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.

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-Commandant of the Northern Ireland Fire Service Training School. Prior to that he was an  RAF Fireman and served in Singapore before retiring in the late 60's to join the Ulster Fire Brigade. He loved his time in the RAF and always flew their flag at his home.

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:-  S & J Irvine, Carrickfergus.

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- Flowers to H.R.Palmers 30 Hardres St Ramsgate CT11 8QF

 or

Donations to - Dogs Trust

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 - 2024

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29 June 2024

From:  Warwick Izzard

Neville Bunton

My father-in-law, Neville Bunton, passed away yesterday. He wasn’t a member of your association to my knowledge, but he was an RAF fireman in the 1950s/60s.  I know he served with No 263 Squadron as he has a plaque and he also served on Operation Hopscotch in 1961 when he was posted to an airstrip in Besongabang in what was then British Cameroon.

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 - in fact my first corporal at RAF Benson back in 75 - Brian Wooldridge, has passed away - will post funeral arrangements should anyone wish to attend.

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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29 November 2024

From: Allan Brooke

Michael Condon

Sorry to have to inform you of the death of Michael (Mick) Condon who retired as Corporal in the RAF Fire Service.  His daughter informed me that he had passed away late at night on 27th November. 

From Mick’s son-in-law, Peter Charles White:

... 898 Cpl Michael (Mick) Condon was an RAF Fireman from 1951 to 1974. He served mostly on flying stations, South Cerney, Middleton St George, Marham, West Raynham to name but a few. Overseas trips included Iraq (1953) Australia and Germany. Mick was also in Christmas Island during the nuclear testing, and thankfully didn't fall ill to cancer, as so many of his comrades have.

Following demob, he later joined RAFA and the RBL and was Standard Bearer for the Bury St Edmunds RAFA branch for several years.

Mick's funeral will be at West Suffolk Crematorium on Monday 6th January at 1.30pm.

RIP Mick

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25 November 2024

From: Bob Golding

Member No 932 Victor Golding

I’m afraid I have some very sad news, our dear dad Victor Golding passed away on Tuesday morning aged 87. He has been poorly with pneumonia for some weeks and was just too weak to get over it this time.
We are obviously totally devastated, but take some comfort in knowing he lived a long full life with plenty of love and much laughter and leaves behind his wife our mother Maureen , myself and my brother Jeremy and our families including 6 grandchildren who will all miss him terribly.

RIP Victor

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