Vale Darren Moore

[OpsNormal]

I kinda feel that this is worthy of a thread of its own, and somewhere to post your thoughts and expressions of regret for his family at this time....

To those who knew him, especially in the early days of pprune 10 plus years ago (many only know/knew of his pprune username here: wizard of auz) and to those closest to him now, Darren unfortunately lost his life in the accident at Milne Bay yesterday.

I'll always remember this side of one of our favourite larrikins pictured here while we were flying his beloved Daisy many years ago....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u109/OpsNormal/Daisy039.jpg

Fly high old mate, you've touched the lives of a great many people and will be sorely missed. Spread your wings wide and fly into the sunset, the world is a richer place for you being in it....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u109/OpsNormal/Daisy004.jpg

My thoughts also go to the family and friends of those touched by this accident.

Regards,

Dave:(

[Jabawocky]

I missed out on meeting him at Leonora a few years back, he offered us his fuel pump and even his Mrs came down to check on us when we arrived. Forkie had his new pump so all was good. But seemed he would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it! :ok:

The sad irony to his death was the work he was doing was to help make aviation in PNG safer.

J:sad:

[The Voice]

You rascal Wiz .. your wit and knowledge will be missed in this place ..

You were so bloody happy yesterday morning ..

Thoughts and prayers with his wife and children ..

TV

(God really didn't plan this very well with both you and Binos in the same place so close together!)

[Flypuppy]

When I first heard I thought it must be a mistake; sadly not.

I will fondly remember Wiz even though I only knew him through friends and via PPRuNe. Thoughts and prayers with Darren's family.

If the following is regarded as inappropriate, please send me a PM and I will edit my post.

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no tears in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss meÉbut let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friend we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me ... but let me go.

[kingRB]

Chatted to him quite a bit via PM, I cant believe the same bloke's now gone :sad:

Never got to meet him but we'd always planned to catch up for a brew next time he was in Oz. I'm sad to realise i'll never now have the pleasure. :(

Thoughts and sympathies for his family.

[Josh Cox]

Sad day indeed, Wiz was a good guy, a rough nut, but an honest bloke.

Farewell my friend.

[Jack Ranga]

I you want to read about Darren's aviation career (fascinating!) visit the 'other' aviation bulletin board, he was registered under the user name wiz310...........it's a great read.

RIP.........

He looks exactly like I imagined him to :E

[compressor stall]

We'll miss you mate. My wife and I were only reminiscing the other day about that NYE in the middle of the salt lake, and the quick blat in Daisy terrorising the local goats...

RIP, and our sincerest thoughts and sympathies to your family. :{

Ops - Funny thing I have almost the same photo of him, with the same expression, but a few years earlier.

And here's his story as referenced above. My favourite line is him working for "an idiot with ****e gear and false promises and an attitude that made it impossible to work for him without getting an assault charge on my record. "

Priceless.

-------------------------------------------------
Wiz's Story, by Wiz
I bailed on my edjumakashun before high school as I wasn't too good at the learning business. Traipsed about the country working as a station hand/stockman for a while.
Went to the fishing industry and fished on boats of all sizes and shapes for skippers of all types. worked from the south on tuna, shark, wetline scale fish through to the north on crayfish, yellow fin tuna, scallops, prawns and so on.

Eventually the bush called me back and I went back to stations as a ringer, fencing contractor, mustering contractor, well digger, windmill erector, dogger, etc. drank far to much rum, fought too many other drunken ringers and got sick of four months work in the middle of nowhere, paying for a five day blow out and a new pair of jeans and boots and then having to go back to do it again. (jeans only last so long you know).

Did a heavy duty fitters apprenticeship in the mining industry in the gold fields due to a punch-up with the bosses son on the last station I was on, then moved to the north of the country.
Worked up there as a sandblaster/ spray painter, laborer, bar man, semi pro boxer, donkey shooter, tree lopper.

Moved back to the goldfields and got tied up with a gal.
Got a job as a fettler out on the trans line at a place called Forrest. (no doubt you all have heard of it) it was here I got a taste of aviation.
I ended up as a part time refueller as well as working for the railways.

One day one of the guys from the Met side hired an airplane and bought it out to Forrest and did a little flying about. When I asked what it took to get a license, I was told not to bother as I wasn't clever enough....... so I didn't.
I hitched a ride to Rawlinna on a Aztec one day and loved the fact it was a 45 min flight against a eight hour rough drive.

The gal got preggers so we left the middle of nowhere to be in civilization for the birth.
I had worked my way up from Fettler to leading hand to Ganger and there was no room to go any further, as the road master was a lifer.
Had a kid and went back north as a donkey shooter, cum general hand at any and every thing.
One day while breaking some horses for an up coming sale, I was approached by a guy who asked if I could break a camel. I replied, "Dunno........... give it a shot though." I learned quickly that you can't buck out a camel.......... that snapping gator mouth can reach you while you're perched on its bouncing ass trying to stay on.

The guy then asked me if I could fix his truck as he was going out the desert to muster camels. I ended up going out as the mechanic and truck driver as I was the only one that could drive the truck.
In two weeks in the bush I witnessed three aircraft crashes (still have some awesome photos of them).

After running out of planks, the guy got a chopper in to do the work.
The guy that was flying the chopper was a great bloke and after some rum by the fire after dinner, we got talking abou
t flying. I told him I wasn't clever enough to fly a plane or chopper, but wished I was.
He told me I was full of it and next morning he would show me.

Next morning he kicked me out of my swag for my first ever flying lesson.
Well, we wheeled about doing the effects of controls in cruise and I was driving the helicopter unaided in a very short time. He decided that was too easy so we went to hovering.
I managed a sort of hover after twenty minutes of mayhem and was bitten hard by the bug.
Ian Hayward was responsible for me flying today.
Unfortunately he was killed a few years later in Tazwegia - caught a wire while ag flying.

A few years later and a few more kids, I was living in Esperance and shooting roos to supplement my meagre income as a diesel fitter in a farming town that was poverty stricken.
I bought a hang glider that kept falling out of the sky and hurting me. After successfully towing up with a vehicle and thermalling up to 7K a few times, I got to enjoy the floating about the sky bizzo.
After one really bad launch from a sand dune one day, I sold the hang glider to stop it hurting me for no reason. (I shudder now knowing I had seen 7K without knowing what a stall was).

I decided to invest the $$ I got for the hang glider into a real airplane license.
Packed my best thongs and headed off to the big smoke for a couple of lessons. managed to solo in minimum time. 5.4 hours.
I then returned to Esperance and shot roos to afford my next few lessons.
I would shoot until I had five tons, then load up my Landcruiser and trailer and wander down to the big smoke for more lessons.
Got my GFPT and aeros rating and moved back to the Golfields for the $$$.
Finished my PPL with a brand new school.
I was the first PPL out of Goldfield Air Services (Air Charter Kalgoorlie Western Australia - Charter Flights Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Flight Training School Western Australia WA - GoldFields Air Services (http://www.goldfieldsairservices.com)).
I decided that I had to go all the way to CPL to stop the $$$ drain and get some more flying.

I moved to Perth to try and get work close to aviation and ended up doing a cert IV, Diploma and advanced diploma while working as a kangaroo boner and free lance mechanic to feed the now four kids and missus.
I ended up working for a larrakin aggy as a mechanic and loader and he got me to do a bit of ferry work to build my hours up and learn the business as an aggy.

I got my CPL and initial multi and hung around the airport as a Fly anything anywhere anytime guy and flew dirt darts on weekends.
Got into some international ferry flying C172s from YPJT to Manila in the Philippines and that sort of thing.
Eventually decided to get a mustering rating, as I could see me making a quid out of that.
I did the low level rating and headed up north to do the mustering rating. Got home and received a phone call two days later, offering me a job with the guy that did my rating.
Worked for him for a while and got sick of sleeping in hangars with holes in the roof that leaked in the rain, and eating crook food on old attitude stations.

The final straw was the boss rolling in on his new Harley that I had paid for with my last three months work, to be told they have no money this month and I'll get paid next month.......... meanwhile I was eating the army ations out of' the airplane's emergency rations while sleeping on the hangar floor.
I left and went home..... decided to set up my own outfit and went off mustering for myself.
Made a living out of that for 9 years - bought a house, csr, schooled my kids, went overseas on holidays, bought an old C310 and restored it and generally lived life.

Eventually mustering became too hard to make a living out of due to the bad stock prices, bad payers and the government's decision to stop the dingo control programs, thus ending the sheep era in most of the country I worked in.
Went back to the mining industry for a while and did the odd ferry overseas. managed to fly around PNG, Timor (yeah, they were still shooting while I was there), Indonesia (all over it), and the Philippines.

I eventually succumbed to my longing to fly a Caravan, as I fell in love with it from first sight.
I ended up bashing a few around the tropics during the build up and wet season for a good company, after bailing on an idiot with ****e gear and false promises and an attitude that made it impossible to work for him without getting an assault charge on my record.
Funnily enough, the CP of the company I moved to was one of my instructors 17 years before.

I bashed the van around for a couple of years in the seasons that they needed some experience and wrote an ops manual while working back in the goldfields during the breaks from flying.
I got my CP approval and AOC and all the other required approvals to start a turbine operation........ just in time to catch the global economic crisis.
I am now waiting to hear from several applications I have submitted for jobs while I wait out the looming depression.
I managed to squeeze a CPLH into all the above as well.

I am currently recovering from a back operation and am spending way too much time on the internet annoying all the know all's and mods on PPrune, while I wait for a flying job....... or the other one I have applied for overseas (my preferred position).

There ya go.......... the condensed version.

I might add that although i have managed to accrue 8500 odd hours in most pistons and a few turbines, I have loved most of it and have never felt the need to fly jets.
I do wish to fly some of the more character aircraft like the PC6, DHC6, DC3 and a few others, and I will eventually.

I have a drive that has dragged me this far, and have flown from C152's to PC12's all funded from aviation and hard work, so I won't stop until I have flown my wish list.

Kids are all grown and house is almost paid for, so I guess I can manage GA for a bit longer.

[Kiwiconehead]

Knew him from the bar at the Aeroclub, didn't know he was the Wiz.

Top bloke and will be missed.

[Metro man]

What a life story ! Sounds straight out of an adventure novel.

R.I.P.

[redsnail]

Gees. So sad. You're already missed.
Thoughts to your wife and kids. :(

You definitely livened up the place while you were here. :D

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

The amount of time Darren and I spent putting the GA world to rights, it should've been running like clockwork. Despite the many obstacles put in his way, he never gave up, even if it meant going off and driving road trains for a bit when things got tough he always bounced back.

Darren was pure gold, he was such a funny bugger always with a story to tell in very colourful langauge.


This was the day we needed a "model" to pretend to be a stude while we took photos of the instructors for the webpage. Darren obliged but said that was "the only %$&#*^@ time he would ever get in a F%&$*#g Tomahawk".



http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/minnie_the_minx/JimSturrockFlyinginstructor1.jpg

He was one of the few that really understood what it is like to lose a beloved dog and I will always be grateful to him for that.

Will miss you Wiz

[bush mechanics]

very sad,I met Darren when he came to the Alice in Daisy to visit Ops.A very genuine fella
Thoughts are with his family
RIP

[GoGirl]

Too lost for words... :{

GG

[poteroo]

RIP Wiz

A real life story of a bloke who did it his way, and made good in a tough industry. A bloody tragedy that it all ended far too early.

Poteroo

[dribbler]

Im sure I had a Bundy and Coke with him in a former life..........
A full life lived

[The Chaser]

BUGGA ..... :(

wiz .. many have heard your clarion message/s for a very very long time .... we willl continue ;)

RIP from afar cobba :(

[OZBUSDRIVER]

The price of anonymity.

Wiz was a straight shooter, one of the small list of people worth reading ALL the time on this forum. Just Binos was another one.

Wiz, you showed that this game is open to anyone with the drive to have a go. Haven't touched it in years but will crack a square in you honour.:ok:

[Lasiorhinus]

Bugger.

Thanks for all your help when I was starting out, Darren.
Thanks for the advice, thanks for the chats, and thanks for the beers.

:{

[Keg]

Cya Wiz. Thanks for the memories mate. :sad:

[10W]

Buggah :{

Wiz was one of the folks on my 'definitely must meet for a beer' list. Over the years he has been colourful and controversial, but with a wicked sense of humour and the knowledge and life experience to know what he was talking about.

Even not personally knowing him, I feel a sense of loss inside. One of the great PPRuNe characters who helped make this site what it is. I'll miss his contributions and chats.

RIP mate .... you'll never be forgotten.

[YPJT]

Darren ya bugger - you promised to give me welding lessons.

For anyone around Perth or Jandakot, a few of us will be meeting up at the RACWA bar on Friday arvo for a few beers and to drink a beer or two in memory of one of aviation's finest.

[tinpis]

What a blow. :(
I'm sure we would have got along fine had we met.

Lukim yu

[criticalmass]

Not a good couple of weeks for us Aussie Ppruners, First we lose Binos, now we've lost the Wiz. :(

I think I met Darren at the Ozbash in 2002, although I was only able to stay for the first 2 days. Truly a character. On the forums he regaled us with tales of his beloved "Daisy", and we were able to follow his progress around the aviation scene in our wide, brown land. Now, no more.

Farewell mate, fair be the weather in the skies you'll travel. :{

Sadly, I also knew Chris Hart, the marine pilot who lost his life in the accident. Chris and I sailed on the "Howard Smith" in the mid to late 80s, he as 1st Mate, myself as Radio Officer. Always entertaining, and a very fine and competent Master Mariner, "Choff" as he was known had a ready wit and never let an opportunity for fun slip by. He enlivened many an evening in the smoke-room after watchkeeping hours were done.

Godspeed, guys, and thanks for all the happy memories. :{ :(

[laut]

One of many amusing days flying with Darren, about to join the circuit.

TOWER : "VH - ABC, I've still got the ground guys out on the runway for bird harrassment"

Daz : " What ? Every time I try and do that I get in trouble !!!"

One of the great characters I've been lucky enough to meet in this great but unfair industry of ours. Alot of respect for someone who did it their way and worked bloody hard to do what he loved.
RIP old mate.

[john_tullamarine]

I think I met Darren at the Ozbash in 2002

Not a good week - hopefully this is the end of losses for the Ozbash 2002 group ...

He told me I was full of it and next morning he would show me.

Have had a couple of good mates (with whose instruction I was involved) of like background to Wiz' - more determination than one might credit and only too willing to go head down, arse up, into the books and training with the bums out of their jeans.

Funnily enough, they are the ones who stay etched indelibly in my ageing memory while the memory of others, who may have displayed more innate talent, have faded just a little.

Salut, Wiz, good sir ! Safe journey and fair winds.

[blackhand]

Another Good Bastard gone.


Yelling at God, not you all

BH

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

A 'Point Of Interest'.......

Today's 'West Australian', page 5, has a report of Darren's sad demise,
and I quote,

'Darren Moore, from Leonora, was yesterday named on a pilots' internet forum as having been killed in the crash on Tuesday'.

Darren's photo is displayed - it appears to be directly 'lifted' from the post on this forum.

The article goes on to list the other casualties, and generally, to describe the accident.

The byline is 'Port Moresby'.


Sincere Condolences to Darren's family, and his many mates.

One of Life's 'Real Characters' - nothing 'artificial' about this man.

R.I.P.

[tail wheel]

Griffo. I checked Wiz's details had been released as soon as he was identified on PPRuNe. The Mod's would not allow a name to be published here if it was not yet available to the media.

I think you will find that photo either on Wiz's Face b o o k page or one of the other Face b o o k pages linked to his.

[Blue Sky Baron]

Just like in the movie "Always", Wiz's 'Inspiration' will be passed onto another.
BSB :{

[avgas2]

My dear friend “Chief”...I guess I'll never sit in the right hand seat with you again….or the left hand for that matter. Drove down to the runway yesterday arvo…Daisy lookin good.
Come visit me at Malcom sometime. I’ll put the billy on…ninni fire as usual. No bloody marshmallows this time. No reason for you not to show up; It’s not as if you have to go through customs now, do you?
I’ll miss our countless cups of “hot stuff” and talking “avcrap” till the wee hours when all is “Tickety Boo”.
MAC won’t be the same without you. By the way…thanks for breaking up our two man club; who the hell am I supposed to fly with now?

The answer is “yes”…you do have big hands. I can say that now that you can’t deck me! I guess you have a legitimate excuse for not putting the DH up now.

You are one of my genuine hero’s. I’ve always looked up to you and always will. I’ve learnt a lot from you over the years. You’ve stuck by me through rocky times, you put up with my crap and you taught me how to fly the big stuff, Solid.
So long Chief….”Never Goodbye”. :=

To the Moore family...My door is open...Feel free. I'll tidy up this time!

[BigMike]

A photo from week or so ago when he came along and had a steer of the BK...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/DarrenatTolukuma.jpg


I would see Darren almost daily here in PNG. We became close friends in the the 8 months he was here. I talked to him the morning of the crash and we promised to catch-up at the 'Dero' for some 'product testing' later.

I have just arrived back from the gathering for the return of the bodies from Misima. It was very moving with most of his work mates from CASA PNG there.
Sorry I couldn't bring you back yesterday mate, the weather was too iffy for us once we reached Gurney, but the guys in the Twotter did a good job today. We had a many a beer at the aeroclub last night for you mate. I don't think you realised how many people were fond of you.

I will miss you mate, your funny wicked humour, your professional manner when it came to work matters, and the fact that underneath the gruff loud full-on bloke you were, you had an absolute heart of gold.

I hope to be at Leonora for your final send-off.

see you again one day mate...

BM

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Hi 'TW',

Thankyou.

[Pseudonymn]

I think you will find that photo either on Wiz's Face b o o k page or one of the other Face b o o k pages linked to his.

tail wheel, I took that photo when OpsN & I went flying with Darren in 2004. It is not on face b o o k at all, the only place it has been uploaded to is OpsN's photobucket account so we could post it here.

It now has a copyright West Australian next to it on their website. OpsN & I don't really mind the photo being used, but it would be nice if they acknowledged where they lifted it from and removed the copyright symbol off a photo they have no intellectual right to.

Regards, Psuedo. (Mrs OpsN)

Leonora man victim of PNG crash - The West Australian (http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/7865062/leonora-man-victim-of-png-crash/)

edited to add link...

[criticalmass]

Not only have I lost the "Wiz", whom I met at the 2002 OzBash in Melbourne, but I now realise it is most probable the marine pilot who lost his life in the crash, Chris Hart, is the same Chris Hart who was 1st mate of the "Howard Smith" when I was Radio Officer onboard in the mid 1980s. I seem to have had the singular misfortune to lose two friends in the one accident. :(

(posted before it was confirmed, see my earlier post which is updated. Not one of my best weeks, it has to be said, especially as it comes hard on the heels of losing Binos)

[Max Range]

So sad. Wiz and I used to chat on PM or on the phone after he kindly gave me some advice on flying.....and life in general - mostly how to put up with the crap that life throws at you from time to time! I still have an old POH that he sent me and wouldn't accept any payment. Sorry I never got to Leonora to say gidday and thanks in person.
Compressor - thanks for posting that great Wiz story. Such a character - and never afraid to put his 2 bob's worth in! RIP Wiz.

Max Range

[Josh Cox]

Pseudo,

Have a mate at "The West" who said, reference post #34:
Josh the thread is correct, the owner of the pic is normally credited, if you want to take further the online editor is the person to talk to, Chris Manley, 9482 3673.

[OpsNormal]

Cheers Josh.

Regards,

OpsN.;)

[BlueDiamond]

Bugger.

Darren during the Outback Air Race 2003 ... we competed in the legendary "Daisy."

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/Magz01photos/DarrenMoore02.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/Magz01photos/DarrenMoore01.jpg

Will miss ya, mate. Safe journey home and open skies ...

[ARPs]

Darren......mate.

It has taken me a few days to come round to the idea that you have gone. You are a true all round good bloke and would give the shirt off your back to help almost anyone....unless you thought they didnt deserve it ;-)

You will be missed!!! Take care mate!

[Mrs Wiz.]

Hi to all I know, and those I dont.
Thanks for all the kind words, thoughts and photo's.
I will advise all details regarding funeral etc.
Sue (mrs wiz)
xx

[Jabawocky]

Hi Sue

Forkie is overseas.....living it up in Alaska I believe, so I should take the oportunity to thank you again also for your kindness in coming to see us a few years ago when we flew through in the V-Tail.

Having lost a few friends and family of late (as has Forkie).....you have both our empathy and sympathy.

Jaba.....and Forkie.

[Baldnfat]

Dear Mrs Wiz, family and all who met Darren,

Sometimes we never know the greatness of another human until we can't tell them, share a laugh and a few more yarns.

I met Darren so very briefly at Leonora and his positive attitude in everything that he shared told me that he was a man made of iron in our wooden industry.

I can't make his service but in his honour I will be flying with a black armband (for the first time) on the day.

My deepest sympathy to you.

:D:D Darren Moore

[coffee chill]

Darren was the sort of guy who was always helping others...and yeah he would give you the shirt off his back. Skilled in so many ways but aviation was his passion and he didn't just only love flying but certain aircraft types not just any ol' one...

Man he could fly and while he knew the rules... he memorised them too including the "how to fly this plane" rule book of any aircraft...he was a natural and very safe to fly with.


I always followed his many exploits over the years and Darren had so many stories.... they were wild and outlandish. How could this be? This doesn't happen to people?... but if you were with him you would be a part of the story and yes it was all true when you end up in one of them!

In recent years Darren came to me with a concept to join up and create an aviation business which was called CorpAir Express....catchy name with a catchy logo we both made....that took ages but it was sensational. It was a little out there but I could see the potential and I could see it would work. A big part of that was to make it a turbine operation and the bird of choice was the Van...oh he loved the Van! In fact only on Monday he was texting me that he did 5 hrs in the van and thought it was a magnificent machine...

Anyway we just needed to get the AOC sorted and then it’s a matter of marketing for work and the all important financial backer of which I had lined up.... but then came the GFC and the downturn of the major customer base (mining) put a pause on the biz.

Darren got the position as the FOI for the CAA in PNG and this new job gave him the ability to get better ratings, further the endorsements for him and the biz but also to earn good money while doing his best at keeping the skies safe in PNG. He was frustrated with bureaucracy as only governments can be and was banging his head against the wall. He wasn't sure how much longer he was going to be there but surely kept himself entertained while he was there...

While in PNG he got to fly the van, PAC750, Kodiak, twotter, metro II & III, B200, Bell212 & 407, BK117 and the citation. He was like a "kid in a candy store" and loved every minute of it.


Darren ....soar man soar.....soar high and fast and god speed :O

Here are a few photos of Darren and some of the many things he loved. Sorry I had to get these off his face book site as our hard disk crashed recently. I have sent it off to get resurrected and when its back I'll post some more...We have some cool ones.

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenonahorse.jpg

The country life….something Darren loved….he was never a city guy….

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenatcrossroads.jpg

A well travelled Darren

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenandhismusteringbus.jpg

I guess we all saw Daisy but he loved this mustering bus….he was very good at flying at zero feet!

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenscar.jpg

His new XR6….

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenandhismodelaircraft.jpg

Yes he had even a massive collection of model aircraft and helicopters...just a few here...


http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrensfavouritetruck.jpg

Literally his favourite truck when he wasn’t flying….yeah a Volvo!


http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenflyingthevan.jpg


He loved the van…..


http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/chiefofthechimbutribe.jpg


Honorary chief of the Chimbu Tribe in PNG…a few years back….hence the head dress of cassowary feathers.



http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae23/Sydney_Anthony/darrenatgunclub.jpg


Another passion….down at the gun club

I’ll post more soon guys…..


Cheers

Syd

[Mrs Wiz.]

Awesome Syd. Thanks for that. Please travell safe, I'll keep D updated as I know.
Sue xx

[Pinky the pilot]

I only ever knew Darren through numerous pm's exchanged, the last one from him is still in my message bank.

RIP Wiz.:sad:

[coffee chill]

cheers Sue....yes I'll travel safe and thanks.


I'll see you soon:)

[GoGirl]

Fantastic Syd, cheers for your post :ok:

Sue, all mine and Disco Stu's sincere condolences. He was a big character in the story of our lives. All our very best for your family.

GG x

[criticalmass]

Sue, I add my most humble condolences to you and the family. Darren was a friend ever since I first started on Pprune, and all the more so after the memorable Ozbash in 2002.

My most sincere condolences also to the family of Chris Hart who was also killed in the accident and with whom I sailed on the "Howard Smith" in the mid 1980s. "Choff", as he was known, was eminently competent and always ready to see the funny side of situations which had a habit of cropping up at short notice. I always enjoyed a voyage when he was Chief Mate.

My world is darkened by the loss of two friends. Time will not heal this wound. :(

[Howard Hughes]

I only ever knew Darren through numerous pm's exchanged, the last one from him is still in my message bank.

Me too Pinky, but I'm still gobsmacked...:{

RIP Wiz.

[BigMike]

Security PNG style...

Friday night beers at Trevors garage POM.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/Micksphotos/SecurityPNGstyle.jpg

[coffee chill]

hey Josh and Pseudonym. The west got that photo from me as I spoke to them to talk about Darren and not what Darren was doing in PNG as his name wasn't officially released at that stage.
Unfortunately other media groups "thought" it was their "duty" to get his name out including his job position and yeah I'm angry for that. Sorry no doing of mine their research always includes PPRUNE!

I guess the rumour networks works.....

If you want photos send me an email or get in contact through mrs wiz.


cheers

Syd;)

[DX Wombat]

I can't post any photos as I have computer problems but perhaps a little tale from the many I could relate from the RFDS Outback Air Safari in 2003. We had an overnight stop at Newman. That evening volunteers were requested to talk to some of the local schoolchildren Darren agreed to participate. I did manage to take a photo or two but was told "Don't you DARE post any or people will think I've gone soft" He was great with the children chatting about flying and Daisy. It was his reply to the innocent question from one youngster which was the probable reason for our very rapid refuelling in and departure from Newman on our way home. "Why" asked the child, "did you call her Daisy?" "Because she's an old cow" came the excruciatingly honest reply. :D
I would have enjoyed being a fly on the wall at the next Parents Night when the childrens reports of the day were read. :E
We had an eating arrangement to suit our differing needs - I ate the veggies and he ate my share of any seafood. :)
Darren was a self-deprecating man who was passionate about flight safety, a great pilot who made me feel completely safe flying with him. He had a great sense of humour, was a good yarn spinner and an artist - he had a sheepdog arounding up sheep [in the style of Footrot Flats] painted on his C172. He loved his family and large assortment of animals and birds, was excellent company and much, much more. I, and many others will miss him.
Sue, I shall send you a pm. I am sorrry I live so far away that I shall not be able to attend his funeral but I shall be thinking of you all. RIP Darren I shall have some extra veggies in your honour tomorrow.

[coco-nuts]

A gentleman is lost.


cheers

coco

[flopzone]

One of the last of the old school. Cant do what he did nowadays. Taken far too soon.

I met him once, cant remember the details. Was a long time ago and not remembering the details the morning after, have no hope now.

My deepest sympahy to the family. I have been thinking of you.

[OzExpat]

It's taken me a real long time to come to terms with this and I still can't even imagine how Sue is handling it. Darren's death hit me very hard indeed as I'd blamed myself for him being in PNG in the first place, as I'd prevailed on him to take the FOI job in PNG. I've come to realise that Wiz did everything he did after giving it careful consideration, not because of anything I might've done to encourage it.

He died in the pursuit of something that he wanted to do, in an industry with which he had a constant love/hate relationship. As others have said, he was never a bloke to quit just because something got too hard - he'd just get more determined to achieve whatever goal was in front of him.

I first met him in 2002 - at the same OzBash previously mentioned - an occasion where I met many other great people, in the flesh, for the first time. I sent him a photo from that Bash and he loved it so much that he made it his Facebook profile pic for quite a while. It really showed his funny larriken nature which was evident in everything he did though, at the same time, his professionalism was undeniable.

After he finally joined me in PNG, we worked together and I found him to be a very fast learner - the bull**** part of the job (the biggest part of it) was more often than not the cause for his incredible sense of humour to burst through. He'd become a very valuable member of the team even before I left PNG so I know that would've continued.

I'm going to miss you, Wiz! It's funny to think of it now, but at work I'd also address him as Wiz. If things aren't going your way, where yoy are now, just remember our common expression "Insert Picture Here".

RIP Wiz.
Commisserations and condolences to Sue and the family. I hope that his former employer comes good with the airfare to Port Moresby for you to attend to his affairs. Please let me know if there's any way in which I might be able to help.

[OzExpat]

Here's a few reminiscences for those who were in Melbourne for the great 2002 OzBash - and those who would've liked to be there.

http://www.fototime.com/C6052128DFB786B/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/B088D1A4DA19030/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/C24BA8389F8739E/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/4554EFFE69F10A6/standard.jpg

Memories to ensure that he'll never be forgotten.

[Mrs Wiz.]

Thats Him to a tee Ozex. I'm glad your not blaming yourself any more. :sad:

Now I'm getting closer to a date, I need numbers or possibles for an attendance. If you might be or definately can, can you all let me know, either here, f book, or pm?
Thanx Sue xx

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

Hi Sue, will the funeral be in Perth or Leonora?
I will attend if I possibly can..:(

[OzExpat]

Hi Sue, as per our telecon, I'll be there with as much advance notice as possible.

CFI... my understanding from Sue is that it'll be at Leonora.

[Mrs Wiz.]

Sorry for not being clear. The funeral will be in Kalgoorlie.
The date is to be determined.
Sue xxx

[LG_]

Huggs Sue
My condolences to you and the rest of the family.
I would like to attend the final send-off, and Darren would as well if his boss will allow him time off.

I still remember the first time I saw the two of you - snuggled together on the front seat of the 'Kermit' green 4wd Ute, waiting for the Tea & Sugar to pull into camp. That was at Loongana, during the fox shooting phase. Then of course we caught up again at Forrest during the railway phase. So much time has passed since then. I'm kicking myself now because I always thought 'tomorrow' when I scrolled past the phone number or email address in my contact list. I assumed there would be a hell of a lot more 'tomorrows' to come.

It proves the old saying - only the good die young! Darren may not have always been an angel, but you could always count on him. He would go out of his way to help a friend in need. Faced with a long, slow, boring road trip as escort vehicle for something huge on a truck, Darren 'borrowed' my 2 year old son to "keep him company on the journey". Little did he know my Darren could talk non-stop for hours on end. I'm sure his ears are still ringing. :) He didn't really need company on that trip, he was just trying to give me a few hours of much needed respite.

One thing I noticed while looking at the photos posted in this forum - he has 'The Smile' plastered on his face in just about every single one of them. You know the one! It didn't matter how lousy you were feeling, he'd give that smile and you just knew some kind of mischief was about to occur that would get one or both of you in deep trouble - but you'd be laughing you head off about it in the end!

Some people have the power to change our lives - even after they're no longer a part of it. I am so thankful I knew him - he will always be a candle in my night

[Mrs Wiz.]

ok. And you are???

[LG_]

:O Ooops, forgot to sign off properly.
This is Shaz - the ex Mrs Ruffy. Lived in Cunderdin when your eldest was at Ag College etc.
As I said, it's been way too long :sad:

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

Funeral Notice.
Thursday 7th Oct at Kalgoorlie Crematorium, Memorial Drive at 11am.

:(

I'm planning to fly what Darren would call a Bugsmasher up from Jandakot. .. anyone who knows a good way to get from the airport to the funeral please let me know, am not very familiar with Kal..

[Hasherucf]

Taxi is the best way . It's not that far , probably cost you $20 each way . I am sure you could arrange someone from the funeral to pick you up or drop you off.

[LG_]

Hey Sue

:( Damned specialist won't move my appointment to another day so I won't be able to come to Kalgoorlie for the funeral.
Which funeral director is handling things? Where should I send a wreath? OR would Darren prefer a donation to a charity rather than flowers?

Hugs
Sharon

[GoGirl]

Most regrettably and unfortunately, I am due to arrive in ypph for permanent relocation on Sunday the 10th and cannot get there any earlier :(

OzEx I will kindly ask that you represent me on this occasion :)

GG x

[BigMike]

Will be in Kal for the Big man's send-off tomorrow.

Arrive tonight, so if anyone is interested in getting together before tomorrow for a 'small' drink in honour of Darren, post a reply.

BM

[yahoo2]

So sorry the Yahoo's can't be there tomorrow. Our deepest thoughts and sympathy to all your family.......He was an amazing guy.............'Fly high Bonza, Jonathon Livingston Seagull is with you'

[BigMike]

The Big Man had his final public send-off on Thursday in Kalgoorlie with a service then cremation.
A few words were said by quite a few, and later at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club many drinks were had.
I think he would have been impressed with the turn out, although not about arriving in a Holden! He will be going home to Leonora in his Ford XR6 though.

Meanwhile in heaven...

'Ring ring'

'Hello God speaking'

'Yeah Boss, it's Peter down at the gate. Some bloke has turned up, and reckons he's here for the audit?'

'Audit?'

'Yeah, said he has to inspect the Angels flight line and see all the records'

'What!'

'Yeah, said he is the Regulator and has a CASA PNG pass. He is going to close us down unless we comply'... ;)

[DX Wombat]

A year ago today since Darren made his last flight and it still doesn't seem real. Still remember all the happy times and yarns. RIP Darren.

[compressor stall]

Yep, RIP mate. This place ain't the same without his pot stirring that's for sure.

[Pseudonymn]

I looked at posting on this thread yesterday but got sidetracked and had second thoughts.

It is indeed hard to believe it's been a year already, Dazza you are still missed :{

[BigMike]

... yep and I've just had a cold one for ya mate. A year on and it seems like only the other day a "product testing" was in order at the aeroclub. I just know you are having a good chuckle... somewhere good... ;)

[DX Wombat]

It may still be only 30th here but it is already 31st in Oz and I'm off to bed very soon. Two years have passed so fast but there is still a big Wiz-shaped hole in the lives of all who knew him. RIP Darren.

[RR69]

A few of the crew will be having a drink for Mr Turbine (a name we gave him well before he flew turbines for obvious reasons) after work today, absolute classic fella, RIP Mr Turbine

[Josh Cox]

Nuttier than his grandmothers fruit cake, and a great bloke to boot.

You could troll all the back block pubs and brothels for a lifetime and you will never find another bloke like him.

RIP Wiz.

I can't believe its two years already..........................

[Pinky the pilot]

Two years now and found I still have the last pm from him in my message bank.

Just never got around to deleting it I guess.

[OpsNormal]

Pinky, just had a quick flick back through a few of his old PMs we'd exchanged for near on ten years. Gave me pause to remember our many get togethers, buzzing around central Australia in Daisy, s#!tstirring our mate Nappy and whenever we were able to catch each other in passing while we were both going about our respective jobs.

I know you'll call me a "big poof" from up there for saying it Wiz, but I hold those memories dear and close and miss yer like bu**ery mate.

I miss the elation in your voice when you told me the night before you were finally off to have a blat in the Cessna in the morning.

Ops.

[Josh Cox]

Ops,

Agreed, like all here, I've had a few mates who've bought the farm, and I think of them often, but Wiz was a special bloke.

I still have PM's from him, that I have not yet allowed myself to delete.

[DX Wombat]

Three years today but not forgotten.

[Clare Prop]

Never will be forgotten, DX. :(

I like to imagine him turning up at Rainbow Bridge and his beloved dogs running to meet him.

[Lasiorhinus]

Three years, how time flies.

Still a void, Darren, where you once were.

[john_tullamarine]

A fine measure of the man to see him being remembered in memoriam three years downstream on PPRuNe.. fond memories from the bash.

[Josh Cox]

I miss that goofy bastard.

[Pinky the pilot]

And for some reason I still haven't got around to deleting the last pm he sent me.

Three years yet already!!

[vee tail]

Well I guess it was 3 years ago I got pissed inPNG and we needed to entice the nice copper to let us continue on our journey home...... 200K lighter. Glad your pigeon was sharp with ya slur Dazz