Tales of An Old Aviator .... The Big Chill
Hmmmyeah
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Leopardess.
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Thank you for sharing your riveting stories Duke.
My thoughts with those you leave now to meet again another day.
My glass charged ready to be raised to you.
Clear skies and following winds on your journey Duke.
My thoughts with those you leave now to meet again another day.
My glass charged ready to be raised to you.
Clear skies and following winds on your journey Duke.
Iconoclast
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: The home of Dudley Dooright-Where the lead dog is the only one that gets a change of scenery.
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There is a life after death.
My grandson who was taken from us several years ago in a horrific accident just told me that he has contacted Duke who will give him PPL instruction.
RIP Duke. You are a hero in my eyes as well as the eyes of many who knew you or those that would have wanted to know you.
RIP Duke. You are a hero in my eyes as well as the eyes of many who knew you or those that would have wanted to know you.
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Okanagan Valley
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Duke fought an amasing battle with an unyeilding foe and through it all he was able to enlighten and entertain us with his stories. We will miss you Duke, may your last flight be smooth.
My sincerest and heart felt condolences to his family and close friends.
My sincerest and heart felt condolences to his family and close friends.
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Nottingham UK
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Duke. Whilst I have never had the privilege of meeting you in person I do feel that I have got to know you through your wonderful tales regarding your experiences in aviation. Your strength and courage throughout your fight against the big C has been an example to us all.
We will miss you.
My sincerest and heart felt condolences to your family and close friends.
Someday we will know, where the pilots go
When their work on earth is through.
Where the air is clean, and the engines gleam,
And the skies are always blue.
They have flown alone, with the engine's moan,
As they sweat the great beyond,
And they take delight, at the awesome sight
of the world spread far and yon.
Yet not alone, for above the moan, when the earth is
out of sight,
As they make their stand, He takes their hand,
and guides them through the night.
How near to God are these men of sod,
Who step near death's last door?
Oh, these men are real, not made of steel,
But He knows who goes before,
And how they live, and love and are beloved,
But their love is most for air.
And with death about, they will still fly out,
And leave their troubles there.
He knows these things, of men with wings,
And He knows they are surely true.
And He will give a hand, to such a man
'Cause He's a pilot too.
— unknown
We will miss you.
My sincerest and heart felt condolences to your family and close friends.
Someday we will know, where the pilots go
When their work on earth is through.
Where the air is clean, and the engines gleam,
And the skies are always blue.
They have flown alone, with the engine's moan,
As they sweat the great beyond,
And they take delight, at the awesome sight
of the world spread far and yon.
Yet not alone, for above the moan, when the earth is
out of sight,
As they make their stand, He takes their hand,
and guides them through the night.
How near to God are these men of sod,
Who step near death's last door?
Oh, these men are real, not made of steel,
But He knows who goes before,
And how they live, and love and are beloved,
But their love is most for air.
And with death about, they will still fly out,
And leave their troubles there.
He knows these things, of men with wings,
And He knows they are surely true.
And He will give a hand, to such a man
'Cause He's a pilot too.
— unknown
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: West Mids
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Sadness
I've wanted to post on this thread for a while, to offer encouragement from afar but never really thought I had the right words or sentiment and felt as though I was intruding in some way.....
Now I can only express my sadness along with everyone else.
A truly inspirational individual who reminded me exactly why I'm trying to get to where he went....If I could be 10% of The Duke I'd feel gifted.
Gods Speed Duke
Now I can only express my sadness along with everyone else.
A truly inspirational individual who reminded me exactly why I'm trying to get to where he went....If I could be 10% of The Duke I'd feel gifted.
Gods Speed Duke
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Edge of the fens
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For weeks now, I've dreaded seeing new posts on this thread. Dreaded seeing the news that Duke has gone.
I've read the stories with a mixture of awe, humour, wonderment, a whole range of emotions. And then I've read the updates in tears as Duke told how he was in pain but still fighting, still being strong for both his families - his wife, son and daughter, and his extended global family in aviation.
I have a tear in my eye now as I type this, because the day has finally come when I've logged on to see a new post on Duke's thread, a post which I'd hoped wouldn't come.
But this tear isn't one of sorrow; it's one of thanks. Thanks that Duke is no longer in pain. Thanks that he went with his family by his side and their words of love in his ears. Thanks that, by sharing his stories and experiences with us all, he has enriched our lives. Maybe, for those of us who do fly, whether we're low hour students or PPL's or high hour military pilots, his stories will help us to become better pilots.
Maybe Duke's stories might help save some of our lives some day.
I can think of no finer legacy.
Rest In Peace, Duke. And thankyou Sir.
I've read the stories with a mixture of awe, humour, wonderment, a whole range of emotions. And then I've read the updates in tears as Duke told how he was in pain but still fighting, still being strong for both his families - his wife, son and daughter, and his extended global family in aviation.
I have a tear in my eye now as I type this, because the day has finally come when I've logged on to see a new post on Duke's thread, a post which I'd hoped wouldn't come.
But this tear isn't one of sorrow; it's one of thanks. Thanks that Duke is no longer in pain. Thanks that he went with his family by his side and their words of love in his ears. Thanks that, by sharing his stories and experiences with us all, he has enriched our lives. Maybe, for those of us who do fly, whether we're low hour students or PPL's or high hour military pilots, his stories will help us to become better pilots.
Maybe Duke's stories might help save some of our lives some day.
I can think of no finer legacy.
Rest In Peace, Duke. And thankyou Sir.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
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Fly high, my internet friend.
One day we'll share a beer and talk endlessly of the shared love of our lives - flying.
I wipe away the tears and offer condolences to the family you leave behind...
FJJP
One day we'll share a beer and talk endlessly of the shared love of our lives - flying.
I wipe away the tears and offer condolences to the family you leave behind...
FJJP
I was saddened to hear that Duke had passed away, at last his pain is over. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his wife, children and friends.
He made an indelible mark on aviation and I feel priviledged to have read his stoies, they are a great legacy to leave to those of us who can never experience the kind of aviation world he was part of. I enjoyed the stories immensly and, like BeauMan dreaded seeing the inevitable post.
R.I.P. Duke, you deserve a good rest.
He made an indelible mark on aviation and I feel priviledged to have read his stoies, they are a great legacy to leave to those of us who can never experience the kind of aviation world he was part of. I enjoyed the stories immensly and, like BeauMan dreaded seeing the inevitable post.
R.I.P. Duke, you deserve a good rest.
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Dublin, Ireland
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Thank you for sharing your stories Duke. I am sorry to read of your passing. It may help your family a little to know that even though many people on this forum never met you, your stories have touched us all. My sincerest and heart felt condolences to your family and friends.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam
For the Moderators.
If you ever decide to have a Pprune thread Hall of Fame....I vote for this one.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam
For the Moderators.
If you ever decide to have a Pprune thread Hall of Fame....I vote for this one.
Red On, Green On
Join Date: May 2004
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The shear pleasure and entertainment, let alone the wisdom, in his tales ensures that he has touched and cheered more people more deeply than most ever will.
God Speed, Duke.
God Speed, Duke.
Still Trampin' the Ramp
Join Date: Nov 2000
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Just caught up with the sad, sad news. Sad for us but what must be a great relief to the man himself.
My condolences to the family & friends he left behind. After his amazing stories, that last category must number thousands, albeit from afar.
Although I never met you Duke, you certainly enriched my life and I would be honoured to call you friend.
God speed and rest in well deserved peace.
RT
My condolences to the family & friends he left behind. After his amazing stories, that last category must number thousands, albeit from afar.
Although I never met you Duke, you certainly enriched my life and I would be honoured to call you friend.
God speed and rest in well deserved peace.
RT
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Still in the Midland Radar overhead
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Just read this from start to finish during a quiet night shift.....sorry to hear there there will be no more tales of derring do.
God speed Les, thanks for the time spent with us here.
VEEPS
God speed Les, thanks for the time spent with us here.
VEEPS
Join Date: Jun 2003
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On every log-in to the site, I have a quick check for any updates from 'The Duke'.
It is with immense sorrow that I now see that Les has just earned his final rating.
Fly high and fast kind Sir, your written words telling of your incredible life will live on forever.
You will be missed
Condolences to family and loved ones.
R
It is with immense sorrow that I now see that Les has just earned his final rating.
Fly high and fast kind Sir, your written words telling of your incredible life will live on forever.
You will be missed
Condolences to family and loved ones.
R
Join Date: Jul 2004
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Hi Everyone,
There will be a Celebration of Life for the Duke on the 19th of February, Saturday at 1pm
It will be held at the Upper Valley Aviation hangar which is at 8406 Lockheed Place in Chilliwack.
It is located just off Airport Rd. one block past the airport on the right.
I will be printing out all of the posts of condolences for his family and friends to read at the celebration.
Everyone is welcome and Duke's wife says thank you for honouring him.
Sawmill Broad
There will be a Celebration of Life for the Duke on the 19th of February, Saturday at 1pm
It will be held at the Upper Valley Aviation hangar which is at 8406 Lockheed Place in Chilliwack.
It is located just off Airport Rd. one block past the airport on the right.
I will be printing out all of the posts of condolences for his family and friends to read at the celebration.
Everyone is welcome and Duke's wife says thank you for honouring him.
Sawmill Broad
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Thank you for your stories, Duke. You are a true inspiration.
"When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been and there you will always be." (Leonardo da Vinci)
Marc
"When once you have tasted flight you will always walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been and there you will always be." (Leonardo da Vinci)
Marc
Cool Mod
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I have just come to see this sad news. Farewell Duke, you have left your mark in the field of aviation and will be long remembered for your tales on PPRuNe. I will resurrect them on each anniversay for others to see. They deserve it and so do you.
God bless you and keep you.
God bless you and keep you.