Rupert Wilson; Macau, KLM, Brunei, BIH, BAH, Bristows, Royal Navy.
Greatly saddened to have learned of Rupert's passing. As Whiskeytangofox says above, he was indeed influential on many of our younger colleagues, none perhaps more so than myself.......
Rupert was with my Mother for almost twenty five years from 1970 onwards, and although their marriage ultimately was not to last he gave her, my brother and I some of the happiest memories of our lives. I was aged only four when he appeared in my life, and although then taking an enforced break from flying, he was pure 'gentleman aviator' in my young mind from that point onwards.
He had learned to fly with the Royal Navy in the mid 60s, and flew the Hiller 12, Whirlwind and Wessex, including a stint with 848 Squadron on the Wessex 5 aboard HMS Albion during the Confrontation in Borneo. A spell in Trinidad with Bristows late 60's ended prematurely after his Jetranger's engine decided to stop at a somewhat inopportune moment, leading to a forced landing. After getting his passengers out of what was left of the aircraft, he lay down on the ground only to find he could not then get up, as his back had been broken in the crash. His uninjured passengers were able to carry him several miles through the forest to the nearest doctor, who then refused to see him til opening hours the next day!
This injury lead to a 7 year diversion from flying, during which time amongst other activities he ran his own shipping company from the Isle of Wight in the UK. I grew up listening to his love of both flying and sailing.
The North Sea was booming in the mid 70s and after regaining his medical Rupert joined what was then British Airways Helicopters in 1977, based in Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands flying the S61N. Some of BAH's Training Captains on the '61 were ex students of his from the Royal Navy.... small world as we know. The BV234 Chinook featured next in his logbook for a few years, then the sale of BAH to Maxwell and the debacle that entailed from that period. Shell Brunei was next, some time with KLM Helicopters back in the UK and finally Macau flying the S76 for the last few years of his career.
As a young sprogg pilot I followed Rupert onto the North Sea, working for the opposition flying the S76 - we briefly shared the airwaves for a year or two before he moved on to Brunei. Some of my happiest days.
I met Rupert's third wife Alice a very few times, and my heart goes out to her for her loss. And indeed to Rupert's three children from his first marriage; Giles, Mark and Polly.
Apologies to all for any inconsistencies or inaccuracies in this post, time dulls the senses. If anyone is able to share more or fill in the gaps please feel free to PM me.
Rupert Stuart Wilson - gentleman aviator, one time step-father, life long mentor and friend. Your passing leaves the world a sadder place. RIP - for all the unfinished conversations...... hope to eventually meet again.
Dom loquimur, fugerit invida. Aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
(...... while we are talking, envious time is fleeing. Seize the day, put no trust in the future .......)
Rupert Lawson