William “Wing” Munro was a beloved figure in the Thurso and Kirkwall communities, remembered as a dedicated lifesaver, mentor, and local hero. Wing passed away peacefully on Thursday, 11th September, at Wick General Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of service, courage, and inspiration that will continue to guide the RNLI family for years to come.
Wing began his extraordinary journey with the RNLI as a teenager in January 1970. Over the course of 55 years, he rose through the ranks to become Thurso’s full-time coxswain in January 2002, a role he held until November 2017. His leadership and steady presence on the lifeboat earned him the respect of his crew and the gratitude of countless lives saved. Wing participated in some of the station’s most notable rescues, including the dramatic saving of the scallop boat Aztec in Loch Eriboll in 1997 — an operation that earned him the prestigious Thanks of the Institution on Vellum. In 1999, he also received a bronze certificate for his part in the aftermath of the Ascania multi-tank incident.
Even after stepping back from the role of coxswain, Wing continued to serve as Deputy Launching Authority (LOM), sharing his expertise and mentoring the next generation of crew members. His devotion to duty was recognized during King Charles III’s recent visit to Scrabster, when His Majesty presented Wing’s daughter, Dee, with The King’s Coronation Medal on her father’s behalf — a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service.
Wing’s compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea made him an inspiration to all who knew him. The RNLI flag at Thurso now flies at half-mast, honoring a true legend. Wing will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the wider maritime community.
