CAPTAIN CHRIS LANKEY ...
...
... was, to many of our crew, the epitome of the description of 'Marmite' - but, to me, I am proud to say he's been my friend for almost my entire flying career.
The old rogue passed in his sleep last night and, although a lot will know he'd been fighting cancer for quite a few years, the news only two nights ago was sounding more optimistic...maximising the shock we - his friends and family - are feeling tonight.
For those who didn't know him, he was a larger-than-life character with an East End 'barrow-boy attitude to just about everything - apart from the fact his piloting skills were legendary.
We were similar inasmuch neither of us wanted anything other than a simple departure from this mortal coil... and I understand this still holds good now. So... no 'arrangements' as such - although we will all be raising a glass as we always did in his old watering hole of The Churchill Arms in Kensington Church Street at a time to be notified (something else we had in common!).
Rest well Big Fella.