Captain Chas Finn-Kelcey MBE
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Reigate, Surrey, UK
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chas was the true gentleman.great fun and a good guy to be with.I never flew the Herc,but having done a few transatlantics with him,I can now!!
His zest for avation and life will be sadly missed,
RIP Chas We will all miss you,
Condolences to Di and the family
His zest for avation and life will be sadly missed,
RIP Chas We will all miss you,
Condolences to Di and the family
Supercharged PPRuNer
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
Posts: 1,183
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Absolutely stunned.
We were lucky enough to meet Chas at the GatBashes, and he was as generous, charming, and likeable as anyone you will ever meet. One of life’s genuinely nice guys.
Don- would be very grateful if you could pass on our deepest sympathies to Di and the family.
Dave & Julie
We were lucky enough to meet Chas at the GatBashes, and he was as generous, charming, and likeable as anyone you will ever meet. One of life’s genuinely nice guys.
Don- would be very grateful if you could pass on our deepest sympathies to Di and the family.
Dave & Julie
Through this weird and wonderful aviation game you meet some delightful people.
Some are remembered for ever.
Chas certainly fits that mould.
As one of the fortunate ones to have shared the BY767 flight deck and also one of "The antipodeans", I raise "The tinnie", as he refered to, and have one for you Chas.
Cheers mate.
Condolences to Di and the family
Rest in Peace Chas.
Some are remembered for ever.
Chas certainly fits that mould.
As one of the fortunate ones to have shared the BY767 flight deck and also one of "The antipodeans", I raise "The tinnie", as he refered to, and have one for you Chas.
Cheers mate.
Condolences to Di and the family
Rest in Peace Chas.
Plastic PPRuNer
That is really sad. I only knew him as Dr Syn but we had some lively debates about the Space Shuttle program and accidents. A really nice, smart and perceptive chap.
Condolences to the family and friends.
"Tot siens ou maat"
Condolences to the family and friends.
"Tot siens ou maat"
Very sad - Chas ran my first PRT at Lyneham - good man. Last saw him at Ncl in the Marriott a couple of years where we enjoyed a long chat over a glass or tow.
I've just extracted my two volumes of the story of 'Rompers Green' - they still bring back memories and make me smile albeit with a touch of sadness now.
God bless Chas
I've just extracted my two volumes of the story of 'Rompers Green' - they still bring back memories and make me smile albeit with a touch of sadness now.
God bless Chas
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just got home to find this tragic news. I'm completely stunned. I haven't seen Chas for years, however I flew with him a considerable number of times on the Herc.
It was never a dull moment with him and I still remember with fondness a particular trip requiring two tech diversions on consecutive days. Only Chas could make the New Year snowed in at Gander into a memorable event!
RIP Chas, the world is a sadder place for your premature departure.
It was never a dull moment with him and I still remember with fondness a particular trip requiring two tech diversions on consecutive days. Only Chas could make the New Year snowed in at Gander into a memorable event!
RIP Chas, the world is a sadder place for your premature departure.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I never met Captain Finn-Kelcey but having spent my childhood in Rye his nom de plume (DrSyn - The man of the marsh) always reminded me of home. I will miss seeing it around here.
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: western europe
Posts: 1,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
.... "one of his many interests was Railway locomotives" ......
perhaps one of his last posts was .....(see entry 1631) ....
http://www.signalbox.org/register.php
polite and generous as ever ......
from all I've read about Chas, a very special guy!
perhaps one of his last posts was .....(see entry 1631) ....
http://www.signalbox.org/register.php
polite and generous as ever ......
from all I've read about Chas, a very special guy!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Chas I grew up with.....
Having grown up from the age of 5 knowing Chas (he lived with us for a while) he was nearly a brother to me. What has been written about him is truly a reflection of what a great person he was.
My family, mother and sisters are shocked and stunned.
No doubt there will be many of you I have met over the years, especially at Lyneham Summer Balls and one or two other events. I hope I shall get to meet some of you on April 19th. Clearly he has made many friends and I know he valued everything that you all offered him.
Di will in course get to read your comments and will I'm sure be intensely grateful for the support from everyone.
My best friend may have 'flown off' but myself and my family (Chas' god-daughter included) will have the greatest of memories of a very wonderful man.
Goodbye Chas
Nigel Baxter
My family, mother and sisters are shocked and stunned.
No doubt there will be many of you I have met over the years, especially at Lyneham Summer Balls and one or two other events. I hope I shall get to meet some of you on April 19th. Clearly he has made many friends and I know he valued everything that you all offered him.
Di will in course get to read your comments and will I'm sure be intensely grateful for the support from everyone.
My best friend may have 'flown off' but myself and my family (Chas' god-daughter included) will have the greatest of memories of a very wonderful man.
Goodbye Chas
Nigel Baxter
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: England
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Saddened
I don’t visit very often and on this occasion what a shock it was to read of Chaz’s death. I haven’t seen him for years and I first met him at the Cinque Ports Flying Club Lydd airport 1981.
All the tributes I have read on this thread describe the Chaz I remember to a T.
RIP Chaz.
All the tributes I have read on this thread describe the Chaz I remember to a T.
RIP Chaz.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: India
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dear All,
Never met him, never heard of him, but reading all these mails, feel happy he had nice friends .
Must have been a rare spirit that alighted here, to lend us moments of joy.
May the Almight grant his Soul eternal Peace and strength to his family at this hour
Never met him, never heard of him, but reading all these mails, feel happy he had nice friends .
Must have been a rare spirit that alighted here, to lend us moments of joy.
May the Almight grant his Soul eternal Peace and strength to his family at this hour
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Erehwon
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fink
I first met Fink on 30 Sqn at Lyneham, he was a new Herk captain and was one of the nicest people to fly with that I've ever met.
An odd character who use to carry around the SAS timetable I remember!
His cartoon in the Lyneham Globe is well-remembered in my family and the term UK Bags was added to the English language in Wiltshire along with a few others. He managed to say SO much when most of us could only think, he SAID it with PICTURES!
I think he was one of the few people in life that you can say you 'enjoyed'.
Thanks for being there Chaz, I for one am glad I knew you.
RIP
My sincere condolences to his family who must miss him more than any of us.
An odd character who use to carry around the SAS timetable I remember!
His cartoon in the Lyneham Globe is well-remembered in my family and the term UK Bags was added to the English language in Wiltshire along with a few others. He managed to say SO much when most of us could only think, he SAID it with PICTURES!
I think he was one of the few people in life that you can say you 'enjoyed'.
Thanks for being there Chaz, I for one am glad I knew you.
RIP
My sincere condolences to his family who must miss him more than any of us.
I was about to post this terrible news,but I see most of the aviation world has beaten me to it. Chas you were a true gent, thanks for all the times you answered my stupid questions on the flight deck on the way to thumrait, thanks for rescuing me from school at the weekends, and so sorry we lost conact. My sincere condolences to Di and family
Ben & Jo Kendrick, Chris & Pat Kendrick and family.
laughter silvered wings.....
Ben & Jo Kendrick, Chris & Pat Kendrick and family.
laughter silvered wings.....
Last edited by Stitchbitch; 14th Apr 2004 at 19:23.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Nottignham
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bye Chas. We will always remember the way you lightened our lives with Captain Cool and the gang. They are around Rompers Green somewhere. Probably en route from Akronelli.
Thanks for everything.
Our condolence Di to you and all the family.
John and Jan Bell
Thanks for everything.
Our condolence Di to you and all the family.
John and Jan Bell
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The most fitting tribute today for Chas.
The organisation was magnificent, the flypast a finale that Chas would have enjoyed. In fact did we not see him go then?
His family and friends know that he was a remarkable man.
We will continue his memory in many, many ways. We had a good party for him afterwards and if you couldn't be there please raise a glass or seventeen to him soon.
Cheers, Chas.
The organisation was magnificent, the flypast a finale that Chas would have enjoyed. In fact did we not see him go then?
His family and friends know that he was a remarkable man.
We will continue his memory in many, many ways. We had a good party for him afterwards and if you couldn't be there please raise a glass or seventeen to him soon.
Cheers, Chas.
Chas Finn-Kelcey
Chas, untimely death has prompted my first pprune posting.
Thank you for providing what is effectively an e-condolences book.
I hope it is a small comfort to all of Chas' family. I admire your request for plenty of colour today. I have already expressed a wish, when my turn comes, for no black ties.
The much anticipated monthly publication of the Lyneham station magazine, the Globe, was read, as Flight, from the back because Chas comic but often hard hittng strip "Rompers Green" the every day story of a West Country Transport Station", was invariably just inside the back cover.Much pleasure came from the detail eg among the AOC's (Air Officer Commanding) bookcase titles "Morale and how to spot it" next to "Morale and how to stop it". Thank you Chas for highlighting all the cock-ups & the way we felt but with a talent we lacked.
In 1980, I was co for Chris Mann's 1st LHS conversion with Chas as TRE during my annual sim/fly refresher.Chas' enthusiasm for aviation ingeneral and flying the Herc in particular made for a hardworking productive but enjoyable 2 weeks.
I last saw Chas in 2000 when at EOG I flew him to GLA one evening. My welcome PA led to Chas joining us on the flight deck, those were the days. A short flight but loads of catching up! He had been called out to position to GLA and operate a night TFS before positioning back to LGW in the morning. Not a prospect to fill anyone with joy! I can still see Chas striding out air-side along the side of the pier as he went in search of his aircraft.
Sorry I couldn't be with you today.
Chas, thank you, it was a privilege to know and work with you.
I treasure my copies of Rompers Green, you will see me smiling every time I read them.
Howard & Chris
Thank you for providing what is effectively an e-condolences book.
I hope it is a small comfort to all of Chas' family. I admire your request for plenty of colour today. I have already expressed a wish, when my turn comes, for no black ties.
The much anticipated monthly publication of the Lyneham station magazine, the Globe, was read, as Flight, from the back because Chas comic but often hard hittng strip "Rompers Green" the every day story of a West Country Transport Station", was invariably just inside the back cover.Much pleasure came from the detail eg among the AOC's (Air Officer Commanding) bookcase titles "Morale and how to spot it" next to "Morale and how to stop it". Thank you Chas for highlighting all the cock-ups & the way we felt but with a talent we lacked.
In 1980, I was co for Chris Mann's 1st LHS conversion with Chas as TRE during my annual sim/fly refresher.Chas' enthusiasm for aviation ingeneral and flying the Herc in particular made for a hardworking productive but enjoyable 2 weeks.
I last saw Chas in 2000 when at EOG I flew him to GLA one evening. My welcome PA led to Chas joining us on the flight deck, those were the days. A short flight but loads of catching up! He had been called out to position to GLA and operate a night TFS before positioning back to LGW in the morning. Not a prospect to fill anyone with joy! I can still see Chas striding out air-side along the side of the pier as he went in search of his aircraft.
Sorry I couldn't be with you today.
Chas, thank you, it was a privilege to know and work with you.
I treasure my copies of Rompers Green, you will see me smiling every time I read them.
Howard & Chris
Cool Mod
Join Date: Apr 1998
Location: 18nm N of LGW
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1066
Thank you for your poignant post.
You will be pleased to know I am sure that the day went well. He had a marvellous send off. I didn't do a count but most of the 400 seats in the Church at Cranbrook were taken. In attendance were very many from Lyneham, including AVM John Bell, Tony Main with officers, past and present, from 30 Sqdn. The Squadron Standard was placed in the church by the Station Warrant Officer. A large picture of Chas, in the LHS of a Herc, was erected in the church. Uniforms were worn as per Di's request that there be colour for the occasion.
A very large contingent of Captains, FO's and stewardess were also there from Britannia, all in uniform. Made us wonder who was doing the flying at LGW! A great number of friends from various lodges that Chas belonged to, including aviation lodges, were also there. Relatives, close friends and local friends were very many, indeed it was touching that a big group of people from his home village were also there. Many tributes were paid to Chas and the warmth of the occasion was there to feel.
A 30 Sqdn Herc did a fly-past which very much added to the occasion. Chas will have enjoyed that moment It was much appreciated by everyone.
Relatives and close friends then went to the crematorium for the final departure of a truly great gentleman, a great family man, and a wonderful friend.
Then we amassed at the Tuor Park Hotel at Bearsted, to what Di called a 'bun-fight' - it was a very jolly affair which Chas would have liked and he got the send-off he deserved.
Chas was a rare man, a gentleman, and a friend to everyone. He will be missed more than any words can say.
Perhaps people reading this might like to see a poem I found on the internet called "FLYING WEST" - it is attributed to a Captain of Trans World Airways.
Thank you for your poignant post.
You will be pleased to know I am sure that the day went well. He had a marvellous send off. I didn't do a count but most of the 400 seats in the Church at Cranbrook were taken. In attendance were very many from Lyneham, including AVM John Bell, Tony Main with officers, past and present, from 30 Sqdn. The Squadron Standard was placed in the church by the Station Warrant Officer. A large picture of Chas, in the LHS of a Herc, was erected in the church. Uniforms were worn as per Di's request that there be colour for the occasion.
A very large contingent of Captains, FO's and stewardess were also there from Britannia, all in uniform. Made us wonder who was doing the flying at LGW! A great number of friends from various lodges that Chas belonged to, including aviation lodges, were also there. Relatives, close friends and local friends were very many, indeed it was touching that a big group of people from his home village were also there. Many tributes were paid to Chas and the warmth of the occasion was there to feel.
A 30 Sqdn Herc did a fly-past which very much added to the occasion. Chas will have enjoyed that moment It was much appreciated by everyone.
Relatives and close friends then went to the crematorium for the final departure of a truly great gentleman, a great family man, and a wonderful friend.
Then we amassed at the Tuor Park Hotel at Bearsted, to what Di called a 'bun-fight' - it was a very jolly affair which Chas would have liked and he got the send-off he deserved.
Chas was a rare man, a gentleman, and a friend to everyone. He will be missed more than any words can say.
Perhaps people reading this might like to see a poem I found on the internet called "FLYING WEST" - it is attributed to a Captain of Trans World Airways.
I hope there's a place, way up in the sky
Where pilots can go when they have to die.
A place where a guy could buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear.
A place where no doctor or lawyer could tread,
Nor a management-type would ever be caught dead!
Just a quaint little place, kind of dark, full of smoke,
Where they like to sing loud, and love a good joke.
The kind of a place that a lady could go
And feel safe and secure by the men she would know.
There must be a place where old pilots go,
When their wings become heavy, when their airspeed gets low,
Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young,
And songs about flying and dying are sung.
Where you'd see all the fellows who'd 'flown west' before,
And they'd call out your name, as you came through the door,
Who would buy you a drink, if your thirst should be bad,
And relate to the others, "He was quite a good lad!"
And there, through the mist, you'd spot an old guy
You had not seen in years, though he'd taught you to fly.
He'd nod his old head, and grin ear to ear
And say, "Welcome, my Son, I'm proud that you're here!
For this is the place where true flyers come
When the battles are over, and the wars have been won.
They've come here at last, to be safe and alone,
From the government official, and the management clone;
Politicians and accountants, and all of the noise,
Where all hours are happy, and these good ol' boys
Can relax with a cool one, and a well deserved rest!
This is Heaven, my Son. You've passed your last test!"
Where pilots can go when they have to die.
A place where a guy could buy a cold beer
For a friend and a comrade whose memory is dear.
A place where no doctor or lawyer could tread,
Nor a management-type would ever be caught dead!
Just a quaint little place, kind of dark, full of smoke,
Where they like to sing loud, and love a good joke.
The kind of a place that a lady could go
And feel safe and secure by the men she would know.
There must be a place where old pilots go,
When their wings become heavy, when their airspeed gets low,
Where the whiskey is old, and the women are young,
And songs about flying and dying are sung.
Where you'd see all the fellows who'd 'flown west' before,
And they'd call out your name, as you came through the door,
Who would buy you a drink, if your thirst should be bad,
And relate to the others, "He was quite a good lad!"
And there, through the mist, you'd spot an old guy
You had not seen in years, though he'd taught you to fly.
He'd nod his old head, and grin ear to ear
And say, "Welcome, my Son, I'm proud that you're here!
For this is the place where true flyers come
When the battles are over, and the wars have been won.
They've come here at last, to be safe and alone,
From the government official, and the management clone;
Politicians and accountants, and all of the noise,
Where all hours are happy, and these good ol' boys
Can relax with a cool one, and a well deserved rest!
This is Heaven, my Son. You've passed your last test!"
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: UK, near Wantage
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would like to add my condolences to Di and the family. I was a "young" co-pilot on 30 Sqn with Chas and flew several times with him as Captain and mentor. Particularly fond memories of masirah det with him and Graham Timms (he of trombone and "TIMMS TOURS " fame). Chas was one of my inspirations and I aspired to his flying ability, becoming unit test pilot before I was medically retired from the RAF with cancer. It was a great delight to meet him again at the last 30 Sqn reunion and a terrible shock to hear the news after our re-aquaintance. Chas has been eulogised much more than I could ever hope to repeat, but
" Why do the good die young?"
"Uncle Fester" aka Ray Evans
" Why do the good die young?"
"Uncle Fester" aka Ray Evans