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Vale: Graham Syphers
It is my sad duty to report the loss of fellow aviator and good friend Captain Graham Syphers (Pays Air Service, Talair, Macair (PNG), Norfolk Island Airways, National Jet etc) who succumbed quietly to a long and heroic battle with cancer this morning.
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Vale Graham Syphers
Sadly, Graham passed away this morning after a long illness.
RIP Wantok! |
Another of the old-timers gone. Still remember a circuit in Goroka in KEN when Graham had agreed to ferry it to Lae for a (yet another) new owner. It was a hot day, neither of us had flown a 170 before, and the engine wasn’t too healthy. A very brief cct was enough.
I have a slide from a set of air-to-air I took for Macair with Graham in one of their two Barons, will try to post it when I can get to it after being locked-down in this nursing home. My wife was most amused when he was introduced to her at a party and proclaimed himself “The worlds’ greatest air-dropper”. Those were the days, I’ll have glass of wine to his memory, in the absence of a source of SP. |
A great pilot and a real character. Knew him from Macair days then Norfolk Island . Loved his quote “juggling with Jesus “ when conducting assymetric Airwork.
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Some Photos Here from the Norfolk Island thread.
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I seem to recall one of the Norfolk King Airs (maybe IBD?) had a plate covering the gap forward of the power levers engraved with something like " the Graham Syphers anti pen device". I assume he may have once lost a pen down there.
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Vale Graham Syphers
I first met Graham way back in 1964 whilst on a temporary posting to Scone with Jim Packer's Tamair. I was flying a C182 at the time (not very often as charter was rather scarce) and I quite often gazed over the fence from the Aero Club, and watched Graham greasing on Col {Pay's C180 like an Old Pro !
We naturally compared notes and in due course, I moved on to fly C185's for 'Junior' Buchanan at Territory Airlines at Goroka. Shortly afterwards, Graham joined our ranks and assimilated into the challenging PNG Highlands flying with alacrity. He just loved flying the C185 and had boundless energy.. Everyone loved Graham. He was a hard working and incredibly skillful Aviator of the highest degree. I was fortunate to be paired with him frequently and I count myself so fortunate in being a Mate of his for literally a lifetime. We have kept in touch over the years albeit branching off into different forms of Aviation but I count Graham as my longest lasting Wantok Tru Many of us were enriched by knowing him and we will all miss his relaxed and fun loving nature enormously. Sincere Condolences to Lyn and family. Vale Graham - A true Gentleman Aviator of the highest degree. |
Indeed a very sad loss. RIP
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Captain Graham Syphers
Very sad to hear of Graham’s passing today .
I had a good chat to him on Easter Sunday this year and he was typical Sypho!! Sharp as a tact and full of humour and stories. We will miss Ned Mc Ned deeply, but we are all very much enriched by knowing him. I certainly am!! R.I.P. Graham. |
Originally Posted by Horatio Leafblower
(Post 10812174)
Perhaps tailwheel should pass on to Kenny H?
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I am another of the fortunate people to have had Grahams friendship. joined Macair in 69, there was a great group of people there that benefited from his no airs no graces leadership.I will greatly miss him.
RIP Graham blueys |
Met Graham a few years ago. Told me he grew up in Cudal where his father owned the local garage. As a nine year old the highlight of his year was when a (younger) Max Hazelton-a real pilot!! brought his car in for a service. Later taught to fly by Col Pay and entrusted to fly the P-51 with his heavy taildragger/cropduster experience.
RIP |
Worked with Graham many moons ago at NIA. Had a wicked sense of humour.
RIP Ned McNed |
RIP Graham.
Another Statesman of our industry gone but Never forgotten. |
Very sad to hear about the passing of one of the true gentleman of aviation, I remember fondly working out of Brisbane with Sipho at National Jet and would go around to his place for a beer and discuss the simulator session and PNG as well as many other things aviation, always had a great story to share.
RIP Ned it was a pleasure |
Graham at work in Norfolk Airlines' Dash 8 VH-NID
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....41a643ce71.jpg RIP Graham |
A Gathering in Memory of our Friend Graham Syphers
We are attempting to organise a gathering on Saturday 12th June starting at 11:00am, probably at the RSL in Nambour Queensland. Before we can finalise the venue we will need to get an indication from anyone who wishes to attend as the numbers will depend on the size of the room we reserve. The reason that we have chosen the RSL is that they have food and drinks available for purchase and it is within walking distance to the railway station and 3 motels for those who wish to stay overnight. It is also not too far from the Sunshine Coast Airport and I'm sure that we can arrange to have someone pick up those who wish to fly in.
If anyone is interested in attending I would appreciate it if you can PM me to let me know if you can attend by the end of this month so that we can finalise the arrangements. |
I’m a year late and just seen the posts about Graham Syphers passing and just to add my memory of this gentleman, a truly grand airman
i flew with him in Macair and NIA |
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