!!!!!. Another old mate gone. Just woken up in Australia to this awful news and listlessly wondering why this has to happen to some of the very best aviators I've known. One thinks of Colin Bates, John Sefton, Dave Roue and Spotty Mulhern for starters, and I'm then reflecting on how Barnesy was right up there with the very best of them.
Cheeky, full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life, and hysterically funny. As all the guys who came with us to Athens will attest he was always the antidote to a hard day at the "office". You could guarantee that he'd be the first one to don the Speedos and grab the best lounger in order to win the bronzing trophy hands down. By the time the rest of us had ambled down to the pool Pete would already have half a dozen aviators with tears of mirth rolling down their faces at some half-likely story about the tribulations of the day's flying. They were certain to be holding a beer that Pete had summoned.
Thanks Pete, for your professionalism, your company, your love of life, and your fun. We will all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to B.. and to the family.
Much love JG, SL and T