I had the pleasure of teaching Roly through basic flying training; and later mentoring him to achieve his CFS A2 pass at his first attempt.
Roly balanced a sucessful career with the needs of family life in a way that many cannot. Direct and honest with a dry sense of humour and a wire locked smile. Today is a terrible day, and my heartfelt condolances are extended to his wife and children. Fiercely proud of his Welsh roots; he was the only student to ever say "Thankyou". When told in response that CFS teaching had claimed that thankyous never came; his immediate response was that his mother would kick his arse if he didnt. ...... and now in the finest traditions of military aviation; I am off to the bar whereupon I will drink to his memory. The good die young is again proven. RIP