5th February 2008

Obituary

Ralph White

Ralph White, great explorer of the deep, cameraman and member of the worldwide Titanic family, passed away last night in Los Angeles surrounded by friends and family after a series of heart failures over the last 48 hours. I have met Ralph when he visited Belfast a number of years ago. I was informed of his death by his friend, Irish Diver Rory Golden who, knowing Ralph better, sent this tribute:

     “Ralph was a man who lived life to the full, and was currently working with James Cameron on      a sci-fi movie. He was on duty the night Titanic was found in 1985, and made over 35 dives to the wreck between then and 2005. My friend and mentor since 1988 when we brought him to speak at Underwater Ireland, he loved visiting this country.

 He had an equal passion for Titanic, and his home reflected this, covered in mementoes of his expeditions. Thanks to him, I was very lucky to have the experience of being to Titanic twice.

 I will miss him so much and will honour his name when I speak with Mike McKimm at the dive show in Belfast on Feb 24th.next.”

Our thoughts are with Ralph’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

Una Reilly, Chairman