For weeks now, I've dreaded seeing new posts on this thread. Dreaded seeing the news that Duke has gone.
I've read the stories with a mixture of awe, humour, wonderment, a whole range of emotions. And then I've read the updates in tears as Duke told how he was in pain but still fighting, still being strong for both his families - his wife, son and daughter, and his extended global family in aviation.
I have a tear in my eye now as I type this, because the day has finally come when I've logged on to see a new post on Duke's thread, a post which I'd hoped wouldn't come.
But this tear isn't one of sorrow; it's one of thanks. Thanks that Duke is no longer in pain. Thanks that he went with his family by his side and their words of love in his ears. Thanks that, by sharing his stories and experiences with us all, he has enriched our lives. Maybe, for those of us who do fly, whether we're low hour students or PPL's or high hour military pilots, his stories will help us to become better pilots.
Maybe Duke's stories might help save some of our lives some day.
I can think of no finer legacy.
Rest In Peace, Duke. And thankyou Sir.