John Elsbury RIP
 

John Elsbury, ex-LATCC "A" Watch ATCA Supervisor for more than 20 years, has passed away this week aged 82.

After leaving the RAF, John worked in Heathrow Noise Monitoring Unit before moving to the "old" LATCC on Heathrow's northside. He took charge of "A" Watch Assistants when LATCC moved to West Drayton, and remained in that post until his retirement in 1991.

John "shepherded" countless dozens of young ATCAs through their early ATC careers, with many progressing to become ATCOs. A few others gained prominence as pilots or in other aviation-related roles.

Dozens of former colleagues (including several contributors to this forum) will remember "Big John" for his wisdom, generosity and compassion during good times and bad...

John's funeral is set for Wednesday 31st July. If you require further details please send me a PM.

Phil H.

Sad news indeed, I remember John. Top Bloke.

Condolences
 

Condolences to the family and friends.
Though I do not know him personally
being TOP BLOKE is good testimony.
May his legacy be carried on by the young ones.

Very sad to hear. John was the ATCA supervisor when I joined ATC in 1971. He played a major part in encouraging us ATCAs to move ahead. I believe 28 course had at least 6 ATCAs from A watch.

RIP

john elsbury
 

I think it was 9, Barry.

Yourself, Robin Elder, Tony Culley, Steve Hobbs, Pete Parsons, Pete Young, Ian Weston, Ivor Sims.....& I'm sorry No.9, I can't remember your name!

Steve Hobbs and Ivor Sims..... names from the distant past.

I never met John but he is "family" so please pass my condolences along Phil.

Shared some LATCC time with John and sorry to read that; agree entirely with veloo. RIP John

I must have known him during my time at LATCC but sadly barely remember him.
Another link with the past gone.

John was instrumental in me getting my cadetship in 1981. As has been said,a lovely man who took a real interest in his Atcas,pastoral as well as professional.Very many thanks to a grand man. Condolences to his family.

Sad News
 

I was one of John's boys. Arrived on A watch as an 18 year old wet behind the ears. Left 4 years later on a cadetship, thanks to John.
We were well looked after. Lifts back to your digs or occasionally a very generous leave allowance for a special trip were all part of the care outside of normal supervisor duties.
John you were a gent.

M W

I too was one of John's Boys.

I arrived at LATCC as an ATCA 2 A side.
Having failed to get a Cadet Interview at the first opportunity and feeling down ,John took me under his wing and persuaded me to try again. Needless to say I got my Cadetship soon after and everything that followed was down to John's inspirational approach and encouragement.

We all need a lucky break in life sometime...meeting John was mine.

John changed my life in so many ways for the better that with his passing I'm reminded that he was a rare man.
God Bless...RIP

I remember John from my brief time on 'A' Watch in the early 90's.
Incredibly nice guy and will be sorely missed I'm sure by his family and ex colleagues.
Pity there aren't more like him in NATS these days. He was the best guy you could ever wish to work with!