Richard John Napier (c1859-1891), Lloyd's Surveyor
1891 Obituary [1]
The funeral of the late Mr. Richard John Napier surveyor to Lloyd's Register, took place at Leith last Thursday. The deceased gentleman met his death on the 6th inst. by falling into the hold of a vessel at the Northumberland Dock, Newcastle-on-Tyne, while he was engaged in the execution of his duty in making a survey for the load-line. A very large number of gentlemen connected with Lloyd's and the engineering and shipping industries attended the funeral both at Newcastle-on-Tyne and Leith.
Mr. Napier was 32 years of age, and was well known in engineering and shipping circles, where he had made many warm friends by his marked ability and uniform courtesy.
He served his apprenticeship with the firm of Messrs. James Bertram and Sons, engineers, Leith Walk Foundry, Leith, and subsequently he was engaged for a number of years as a sea-going engineer, latterly filling the position of chief engineer.
Before entering Lloyd's he passed with distinction the Board of Trade examination for extra chief, which is the highest honour granted by the Board to marine engineers