Tales of An Old Aviator .... The Big Chill
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Just want to fall into line behind what everyone else is saying about a truly great human.
I have been a regular reader for the last several months, but never posted, because I just thought I would be stating the obvious.
Duke, I tip my cap to you, you are an inspiration on how a life should be led.
I have been a regular reader for the last several months, but never posted, because I just thought I would be stating the obvious.
Duke, I tip my cap to you, you are an inspiration on how a life should be led.
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Some Pics
Found these on the net and thought others might like to see the grand ol' duke at his finest.
Some Pics of Duke
Some Pics of Duke
Rainbow Chaser
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Maxflyer unfortunately that link brings up a site with a "no pic to display" message ... can you post the url maybe?
Hope you are hanging in there OK Duke and that despite everything you are able to raise a glass of something appropriate during this festive season! Rest assured I will be doing so on your behalf and because I need practice
I will be doing so a lot 
luv brocky
Hope you are hanging in there OK Duke and that despite everything you are able to raise a glass of something appropriate during this festive season! Rest assured I will be doing so on your behalf and because I need practice
I will be doing so a lot luv brocky
Grandpa Aerotart
Brokenspectre click on albums list and look under General Aviation Photos and Historic Aircraft...lots of Duke in each section...lots of other great piccies too actually. Bloody hell Duke looked 17 when he was flying the Avenger!
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Tumor Diary
I'm pretty sure a link to the BBC News website's "Tumor Diary" series has already been posted. However, the latest couple have been real hard hitters; Today, a profound observation is made. As with this thread, it can be at times quite a tear jerker.
Tumor Diary - Dad would Swap
Tumor Diary - Dad would Swap
BBC News science and technology writer Ivan Noble was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in August 2002. Since then he has been sharing his experiences in an online diary.
Rainbow Chaser
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ChimbuChuckles thanks for that - I thought I had written my thank you umpteen days ago but just popping in to the thread see that I didn't!! Stunning pics!! Thank you!!!
Hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas 2004 ... I always seem to be raising glasses (any excuse eh?) but will be doing so on the 25th 
Hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas 2004 ... I always seem to be raising glasses (any excuse eh?) but will be doing so on the 25th
Over 1000 posts and I bought this Personal Title to try and tell my mother the embarrassing news that I am a closet Jazz fan.
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Will be raising a golden throat charmer to you this new year Duke.
Cool Mod
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Duke.
From me and from PPRuNe we wish you a very Happy Christmas and good New Year.
Btw, please PM me your address and let me send you a PPRuNe badge - a small token that we can call a 'Friendship Pin.'
Hang on to the love which surrounds you.
God bless.
From me and from PPRuNe we wish you a very Happy Christmas and good New Year.
Btw, please PM me your address and let me send you a PPRuNe badge - a small token that we can call a 'Friendship Pin.'
Hang on to the love which surrounds you.
God bless.
Top Dog
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Ah, Pop beat me to it.
Duke, I've been following this thread for many months now, truely inspiring.
I wish you all the very best for Christmas & the New Year. As so many have said, "hang in there mate".
Duke, I've been following this thread for many months now, truely inspiring.
I wish you all the very best for Christmas & the New Year. As so many have said, "hang in there mate".
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A note from the Duke
Well, Sawmill Broad is not really my name!!! But that is what the Duke tagged me with some 25 years ago as a joke! It stuck. It’s endearing. He is the only person to ever get away with calling me a broad!
I have been to see Duke often the last while and he asked if I would post a note to all. He is in a considerable amount of pain and due to the pain meds and sleeping aids is usually in a fog when he isn’t in too much pain. He has lost so much weight now that he must barely be 90 lbs I would guess. It’s hard for him to eat; he just doesn’t have the capacity any longer. The nausea takes over and he can’t even talk or listen to others talk about food at all. He is on oxygen now and also requires an IV for hydration. He has good days and bad and it seems the good days are getting fewer. When he does have a good day it only lasts a few hours at best. While the cancer has ravaged his body, it cannot touch his mind or his soul. I am trying to be as honest as I can here because that’s who he is, and that’s what he wants me to tell you.
Duke’s doctor – bless his soul – comes to the house to see him at least every couple of days to re-set the IV as his veins keep collapsing. He even came over on Christmas day in between church and dinner just to check on Duke!
Duke’s wife is pretty awesome and looks after him like she had been a nurse all her life. The home care nurses taught her how to look after the home IV system and she’s a natural. There is no way he could get better care anywhere else but home. Duke’s a lucky guy.
Both of his daughters were out visiting just recently and I know they had a wonderful visit with their Dad. I know it meant a lot to him too to be able to spend quality time together with them.
He loves to write and has so many stories to tell, and I truly wish he had the time to capture them all on paper. He is extremely frustrated with the muddle the morphine leaves his mind with. He will get at least one or more story out – I know because he talks about the subject with a sparkle in his eye!
So stay tuned, pray for pain relief, and a few more good days for Duke. I’m sure you will be rewarded with yet another tale woven as splendidly as only he can weave. He really enjoys reading your comments as much as any artist who loves his audience!
I have been to see Duke often the last while and he asked if I would post a note to all. He is in a considerable amount of pain and due to the pain meds and sleeping aids is usually in a fog when he isn’t in too much pain. He has lost so much weight now that he must barely be 90 lbs I would guess. It’s hard for him to eat; he just doesn’t have the capacity any longer. The nausea takes over and he can’t even talk or listen to others talk about food at all. He is on oxygen now and also requires an IV for hydration. He has good days and bad and it seems the good days are getting fewer. When he does have a good day it only lasts a few hours at best. While the cancer has ravaged his body, it cannot touch his mind or his soul. I am trying to be as honest as I can here because that’s who he is, and that’s what he wants me to tell you.
Duke’s doctor – bless his soul – comes to the house to see him at least every couple of days to re-set the IV as his veins keep collapsing. He even came over on Christmas day in between church and dinner just to check on Duke!
Duke’s wife is pretty awesome and looks after him like she had been a nurse all her life. The home care nurses taught her how to look after the home IV system and she’s a natural. There is no way he could get better care anywhere else but home. Duke’s a lucky guy.
Both of his daughters were out visiting just recently and I know they had a wonderful visit with their Dad. I know it meant a lot to him too to be able to spend quality time together with them.
He loves to write and has so many stories to tell, and I truly wish he had the time to capture them all on paper. He is extremely frustrated with the muddle the morphine leaves his mind with. He will get at least one or more story out – I know because he talks about the subject with a sparkle in his eye!
So stay tuned, pray for pain relief, and a few more good days for Duke. I’m sure you will be rewarded with yet another tale woven as splendidly as only he can weave. He really enjoys reading your comments as much as any artist who loves his audience!
Cool Mod
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By God I am a lucky man!
I feel that after reading Sawmill Broad's words - thank you for saying them. Indeed, how can anyone not feel that when reading about an aviator of Duke's stature. stricken as he is with the "Big C" - as the other Duke (John Wayne) called it.
What can we do? Nothing, except let you know Duke that we are thinking of you and hopefully giving you a little smile and comfort from so many of us who, like you, love aeroplanes and flying. A band of brothers perhaps.
God bless you sir, you are inspiration to us all.
I feel that after reading Sawmill Broad's words - thank you for saying them. Indeed, how can anyone not feel that when reading about an aviator of Duke's stature. stricken as he is with the "Big C" - as the other Duke (John Wayne) called it.
What can we do? Nothing, except let you know Duke that we are thinking of you and hopefully giving you a little smile and comfort from so many of us who, like you, love aeroplanes and flying. A band of brothers perhaps.
God bless you sir, you are inspiration to us all.
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Duke, there have been times in the past few months when - I am ashamed to admit - I didn't think you'd see 2005. Looks like I was wrong, and I'm absolutely delighted to be so!
Tonight, as midnight chimes here in London, I shall raise a glass to you sir, and wish you a Happy New Year. I suspect I shall not be alone in doing that.
Tonight, as midnight chimes here in London, I shall raise a glass to you sir, and wish you a Happy New Year. I suspect I shall not be alone in doing that.
Rainbow Chaser
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Happy New Year All!!! hope you have all managed to raise a glass or two to this bright new year - wx in SE London today is bright but chill so is perfect for dog-walking. Hound and I were out in a wooded park this morning and I am advised that the smells were on top form!
Prayers and thoughts with you Duke but I guess you know that!
luv brocky
Prayers and thoughts with you Duke but I guess you know that!
luv brocky
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Hi Duke! Happy Birthday and Happy New Year!
I have followed this forum since you first told me about it, but this is the first time I have actually submitted a post. Teri and I really enjoyed our visit in May with you and Kathy. It was great catch up on things and share a few pints. I’m sorry to hear you’re not doing as well as when last I saw you. Even though the “Big C” has you firmly in its sights, your attitude and strength during this ordeal is nothing short of a huge inspiration.
Like I have told you, (and everyone on this forum has told you) you make one heck of an author! You always had that particular flare for telling stories, especially (as I remember) over a few pints 'o' Grog in the presence of persons of the gentler persuasion, but I never imagined that reading them would bring them so vividly to life. I have many fond memories of the days you and I crewed DIK and DOG under, at times, not so ideal conditions. Whether it was droning for hours on end up and down the west coast of BC with a load of Pine mushrooms or Crab (remember the sound those little buggers made in their totes? All we could hear was a faint “click, click, click. . . “ as we closed the cockpit door before blasting off into the deep, dark night. Creepy!) I’m still kinda curious, though, as to why your leg on the pine mushroom contracts was always the pristine, clear return trip to Terrace over some of the most breathtaking scenery in British Columbia and my leg was usually the 03:30, IFR leg in pitch black. Rank has its privileges, I guess. ;-) Your tale of the Bomber moon instantly whisked me back to that night. I remember how bloody big our aircraft’s shadow looked skimming across the cloud scape as we cruised at what seemed like just feet above the under cast. Cool man! Or enduring the trials and tribulations of Bronson Creek as the under equipped under-dogs. I would have to say that that was one of the most character building eras of my career. Having to reverse-engineer a DC-3 brake assembly out in the blowing snow as our, in your words, Puss-eyed mutant engineer loudly drank himself into oblivion yet again. Us in the frigid cold and he sitting by the fireplace in the Chalet bragging about how he sewered us. We sure showed him what cunning and perseverance can accomplish. I still remember the image of Cowboy Jim emerging from the swirling snow to give us a hand. What a gentleman! We both learned a lot about team work and overcoming both physical and mental barriers. Although it was tough, looking back on it all, I had a flippin’ ball! Thank you as well for taking the time to tutor me as to the correct amount of water and ice for a really great glass of Scotch. Cheers, mate!
I would like to submit a request to all the others out there who know or who have cross paths with Duke to submit their favorite tale involving him. I would like to think of this as a tribute to one who has shared so much of himself with all of us over the last while and maybe because I know he really doesn’t mind hearing others talk about him. Because I suggested it, I will start things off with some of my memories spent in the presence of The Duke.
I believe it was after we had returned from a crab trip and the Duke and I were feeling a little thirsty. After securing the aircraft for the night and a quick wash to remove some of the smell of work, we headed to The Waddling Dog pub for some refreshment and, as we were both single at the time, perhaps a little female companionship. We wandered in and strategically placed ourselves at the best table available and surveyed our surroundings. We were quite pleased with the “selection”. We chatted about the trip we had just completed and were enjoying our beer when Duke got that look a cat gets when it sees something that triggers its hunting instinct. “Sorry, Mate” he says to me, “you’re on your own.” With this he gets up, walks past me and as he places his drink on a table behind me I hear him say to the fine lady seated there, “Hello, my names Duke. How do you like me so far?” It worked! Present position direct to the final approach fix after only 15 to 20 minutes! What a legend!
Then there was the time I flew my first leg in the left seat of the 3. Duke and I had just dropped of our three bags of gold ore in Wrangell and as there was nothing to haul back we were, on this very rare occasion, headed back to the mine empty. Duke had been talking about up-grading me to Captain for a bit, however I had not yet passed the required exams needed to obtain my Airline Transport License, a requirement here in Canada for anyone want to sit as Pilot in Command of any aircraft requiring two pilots. We took off and completed the necessary checks before settling in to the half hour trip back to the mine. “Hey Rob,” Duke said, “if we’re empty, this would be considered a non-revenue flight, right?”. “Technically, yes.” I responded, not getting why this was important and not understanding the mischievous look on his face. “Good!” he said as he unbuckled his harness. “You take the left seat then!” I didn’t wait to see if he’d suggest it again. We quickly switched places and I settled into the “proper” seat of the airplane. After an uneventful flight and near perfect landing (I guess I was really paying attention) we taxied in and shut down to see the owner of our little operation stareing at the two faces with the proverbial s**t eating grins in the wind shield. Duke for having pulled off yet anther one (the look on Mike’s face was priceless.) and me for having taken the command seat of my first large airplane!
My hat is off to you, Duke. I’m sure I am not the only one who can say that many a fond story will be told about you, your adventures and, adventures shared with you for years to come. Thank you for all I have learned and seen as your co-joe and captain trainee during those days not so long ago.
With much sincerity;
Rob M.
I have followed this forum since you first told me about it, but this is the first time I have actually submitted a post. Teri and I really enjoyed our visit in May with you and Kathy. It was great catch up on things and share a few pints. I’m sorry to hear you’re not doing as well as when last I saw you. Even though the “Big C” has you firmly in its sights, your attitude and strength during this ordeal is nothing short of a huge inspiration.
Like I have told you, (and everyone on this forum has told you) you make one heck of an author! You always had that particular flare for telling stories, especially (as I remember) over a few pints 'o' Grog in the presence of persons of the gentler persuasion, but I never imagined that reading them would bring them so vividly to life. I have many fond memories of the days you and I crewed DIK and DOG under, at times, not so ideal conditions. Whether it was droning for hours on end up and down the west coast of BC with a load of Pine mushrooms or Crab (remember the sound those little buggers made in their totes? All we could hear was a faint “click, click, click. . . “ as we closed the cockpit door before blasting off into the deep, dark night. Creepy!) I’m still kinda curious, though, as to why your leg on the pine mushroom contracts was always the pristine, clear return trip to Terrace over some of the most breathtaking scenery in British Columbia and my leg was usually the 03:30, IFR leg in pitch black. Rank has its privileges, I guess. ;-) Your tale of the Bomber moon instantly whisked me back to that night. I remember how bloody big our aircraft’s shadow looked skimming across the cloud scape as we cruised at what seemed like just feet above the under cast. Cool man! Or enduring the trials and tribulations of Bronson Creek as the under equipped under-dogs. I would have to say that that was one of the most character building eras of my career. Having to reverse-engineer a DC-3 brake assembly out in the blowing snow as our, in your words, Puss-eyed mutant engineer loudly drank himself into oblivion yet again. Us in the frigid cold and he sitting by the fireplace in the Chalet bragging about how he sewered us. We sure showed him what cunning and perseverance can accomplish. I still remember the image of Cowboy Jim emerging from the swirling snow to give us a hand. What a gentleman! We both learned a lot about team work and overcoming both physical and mental barriers. Although it was tough, looking back on it all, I had a flippin’ ball! Thank you as well for taking the time to tutor me as to the correct amount of water and ice for a really great glass of Scotch. Cheers, mate!
I would like to submit a request to all the others out there who know or who have cross paths with Duke to submit their favorite tale involving him. I would like to think of this as a tribute to one who has shared so much of himself with all of us over the last while and maybe because I know he really doesn’t mind hearing others talk about him. Because I suggested it, I will start things off with some of my memories spent in the presence of The Duke.
I believe it was after we had returned from a crab trip and the Duke and I were feeling a little thirsty. After securing the aircraft for the night and a quick wash to remove some of the smell of work, we headed to The Waddling Dog pub for some refreshment and, as we were both single at the time, perhaps a little female companionship. We wandered in and strategically placed ourselves at the best table available and surveyed our surroundings. We were quite pleased with the “selection”. We chatted about the trip we had just completed and were enjoying our beer when Duke got that look a cat gets when it sees something that triggers its hunting instinct. “Sorry, Mate” he says to me, “you’re on your own.” With this he gets up, walks past me and as he places his drink on a table behind me I hear him say to the fine lady seated there, “Hello, my names Duke. How do you like me so far?” It worked! Present position direct to the final approach fix after only 15 to 20 minutes! What a legend!
Then there was the time I flew my first leg in the left seat of the 3. Duke and I had just dropped of our three bags of gold ore in Wrangell and as there was nothing to haul back we were, on this very rare occasion, headed back to the mine empty. Duke had been talking about up-grading me to Captain for a bit, however I had not yet passed the required exams needed to obtain my Airline Transport License, a requirement here in Canada for anyone want to sit as Pilot in Command of any aircraft requiring two pilots. We took off and completed the necessary checks before settling in to the half hour trip back to the mine. “Hey Rob,” Duke said, “if we’re empty, this would be considered a non-revenue flight, right?”. “Technically, yes.” I responded, not getting why this was important and not understanding the mischievous look on his face. “Good!” he said as he unbuckled his harness. “You take the left seat then!” I didn’t wait to see if he’d suggest it again. We quickly switched places and I settled into the “proper” seat of the airplane. After an uneventful flight and near perfect landing (I guess I was really paying attention) we taxied in and shut down to see the owner of our little operation stareing at the two faces with the proverbial s**t eating grins in the wind shield. Duke for having pulled off yet anther one (the look on Mike’s face was priceless.) and me for having taken the command seat of my first large airplane!
My hat is off to you, Duke. I’m sure I am not the only one who can say that many a fond story will be told about you, your adventures and, adventures shared with you for years to come. Thank you for all I have learned and seen as your co-joe and captain trainee during those days not so long ago.
With much sincerity;
Rob M.
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Duke,
I took my two and a half year old son for his flight with me on Wednesday last ( in a humble PA28). As I was driving home from the airfield I thought that I would print off all the exploits that you have penned here on PPRuNe and save them for him to read when he is that bit older.
I hope it will inspire him to become a pilot (if that is his wish) but furthermore, I hope it will show him what being a man really is about these days.
Many thanks and a happy new year.
I took my two and a half year old son for his flight with me on Wednesday last ( in a humble PA28). As I was driving home from the airfield I thought that I would print off all the exploits that you have penned here on PPRuNe and save them for him to read when he is that bit older.
I hope it will inspire him to become a pilot (if that is his wish) but furthermore, I hope it will show him what being a man really is about these days.
Many thanks and a happy new year.