Our thoughts are with everyone at True North with the sad news of the passing of Barry Howson, father of founding director Craig Howson. He was an inspiring and intrepid man, and below is a note from True North’s Brand Director Peter Trembath.

“Barry was a familiar face on the TRUE NORTH having shared many adventures onboard with Craig and his family but perhaps none more infamous than a trip in 1996, when all-aboard experienced the full force of Cyclone Olivia.

The TRUE NORTH was on-passage to Broome when Olivia loomed ahead. It was a classic case of “nowhere to run”. If you head south, a cyclone can follow you all the way down the coast and if you head out to sea, the cyclone is just as likely to do the same. So, Craig decided to seek shelter inside the Montebello Islands.
 
Craig was aware of a substantial mooring at Hermit Island and was no-doubt relieved to find the mooring unoccupied, but this fortuitous event was just the beginning. Over the next 24 hours all aboard endured Olivia’s ferocity including a 408kph wind gust that was later confirmed to be the highest ever recorded wind speed!
 
Barry Howson was instrumental in supporting Craig when he purchased his first boat and he continued to provide Craig with advice over the ensuing years.  We were all very much aware of the great importance that Barry allocated to family and of how proud he was of Craig’s achievements. It is testimony that even after more than 30 years of operation, True North remains family owned.” – Peter Trembath, True North.
 
Barry Howson passed away peacefully on August 21 aged 86 years. We are sure that his adventures will continue.
 
For further reading and an excerpt from Hugh Edwards’ book True North, visit.