Paul Hardcastle R.I.P.

[Geoffersincornwall]

Some of you will remember that I appealed for news of my old chum Paul Hardcastle on this forum a couple of months back. The thread was rightly removed after 24 hours because this isn't really the place for such things. That said, however, my Pprune announcement has succeeded in tracking Paul down but unfortunately one week too late - he died last Sunday. Funeral is next Friday. That's April Fool's Day - typical of his sense of humour. Friends can pm me for details. Thanks to the moderator if he will allow me a few days to get this message out.

Lt Cdr PW Hardcastle RN Rtd - late of the FAA, Bristow, Athens and the island of Alonissos.

[SASless]

Paul was a gentleman...loved a good song...told some good jokes...excellent pilot....just simply a good news guy that was a joy to be around.

I have spent many an enjoyable time with him...in the cockpit and at the bar....

Fair winds, smooth seas, Sailor!

[soggyboxers]

First dear old Johnny and now another of life's gentlemen passes on. He will be remembered as a good pilot and an amusing social companion.

RIP Paul.

[Geoffersincornwall]

We said goodbye to Paul yesterday. It seems he died of complications (pneumonia) following an operation for throat cancer (he was a lifetime smoker) As funerals go this was a good one. Paul's kids said a lot of nice things and widow Terri was pleased as punch to see a few of his Navy chums from the good ol'days. Plenty of stories at the wake and afterwards you realise what a great vacuum the passing of one man can create.

By all accounts he had the same influence on the people of Alonisos and the chapel there was packed for a parallel service for all those that coudln't make it to UK.