A sad occasion

[Doc Vernon]

Today at 7am I received a Phone call from my Daughter in Birmingham!
Early calls always seem to bring bad News,this was no exception!

Sadly I was informed that my very old and always faithful friend of many Years had just passed away.

We joined up in the RAF at the same time,went through our Basic Training at Bridgnorth,then after that went to Compton Basset for our Wireless Operator Course.
We most at all times would get leave passes together and I would go with him to Birmingham,to enjoy our free time !

On completion I was sent to Innsworth awaiting shipment to Aden on the HMT Dunera ,and he was sent to Digby to do an updated Course,i wanted to go with him,but at that time because I was still a South African National (HELD SA PASSPORT) all so to speak foreign recruits couldn't be sent there!


I met my first Wife through him,and his Girlfriend was my first Wife's best friend!
We got married to our Girls not far apart. 1960

We were also not very far apart in age,he being only5 Months younger than me.

He passed away quietly in Bed (no pain thank the Lord) only one day prior to his 73rd Birthday which is Today the 10th November!


Both our first forthcoming Child made friends with each other at a very early age,and still are to this day!

He was also responsible for me locating my lost Daughter after 41 Years,something which I could never repay him for,i will remember him for many other reasons too!

I am so very broken ,and just had to let this all out!

Derek my dearest Friend I hope that your Wings will take you to all the places that we once shared,and may you rest in peace!
Always will be remembered never ever to be forgotten
I mourn for you
With deepest respect to a true Gentleman
Your long standing friend and comrade
Vernon

MacDonald Vernon Mac RAF 4254836 AC2 Oct-Dec 1959 Member of D Platoon Cpl Nimmock

RAF Hut 1959.jpg
Sale Derek Dek RAF 4254460 AC2 Oct-Dec 1959 Member of 1 Flt NC.O Sgt Salt

RAF Bridgnorth

The unit badge carries the motto “This is the gate, the walls are men.”

[j.sabourn]

Very, sorry to hear Doc. Good friends are hard to come by as one gets older, lifelong ones are sorely missed when they go. Best Regards John Sabourn

[Richard Quartermaine]

How fortunate the both of you were to have come together and enjoyed such lasting friendship. Vernon, our sincerest condolences, the grief lessens and the memories remain.
Take care, Richard

[Neil Morton]

Real friends are hard to find and we number them few. As the years go by we bid them farewell ; however their memory never fades.

Chin up Vernon.

[Doc Vernon]

May I thank all that have given me words of comfort both here on site and in PM,s and Emails!
I had the hard task this Morning to Phone my dear Friend Derek,s Wife Kathleen,it was a very sad call ,but had to be done!
At least she has her Children by her side which is a great comfort to her at this time!
Thanks Again
Much Appreciated!

[happy daze john in oz]

Vernon, to lose such a close friend is always hard to take, I know I lost one back in February. But as with family and others the memories live on, remember the good times, and soem of the bad and be thankful you had the friendship you did. Sincere condolences to you mate.

[Doc Vernon]

Yes John
Your words are true!
I am so thankful that when I went to the UK last Year to meet up with George and Co.,then went to Birmingham to see Tina my Daughter,and caught up with Derek,little did I know that would be the last time I would see him!
Such a blow!
Thanks
Vernon

[Captain Kong]

Sometimes a Good Mate is better than a Brother.
Sorry Vernon.
Cheers
Brian.

[Chris Allman]

Sorry to hear of your bad news Vernon. Good and loyal mates are very hard to come by and you are lucky to have met and had one. May he rest in peace and may your memories of him cheer you and comfort you.

Chris.

[George]

Vernon my sincere condolence to you and your friends family.
George
in Southampton