The RAF & Defence Fire Service has a book of remembrance where the names of our fallen comrades are recorded. The poem below was produced by Steve Harrison and is a combination of his own work, some lines from Mick Goupillot and a prayer from Satish Kumar, who was a Jain monk.
Death notices received from late October 2023 are posted below. For previous listings please click the appropriate link above
24 November 2023
From: George Turnbull
Member No 627 David McBain
So sorry to inform the Association of the passing of ex RAF Firefighter David McBain. Dave, my great friend of fifty three years, died on 20th November after a long fight with cancer. He joined the RAF in September 1966 and served at RAF Wittering, where he met his wife Marion, before postings to Sharjah and Conningsby. Following discharge in August 1971, he worked at Luton Airport Fire Station for three years before moving on to Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, where he attained the rank of Station Officer. After that he transferred to London Fire Brigade where he was employed as Station Commander in an operational role, as well as Training Officer at the Brigade Training Centre and at the Western Command Training Centre. After retiring in 2002, Dave drove a mobile library vehicle before becoming Licensing Officer for Mid Beds District Council, a role he filled for eight years. He would have stayed in the RAF longer but was never given the opportunity to complete an advanced training course.
Dave’s funeral service is on the 19th December at:
The Vale Crematorium,
Butterfield Green Road,
Luton,
LU2 8DD
at 2pm,
afterwards at Barton Rovers F.C.
Barton Le Clay,
MK45 4SD
RIP Dave
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4 January 2024
From: Gareth Green
Member No 255 Kenneth Green
It is with regret that I inform you of the passing of my father Kenneth George Green after a long illness. Ken was Area Coordinator for Northern Ireland and also ex-
Kenneth’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 9th January at 10am at Whitehead Methodist Church, 2 Balmoral Avenue, Whitehead, BT38 9QA. Details also on website of funeral directors:-
RIP Kenneth
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6 January 2024
From: Karen Costello Carter
Member No 485 Gabriel (Cos) Costello
With immensely heavy hearts , myself, my big sister Jo and family had to say our final farewells to our wonderful dad and amazing Grandad, Cos Costello (Gabriel Costello), who sadly passed away peacefully with his girls by his side on Thursday the 4th of January.
A kind , loving , brave, generous, funny, cheeky, intelligent and often naughty but true to his heart Irish Gentleman. Dad dedicated his life to our family, his friends and his life long career in the Royal Air Force until he retired as the respected Warrant Officer Gabriel Costello BEM.
Dad touched the lives of so many people, especially throughout his career where he lead and guided hundreds of Air men & women throughout his and their RAF journey. We will miss dad desperately but knowing he is at peace with our mum Lynn now brings us all some comfort. You are loved dad you are cherished you are missed.
We Invite you to the Funeral of our father, Warrant Officer Gabriel (Cos) Costello on Wednesday 31st January 2024 at 1PM
Service to be conducted at:
Thanet Crematorium
Manston Rd
Margate
CT94LY
And afterwards at:
Lesters
162 Ramsgate Rd
Margate
CT9 4E2
To raise a glass (or a cup of tea) to our wonderful dad and your special friend x
If you wish-
or
Donations to -
Cheques to Dogs Trust
(c/o H.R Palmers)
Please can you email kccarts@yahoo.co.uk if you will be coming so I know the numbers.
For those who cant attend there will be a Webcast of dad's funeral. Please email me at kccarts@yahoo.co.uk for details as I have been told to email the link and not copy & paste.
Kind Regards
Karen & Joanna
RIP Cos
15 January 2024
From: Colin Stone
Terry Dawber
I have just visited Jackie Dawber wife of Terry Dawber who died in the early hours of Friday Morning.
Terry's funeral service will take place on 2nd Feb at 14.00 at Gloucester Crematorium.
RIP Terry
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9 February 2024
From: Simon Wheeler
Lenny Scott
Saddened to have to share the passing of Lenny Scott, former Brize Guy RAF Fire Fighter, just 33 years old. After seeing news reporting a death of somebody by his name former crew members searched for confirmation and unfortunately found it, that’s all the information we have at this time.
RIP Lenny
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26 March 2024
From: Trevor Hayes
Member No 222 Michael Barnes
I regret having to pass on the news that Michael passed away on Thursday 21 March. He had heart failure and died peacefully in his sleep.
RIP Michael
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9 April 2024
From: Kevin Mason
Tom Sawyer
It is with a heavy heart that I have inform members of the passing of WO Tom Sawyer RIP dear friend and colleague !
RIP Tom
13 April 2024
From: Mike Knight
Member No 840 Rick Armstrong
News has reached me via fb of the loss of a great character. Rick Armstrong, otherwise known as Lurch or Lurcio, passed away last night.
I knew Lurch at Brize in 74 and onwards and last saw him at Ken Leveretts funeral in July 2019.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when known.
RIP Rick
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