Obituaries, Deaths and Funerals

I have just heard that former snowdrop Alan Shaw who was also a trustee with the RAFPA passed away last night after suffering a heart attack. My condolences go out to his wife Cynthia and family and may Alan rest in peace.

Sad to report that my Mother, formerly Sgt Nancy Stacey WAAF Police (1942-47) passed away this week. At 96 she kept all her memories and, like the majority of her generation, her 5 years Service stayed with her throughout her years. She, together with my Dad, Geoff Miller, were founder members of RAFA Branch in Wimborne, where she proudly became their President. I was very proud to follow her into the Trade and Branch where I served for 37 years.

From Facebook

Have just had a phone call to inform me that sadly former RAFP Dog Handler Alan Perrin has died. Alan and I shared a room together in Aden in 1966. At present I have no further details. RIP

Sid Cole

Last week I reported the passing of Alan Perrin a former RAFP DH. I have just been informed that his funeral will take place at 12.00 on 28th September at Carterton Methodist Church, Burford Road, OX18 3AA ( just down the road from RAF Brize Norton). If anyone who knew Alan, or live in that vicinity, wish to attend they are most welcome.

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of former FS Frank Authers BEM at 8pm yesterday. Frank was 98 years old and joined the RAF in August 1938. He served as a butcher and an aircraft fitter during the war and remustered to the RAF Police after the war. Frank's funeral will take place on Monday 24th September at Exeter Crematorium, Topsham, Exeter EX2 6EU at 11:15 am. All are welcome but no flowers or donations please.

To all my dads close friends and family it is with great sadness and heartbreaking news that he passed away on Thursday 30th Aug.
The family are deeply devastated and we appreciate the kind words and wishes from everyone. RIP Dad I love you to the moon and back xxxxxxxx

Details of Dennis’s funeral Thursday 20 September at 1150 at Lincoln Crematorium.
After the service at Washingborough Hall, Lincoln LN4 1BE
Can you let me know if you are attending.
Regards
Bernard

I have recently heard that Chris Parker (retired W/O CI) died a few days ago. He had a heart attack in St Ives, where he lived with his wife Jane, he died 4 days later and his funeral took place yesterday.

I worked with Jane in Vetting Wing in the mid 80s and some may remember Chris as a Flt Sgt in Survey Sqn, HQ RAF P&SS, at that time.

I’m sad to report that my old friend Dennis Harley passed away on the 23rd of August. Dennis had been in failing health for a number of years but he had deteriorated in the last several months. Dennis’s funeral service will be at 2pm on the 4th September at South Shields Crematorium. Dennis and I served together in Germany in the 70s and we remained firm friends. A good man in so many ways, he will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Pete Somerville

My oldest friend died recently. Ex-RAFP Doghandler, Alan Johnston. He only served for three years, Jan '70 - Jun '73. We were at school together. Knocked about after school years and joined up together. After training he was posted to Waddington while I was on 'D' Unit. In Dec '70 I was posted to Kai Tak. Two months later he followed me. He served 14 years in the ambulance service, before getting into the pub trade. He subsequently moved out to Koh Samui, Thailand in '95. He came back to UK in March of this year for treatment for skin cancer. Unfortunately, in that battle, he came second. He wasn't a member of the Associates, despite numerous promptings by me. His coffin was returned 'home' to Koh Samui where he is buried. He is survived by his Thai wife and stepson. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Frank Todd

It is with great sadness that Jon Willoughby-Otter passed away 01 Aug 18.
His funeral will be held in Rotherham crematorium, Ridgeway, East Herringthorpe on 20 Aug 18 at 1030.
The family is asking all who attend wear red and white.
Any serving members can wear uniform

Paul Howsham sadly passed away on Sunday 5th August. As it stands there is a church service at St Paul’s Church in Ashby on the 29/08/18 at 1315, followed by a burial at Woodlands Crematorium and Cemetery.

I saw Jill Boss in Grantham this morning having not seen her or Dale for a number of years. I am not sure whether any of you were aware but it was sad to hear that Dale (WO Rtd) died form a heart attack 13 January 2011 in Glenfield Hospital Leicester. I have seen nothing on any of the RAFP Groups regarding his death. He was a true gentleman. RIP Dale Boss.

It is with personal sadness that I must inform you of the death of Cyril Hales, a member of the Wiltshire Branch of the RAFPA. Cyril had major surgery several years ago, after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, but this year the cancer returned and was inoperable. He was 64 years of age.

Cyril joined the RAF in 1976 and he was serving as a Sgt SI, P&SS (Southern Region) at RAF Rudloe Manor, when, in 1989, he left to join Avon and Somerset Police. Cyril loved motorcycling and, after retirement from the Police, he became a volunteer 'Blood Biker', delivering emergency blood products, medicines and organs for donation, across the country.

I have just had a very sad call from Cathrine, Ivor Montell passed away this morning after spending two weeks in Plymouth Hospital. He was 82. Ivor left Rudloe Manor as a Flight Sergeant 25 years ago.
The picture was the last time we met for lunch. I joked with him about having completed computer security training he now had difficulty with an iPhone.

Will post details of his funeral when Cathrine has made arrangements.

I’ve just been informed that Ivor Montell‘s funeral is at Efford Crematorium in Plymouth next Tuesday 14 August at 12:15. Cemetery postcode is PL3 6NG.

We have become aware that former RAF Police NCO Alec George Baker, who served between 1952 and 1957, passed away on the 24 July 2018. Our condolences go out to the family for their loss and may Alec rest in peace.

Death of Leon (Leo) Victor Palmer... We have been advised that former RAF Police NCO Leo Palmer died on Friday 7 June 2018. Leo’s funeral was held at the West Suffolk Crematorium Bury St. Edmunds on Friday 6 July 2018.
Leo served in the RAF Police from 1953 to 1978 at numerous units. Our condolences go out to his family and may Leo rest in peace.

I woke up this morning to a message from Brenda Walsh, saying that our old friend, from our Ceylon Days, Pat Walsh passed away yesterday evening.

I have just been informed by his father that Jon Hickson passed away this Friday 13th after a long 5 year battle with cancer.

Just to let those people on here that knew Jon Hickson's his funeral is an open service and his father has stated:

‘indeed, we shall be delighted for any of Jon's former RAF friends to attend and support us’.

I have no further details except that Bob served as a Dog Handler.

Bob was one of the last Dog Handlers on the island of Ceylon in 1960, and a member of the Old Ceylon Comrades, a group of R.A.F Police officers who spent time on the island of Ceylon. Ken Needham

I have just been informed that the funeral service for Bob will take place at 12.30pm Thursday 19th July at Blyth Crematorium, NE24 5SZ. This will be a burial, however it is the same location as the crematorium.

Time change - now 12:15pm

From Nicholas Ligertwood....Please could you include Mark Travis ex RAFP. Died 10 June 2018, Uedum, Germany

Death of David Giddings
I have received information that former RAFP David Giddings passed away on 17 June 2018.

David was an active member of the RAFP Association and was a former Secretary of the the Essex & Suffolk Branch. He was a stalwart supporter of the annual Cenotaph parade until ill-health forced him to slow down.

Not so long ago l mentioned that Peter Haslam, a former RAF Police dog handler and Met Police Officer, was seriously ill. I have just been informed that Pete died last week. His funeral is this Saturday 0900 St Peters church Westcliff. 1100 Service of Thanks Giving, St Margarets Church, St Margarets Bay, Dover. Leaves wife Margaret. Was secretary of Dover Probus for many years. I will be attending. RIP old friend.

My Grandfather, RAF Police Sgt Ernest (aka Ernie) Sharman passed away on Monday.

He served at RAF Cottesmore in early 1960s before posting to Rheidhalen until 1968.
He also served at RAF Wittering in the early 70s

Other Non UK postings were RAF Episkopi and Troodos in the late 50s.

It's a long shot but we just wanted to inform any friends or relatives of former colleagues at RAF Cottesmore of his passing.
The funeral (date tbc) will be held at Cottesmore church.

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