Death of Wg Cdr Richard Bealer
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Death of Wg Cdr Richard Bealer
Very sad to report the death of Richard (Dick) Bealer who died at home in Chippenham on Sunday 18th February. A very fine Officer, Gentleman and friend. He will be well remembered for his times at Cranwell, on Lightnings, Jaguars, the Taceval Team and a diplomatic posting. His funeral will be held at the West Wiltshire Crematorium on Monday 4th March ar 1430 hrs. His wife Heather stipulates that Dick did not want sack cloth & ashes but a bright celebration of his life by attendees, (RAF blue will do!). A great character and a great loss to his family and friends.
Sad News
cheerio Dick, goodbye to a larger than life character, humourous, amusing, good natured and kind. I will miss you and was proud to have met up again after a long gap and see you so happy with Heather in TRNC. Condolences to Heather and I expect there will be a good send off at the funeral. RIP
What a shame - a lovely man with a great sense of humour. We coincided at Brawdy when he was working up as an instructor on the Hawk and we flew together on a couple of my later TWU sorties. I can still remember Dick howling with laughter during a FAC exercise when the controller, who from his voice ought to have been called Tarquin Farquhar-Cholmondley or similar, announced "12 o'clock, field with sheep". We agreed that it was very useful guidance for an area of mid-Wales (Sennybridge) where the sheep outnumbered the people and could be seen for miles in all directions! He also used to hold us students in thrall with tales of his adventures in Cold War Moscow. A memorable character who was liked and respected in equal measure. Condolences to his family.
Just heard the terrible news from Heather. He had a brilliant life, but taken far too soon. I first met Dick at Lossie when he passed thro as a Jaguar student. Later he chose me (& others) to join him when he formed 151(F) Sqn at Chivenor in the early 80s. He was the first Officer Commanding in the Hawk period. We remained firm friends and I stayed with him in Cyprus (Kirenia), a place we both knew well from our Akrotiri days; Dick on 56 Sqn and me on 73 Sqn. I have hundreds of tales to tell about Dick, but I'll probably save them until his funeral which I most certainly will attend. Dick was a larger than life character and a brilliant pilot. He will be sorely missed.
Last edited by sharpend; 21st Feb 2019 at 08:38.
Well I won't be able to get into my No 1, but wonder if flying suit would do. Dick would have approved, but would that be a step too far ?
Brawdy 55
This is such sad news. Dick was someone who motivated/encouraged me to move from my role as a young pilot off controller (Spot) at Brawdy towards my dream of flying. We flew together countless times, he taught me to think like a pilot and not restrict my ambition. I had the honour of flying with him at Chivenor when it reopened with the likes of Sharpend, Steve Wyd, Andy Anderson et al. I made the move and ended up running a Jaguar Sqn, and I massively regret not making the effort to share a beer with him to thank him for his guidance (not all good!). I can’t make the funeral but I will raise a glass to a very special pilot, officer and friend.
Very sad to read this. Dick and I were at Cranwell together, and he was my Best Man when I got married in Cyprus, and shared some very happy and memorable occasions. Unfortunately we went our separate ways and lost touch just before he went to Moscow.
Sort of connected, in that it seems that I removed this gentleman from his dinghy in the Med in the early 70s. He had completed the Lightning 'arse-end on fire' sequence! Obviously the effort was worthwhile - condolences to family and friends.
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Funeral of Wg Cdr Dick Bealer
Further info on Dick’s funeral. No flowers! Any donations received will be split between the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. After the ceremony, at approx 16:00hrs, a gathering at The Flying Monk Pub in the centre of Chippenham, a most appropriate venue!! If you are planning to attend please email Heather on [email protected] to help her arrange the occasion.
Last edited by Fergus14; 23rd Feb 2019 at 19:35. Reason: Location error
This is such sad news. Dick was someone who motivated/encouraged me to move from my role as a young pilot off controller (Spot) at Brawdy towards my dream of flying. We flew together countless times, he taught me to think like a pilot and not restrict my ambition. I had the honour of flying with him at Chivenor when it reopened with the likes of Sharpend, Steve Wyd, Andy Anderson et al. I made the move and ended up running a Jaguar Sqn, and I massively regret not making the effort to share a beer with him to thank him for his guidance (not all good!). I can’t make the funeral but I will raise a glass to a very special pilot, officer and friend.
Further info on Dick’s funeral. No flowers! Any donations received will be split between the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. After the ceremony, at approx 16:00hrs, a gathering at The Flying Monk Pub in the centre of Chippenham, a most appropriate venue!! If you are planning to attend please email Heather on [email protected] to help her arrange the occasion.
Sad day in Wiltshire today when we said goodbye to our old mate Dick. But it was good turnout on rather a cold blustery day, later a few drinks and food at the Flying Monk Pub in Chippenham. Not many pilots there though, a couple from Frightnings, one Jag mate (me) and a couple from Hawks. RIP old friend. Fly high and blue skies. Oh, and another thing, thanks for reminding me of the mice on parachutes descending on the Mess Dinner.