Christina for 55 years and raised his family in the Lordshill area of the city.

His daughter Pauline said: “He was very witty and had a good sense of humour.

“He would help anyone and was such a kind person. He loved shipping.”