Pete Barnes -Condolences Thread
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: UK
RIP Barnesy. Each time we met you were invariably smiling and cheerful. Your shoes were far too big for me to fill, up here in the North East although I've tried for 15 years. There are many pilots flying in our industry today who are there because having met you they wanted to be like you. The helicopter world is a much poorer place without you.
Last edited by YOP; 16th January 2013 at 20:40.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 858
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From: England
How lovely that so many has taken the trouble to pay respects to this professional pilot, sounds like he was very well loved and respected. Thoughts go out to his family and friends
Last edited by Pull what; 16th January 2013 at 20:34.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 128
Likes: 7
From: Melbourne, Australia
!!!!!. Another old mate gone. Just woken up in Australia to this awful news and listlessly wondering why this has to happen to some of the very best aviators I've known. One thinks of Colin Bates, John Sefton, Dave Roue and Spotty Mulhern for starters, and I'm then reflecting on how Barnesy was right up there with the very best of them.
Cheeky, full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life, and hysterically funny. As all the guys who came with us to Athens will attest he was always the antidote to a hard day at the "office". You could guarantee that he'd be the first one to don the Speedos and grab the best lounger in order to win the bronzing trophy hands down. By the time the rest of us had ambled down to the pool Pete would already have half a dozen aviators with tears of mirth rolling down their faces at some half-likely story about the tribulations of the day's flying. They were certain to be holding a beer that Pete had summoned.
Thanks Pete, for your professionalism, your company, your love of life, and your fun. We will all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to B.. and to the family.
Much love JG, SL and T
Cheeky, full of enthusiasm for all aspects of life, and hysterically funny. As all the guys who came with us to Athens will attest he was always the antidote to a hard day at the "office". You could guarantee that he'd be the first one to don the Speedos and grab the best lounger in order to win the bronzing trophy hands down. By the time the rest of us had ambled down to the pool Pete would already have half a dozen aviators with tears of mirth rolling down their faces at some half-likely story about the tribulations of the day's flying. They were certain to be holding a beer that Pete had summoned.
Thanks Pete, for your professionalism, your company, your love of life, and your fun. We will all miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to B.. and to the family.
Much love JG, SL and T
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 3
From: Milano, Italia
Colin 'Master' Bates (ex-Hanson) and 'Spotty' Mulhern (ex-Ferranti) .. sorely missed.
From one thing to another, thinking about Peter's family .. is there a group of 'helicopter widows' in the UK that could be of some comfort to Peter's wife in the weeks ahead?
It may sound odd but after the initial response from family and friends she and the children will have to 're-build' their lives and this is where those who have been through something similar can very often provide some oft needed practical advice and support.
If there are any 'helicopter widows' reading this perhaps you may have some thoughts.
My sincere apologies if this query is in any way inappropriate.
From one thing to another, thinking about Peter's family .. is there a group of 'helicopter widows' in the UK that could be of some comfort to Peter's wife in the weeks ahead?
It may sound odd but after the initial response from family and friends she and the children will have to 're-build' their lives and this is where those who have been through something similar can very often provide some oft needed practical advice and support.
If there are any 'helicopter widows' reading this perhaps you may have some thoughts.
My sincere apologies if this query is in any way inappropriate.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 1
From: On the wireless...
We spoke countless times on Thames and 'Special' over the years. I eventually enjoyed the honour and privilege to meet Barnesy (in the Wellington Arms) and spent some memorable and hilarious time with him and other close-knit professionals who are London's regular hell-pilots. An uplifting gentleman of great character. My heartfelt condolences to his family, JJ and the team at LW, and his friends and colleagues (especially Gazza).
RIP Barnesy. You made working the heliroutes great fun.
RIP Barnesy. You made working the heliroutes great fun.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
I'm one of many people to have been inspired by Pete. His enthusiasm and energy was extraordinary. He loved life and he loved everybody, he will be truly missed.
Last edited by Huskie; 16th January 2013 at 23:47.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 3
From: BC, Canada
Sincere condolences to Pete's family and colleagues.
Although I hadn't seen him for a few years, we kept in touch by e-mail and I always enjoyed hearing about the diverse array of flying he undertook.
Hugely encouraging and great company to keep - he was a fine man and exemplary aviator.
Simon
Although I hadn't seen him for a few years, we kept in touch by e-mail and I always enjoyed hearing about the diverse array of flying he undertook.
Hugely encouraging and great company to keep - he was a fine man and exemplary aviator.
Simon
Nice
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: All Over
It sounds like a really good chap has been lost - I'm so sorry for those of you affected, directly or otherwise. From someone who has spent 15 odd years working with Helimed crews, whether on the ground or on several occasions, in the air with them.
As others have said, so rewarding but so bloody unforgiving too. Raising a glass.
As others have said, so rewarding but so bloody unforgiving too. Raising a glass.
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: midcoast US
Reading through all the posts above, I am saddened that I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Barnes. Surely this was an exceptional man, and my condolences to those who were fortunate to be his friends.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Uk
Only met Cpt. Barnesy a few times. He was a great professional pilot at work and a good laugh out of work.
I've only ever heard positive things about Barnesy from other pilots throughout the years i've been flying.
You will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his family, RIP Capt Barnes
I've only ever heard positive things about Barnesy from other pilots throughout the years i've been flying.
You will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his family, RIP Capt Barnes
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Hassocks, Mid-Sussex
‘I have flown with "Barnsy" many times over many years both in the UK and across the continent. I have never experienced a more conscientious, skilled and professional pilot.
Like so many of us drawn to these versatile aircraft he was a real character. We had wonderful times enjoying the freedom of flight but Pete was always mindful of safety and responsibility to others.
My heart goes out to his family and all of those affected by this tragic accident.
When the investigations are complete I am sure it will be found to have been just that - a tragic accident. We should all be proud of the safety of flight in the UK and particularly in the crowded skies over London. Please never forget that thanks to pilots like Pete Barnes the helicopter is still the only method of transport devised by man that has saved more lives than it has taken. Thanks for the happy times Pete, and the lives you saved when flying the Air Ambulance.’
Like so many of us drawn to these versatile aircraft he was a real character. We had wonderful times enjoying the freedom of flight but Pete was always mindful of safety and responsibility to others.
My heart goes out to his family and all of those affected by this tragic accident.
When the investigations are complete I am sure it will be found to have been just that - a tragic accident. We should all be proud of the safety of flight in the UK and particularly in the crowded skies over London. Please never forget that thanks to pilots like Pete Barnes the helicopter is still the only method of transport devised by man that has saved more lives than it has taken. Thanks for the happy times Pete, and the lives you saved when flying the Air Ambulance.’