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 !
For friends and family who wish to attend the funeral and wake details are as follows.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday 14th May, 3pm at Redan Road Cemetery, Redan Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU12 4ST.
There will be a wake afterwards to celebrate his life at Tongham Community Center, Poyle Road, Tongham. Directions will be given after the service.
There will also be a stream for those who wish to watch but unable to make the service. https://watch.obitus.com username and password will be given on the day.
Floral arrangements are strictly from family only, those who wish to make a donation please donate to the RAF association charity.
Please RSVP asap for catering arrangements.
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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29 April 2024
From: David Gillan
Member No 518 Colin Smith
It is with great sadness that I have to report that former Cpl Colin Smith passed away recently, his daughter Cassie asked me to let all his old friends and colleagues from Bruggen, Laarbruch and North Coates and other bases.
I will post funeral details when they arise. R.I.P. old friend.
RIP Colin
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3 June 2024
From: Steve Harrison
Member No 560 Malcolm Senior
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Malcolm Senior passed away last Friday 31 May.
RIP Malcolm
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3 June 2024
From: Steve Harrison
Member No 753 Alex Robertson
II received the sad news this morning from the wife of Alex Robertson member 753 to say the he passed away on the 6th May
RIP Alex
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6 June 2024
From: David Crampton
Nigel Kease
I have just found out of the passing of my mate Nigel Kease. His partner, Bernice, asked me to let all his fire service friends know. Nigel passed away in the early hours of Wednesday of a heart attack brought on by a bad chest infection. During his RAF Service Nigel was based at Wyton. Church Fenton and finally Finningley before coming out in 83.
My condolences to Bernice,family and friends miss you already mate.
It was Nigel’s wish to have an unattended funeral. This will take place next Tuesday 18 June, so if anyone would like to raise a glass in his memory, please do so then.
RIP Nigel Kease 1958 -
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29 June 2024
From: Warwick Izzard
Neville Bunton
My father-
My wife and I had planned to take him to the museum of RAF firefighting but sadly we have missed this opportunity now.
RIP Neville
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11 July 2024
From: Dave Kirk
Jim O’Connor
I have just learnt from his daughter, Clare, that ex RAF Corporal Fireman Jim (Des) O’Connor sadly passed away on 31 December last year at the age of 69. Jim served at Brize Norton, from where he was detached to Cyprus during the Turkish invasion of 1974, as well as Salalah, Upavon and also a tour of duty on The Queens Flight. Clare tells me that her father considered his time in the RAF special, and that the memories stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Jim was a well liked airman who was be held in high regard by the Fire Service and rugby communities wherever he served
RIP Jim
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14 July 2024
From: Alan Brooke
Mem No 83 Wilf Longmire
Sad news just in that a legend of our trade, Wilf Longmire passed away after a long fight with cancer. Wilf had a long and distinguished career in the RAF Fire Service, and as proof of his popularity there were no less than 136 comments of condolence when his death was announced in our Facebook Group. He will be best remembered for being the man who led the first firemen to the Falkland Islands during Operation Corporate and also his long association with the annual Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
RIP Wilf
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23 September 2024
From: Steve Shirley
Mem No 225 Michael Golding
I've just been informed that sadly Mick Golding has passed away. A real character in every sense of the word. As a Museum volunteer he kept everyone's spirits up and he will be sadly missed.
Stand down, dear friend. Duty Done.
RIP Mick
27 September 2024
From: Matthew Coleman
Malcolm Petch
To those who may of known Malcolm Petch aka Mr Petch or Tiny (my grandpa) passed away Monday morning 23rd September. He worked as a fire officer for 40years at RAF LYNEHAM . For those who would like to attend the funeral, please contact me.
RIP Malcolm
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08 October 2024
From: Trevor Hayes
Mem No 65 Terrence Wright
It is with sadness that I have to pass on news of the passing of our longest serving members Terrence Wright. Further information will be added when known.
RIP Terry
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08 October 2024
From: David Calvert
Mem No 336 John Beard
It is with sadness that I have to pass on news of the passing of John Beard. Further information will be added when known.
RIP John
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14 October 2024
From: Trevor Hayes
Mem No 1095 Malcolm Hawtrey
It is with sadness that I have to pass on news of the passing of Malcolm Hawtrey. Further information will be added when known.
RIP Malcolm
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19 October 2024
From: Ron Fillis
Brian Woolridge
Heard some sad news today that an old friend of mine -
RIP Brian
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23 October 2024
From: Meg Bocock
Bryn Tookey
We said Goodbye to a dear friend today Bryn Tookey ex RAF Fire section having served for 9 yrs and left mid 80s he resided in Swaffham Norfolk.
His day was filled with many memories of his time spent with Family and Friends .
We often heard of his many exploits whilst serving and the sand bag was often pulled out .
Fly high Bryn . You will be sorely missed x
RIP Bryn
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5 November 2024
From: Trevor Hayes
Mem No 539 William Walters
It is with sadness that I have to pass on the news that William Walters died in June of this year just a couple of months after the death of his wife.
RIP William
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9 November 2024
From: Chris Haughton
Mick McDonell
Just received via Steve Gumbley the sad news of the passing today, Saturday 9th November, of Mick (Mac) McDonnell. Mac was renowned in the trade, especially during his tour at RAF Wyton.
Mac's funeral will take place at
The Huntingdon Crematorium
Sapley Road,
Kings Ripton, Huntingdon, PE28 2NX
At : 09:30
Afterards, Mac's wake at : The Burgess Hall, St. Ives, PE27 6WU
RIP Mac
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20 November 2024
From: Fred Bickham
Ron Pearson
Sad to have to pass on the news that ex RAF Fireman Ron Pearson (ex El Adem) has passed away.
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