Wg Cdr John Washington-Smith
 

To any ex Lightning and Tornado F3 guys that might remember him, sad to pass on that Wg Cdr John Washington-Smith, ex Eng O on the Lightning Training Flight, RAF Binbrook, S Eng O 5(F)Sqn, RAF Coningsby, and fellow pilot, died this morning after a long illness.

I'm told he died peacefully with Mary, Harry and Tom by his side.

One of life's true gentlemen. Rest in peace.

Much

Lovely guy. Sincere condolences to Mary and family


IanG

Very sad. He was a really nice guy.

JWS was a top bloke, I'll be raising a glass to him.

Many years ago heard the story from a chf tech that John started out as SAC John Smith (did well, our John!) and on marriage it was he who insisted on going double-barreled as he was fed up that no-one believed him when he introduced himself!

RLE - I had forgotten that story - thanks for the reminder. Top guy though.

Sympathy
 

I didn't know JWS very well, but I did know MWS. Top lady and much sympathy to her and her family. RIP John.

JW-S Funeral
 

For those that can make it......

WASHINGTON-SMITH

John Wing Commander, MSc CEnv MIEMA. On 4th October 2014, aged 63. Peacefully at St. Margaret's Hospice, beloved husband of Mary and a special Dad to Harry and Tom. Funeral at St. Peter's Church, Huish Champflower, Monday 20th October at 11 a.m. No flowers..—Donations, if desired, for St. Peter's Church and St. Margaret's Hospice c/o Anthony James Funeral Director, Wiveliscombe, Somerset, TA4 2TB. Tel: 01984 624149.

Wg Cdr John Washington-Smith
 

I was never around either the or the Lightening (Nimrods then communications) but I did meet John, as I served with Mary at Scampton.

To echo what has been said, truly one of life's gentlemen, and a gentle man.

I lost touch with Mary and then reconnected with them both via Facebook, only to get the news a few weeks later of John's diagnosis.

Despite all the problems they faced, Mary was still writing to me out of concern for our own son who was serving in Afghanistan at the time. Outstanding people, both of them.

Shortly before his death, John was able to see, via Skype, their son Tom graduate from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

To add to the comment made by SandLat650, Tom W-S told us that John did indeed die with peace and dignity, with his family and very close friends beside him.

RIP.