Im absolutely lost for words.
My father, my Hero , my dad.. died suddenly on Tuesday.
He was taken to the hospital at 8am and was in emergency surgery within minutes of that he had a lower abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture. The doctors tried to save him and he tried to hang on.
Mum gave him a kiss on the cheek before he went in. The last thing I said was Ill see you Wednesday.
He didnt suffer. He had heart issues for many years, a heart attack in 1994, another heart attack in 2004 , had further bypass surgery in 2011 and collapsed again in 2019 finally requiring a pacemaker installed.
He was nothing short of heroic in facing these things, and was always stronger in spirit. He knew his time was limited and made the most of it.
The man who introduced me to flying as a 3 year old boy, who watched every meaningful flight I ever had, he helped me build my planes, he coached me, he clapped as I flew well
He was a hard judge but a gentle wonderful amazing man.
I know I had the best father in the world, I am an only child and dad made me feel like I was the only person who mattered.
He taught me everything from how to drive, to " Right tool for the right job " and " Let the tool do the work "
I wish I had more words... to describe how wonderful he was. He loved my mother for 44 years, he loved me like I imagine most Fathers love their Sons.
Im totally lost without him.
I had only seen him on the weekend to do some flights together and help me with some personal things. I also saw him on the Monday, Tuesday he was gone from us.
I miss my best friend and I miss my dad.
I know he had many people who knew and loved him.
He has 2 Grandchildren who he adored, He has a wife who is suffering being alone. He has 3 older brothers who are sad.
My wife Rhiannon has been a wonderful support.
Dad had been flying since the mid 1950s. He met and talked to the best of the best. He judged at Nationals and always gave his time freely.
God I wish I could add more. Im in shock and totally lost.
I know how amazing he was and he was old school, could do anything and would help anyone.
I miss my dad.
I want to say ... Im certain many of you have lost your fathers So I want to say Im sorry to.anyone whom felt the deep gut wrenching sadness Ive felt the last 48 hours.
To all the sons who had a wonderful father : Thanks for making us strong like you.
To my Dad.. " Im lost without you're guidance I miss you more than my words can ever express. . You were the strongest man I ever met "