What sad news to hear of the passing of such a gentleman of indomitable spirit. I knew Rupert back in my early military flying days and always remember him as a character. I next saw him in Sumburgh and then another interval of many, many years until I met him again in Farnborough in February this year. He remembered me immediately even though I had probably changed more than he, physically. He was pleased that there was still someone of a similar vintage who was still aviating, though he was finally planning his retirement. I wish I'd had more time to yarn about the missing years, but it was not to be.
The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible, but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore. . . . Unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible. . . . It is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors. . . . to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.
— Ferdinand Magellan, c. 1520.
Rupert was one of those intrepid spirits. Farewell. RIP