Richard’s story is one of persistence and grace, woven with threads of courage and resilience. A brilliant engineer, he didn’t simply build aircraft, he built and rebuilt dreams. He believed there is always a way forward, no matter how daunting the challenge. Richard never chased success, he pursued excellence and inspired those around him.
We have known Richard for more than thirty years and I have never seen him without a smile. Especially his eyes, they smiled always, and as a pilot too he smiled, flying with superb style, expertise and panache. He often spoke about the freedom and exhilaration he felt in warbirds and oh how much he wanted to have a go in the Bearcat only to fall ill before the day. And those who flew with him were not only deeply respectful of his talent but were also inspired by his spirit of adventure and optimism in the air as well as on the ground.
Beyond and greater than his aviation achievements, which bonded us so much to Richard and to his mother Carolyn, he was a devoted family man and husband. We have known Daisy since the very beginning of their friendship, love and partnership, and our heart goes out to her and her beautiful children Allegra and Stirling, as well as to his sisters Olivia and Nicola.
Richard’s optimism taught me, in fact taught all of us, a lesson in humility, gratitude, bravery and optimism. I never once heard him complain, never once looking back at what could have been or should have been, he always looked onwards and especially upwards. He taught me that while we cannot always control the challenges life presents, we can choose how we respond: with courage, with determination and with a heart full of hope, whatever the odds.
Though he has left the surly bonds of Earth, the essence of Richard’s spirit remains with us and I am certain he has touched the face of God. We will carry forward his smile in our hearts, with fond memories and the very deepest respect.
Rest in peace, dear Richard. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Nick, Stephen, Jane, Rob, Martin and all of his friends at TFC
Photo: Harry Measures
Hold onto your seats!
Here's a sneak peek at some of the in-cockpit footage that will be in our official "Flying Legends Airshow 2023" film available to subscribers of WingsTV.co.uk later this month. Subscribe now to watch the film and get a FREE 150 minute "Best of Flying Legends Airshow" to download and keep.
Thanks to @horsemenflight Air TV and @theflyingbulls for their help.
The Flying Legends Airshow 2023 Church Fenton - Leeds East Airport.
Reflecting back and reflections of a tempestuous sky in the 'Flying Bulls' Lockheed P-38 Lightnings aluminium at The 2023 Flying Legends Airshow, Church Fenton - Leeds East.
Gallery of the aircraft that attended Flying Legends 2023: /2023-aircraft
Photo credit: Harry Measures
#flyingbulls #thefightercollection #rafchurchfenton #leedseastairport #flypast #avgeek #warbirds #flypast #airshows #p38lightning #airshowphotograph #aviationphotography #redbull #airshowstuff
Make a nice cup of tea and take a leisurely look through the Flying Legends Website photo gallery (link below) showcasing the 2023 Flying Legends Airshow - Church Fenton - Leeds East Airport.
Which one is your favourite and maybe you are in one of the photo's? Let us know!
/gallery
Gallery photo credits:
Harry Measures, Phil Chaplin & Phil Glover.
#flying_legends #thefightercollection #leedseastairport #churchfenton #Warbirds #airshows #welcometoyorkshire #thevintageaviationecho #flypast #aeroplane #aeroplanephotography #york #leeds #yorkshiredaysoutguide
