Remembering Barry Gristwood
Remembering Robert Barry Gristwood (RBG) 10th April 1934 – 12th January 2026
It is with great sadness that the Company announces the death of Barry Gristwood, former Managing Director of the Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company Ltd.
Barry worked in the insurance industry, both marine and non-marine commercial insurance, for more than 40 years. Born in Whitley Bay, his entire career was based in the North East of England.
Beginning work as an insurance broker in the 1950’s, he moved to Sunderland and worked for Salvus Bain, following a merger of local companies, which gave him his first portfolio of marine risks.
Under Barry’s drive and enthusiasm, Salvus Bain flourished and working with a London broker, dominated fishing vessel business in the U.K and Ireland in the ensuing years.
At the same time, Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company insured fishing vessel business in the same town, with a friendly though competitive, relationship.
In 1975, the two companies joined forces with Salvus Bain Management becoming managers for the Sunderland insurance business.
Barry was the human dynamo that drove the combined company forward in these formative years. Having dominated U.K. business for many years, under his leadership the company strategy expanded overseas. During the 1980s and 90s, business was transacted around the world in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, South Africa and South America as well as more remote destinations.
Barry was also instrumental in introducing the diversification of Aquaculture Insurance to the company in 1986 when Aquaculture, as an industry, was in its infancy and the insurance of stock and equipment was completely new to the insurance market.
He was also responsible for the formation of EFICA (European Fishing Vessel Insurance Company’s Association) in 1992. This organisation joined together like-minded insurers sharing strategies and, in some situations, reinsurance within the European sector. The Association continues today with the next generation of marine insurers.
Barry was highly respected in the world of insurance where his energy and desire to succeed was infectious. By the time of his retirement in April 1996, Sunderland Marine had grown to be the acknowledged global specialist insurer for the niche risks of commercial fishing vessels and aquaculture risks.
He remained as a Director of the Company for a further 11 years, eventually retiring from the Board in 2007 but always retaining a keen interest in the Company’s activities.
Outside of work, Barry and his wife Marion, who passed away in 2011, had continuing interests in the theatre and travel with Barry being a keen golfer, squash player and a follower of rugby. He remained a member and Director of Ashbrooke Rugby and Cricket Club in Sunderland for many years, well into his 80s.
Barry is survived by his sons David and Michael. He will be sadly missed by many. RIP Barry.
With thanks to Geoff Parkinson for sharing these words.
