A Tribute to our Friend and Colleague Brian Cracknell

Brian Cracknell Remembering a very special person, Brian, who passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 11th March 2010 Brian will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues at Nene Valley Gliding Club. Personal Tributes (Click Here) Celebration of Brian's life as read out by Richard Boyton at the funeral (Click Here) Brian Cracknell at a RAF Wyton Families day Brian Takes a rest while watching an air display Brian had a Royal Appointment - He opened the gates at Nene Valley so the Prince Charles could land by Helicopter and visit Woodwalton Nature Reserve Inside the Royal Flight Helicopter Brian doing what he liked doing best, working along side   his friends and colleagues Brian helping repair a glider wing Brian inspecting the Club's last purchase K13 G-DCFG

Personal Tributes - Brian Cracknell 1932-2010.

Brian died peacefully at home early on Thursday morning on March 11 after a short illness. Some of us found it remarkable how he faced up to what was happening to him and how he was able to joke that he soon intended to claim Diamond High records, sans oxygen, whilst the rest of us were still struggling way down below.

 During his retirement from the Post Office and service in the Royal Air Force Brian put in many working and flying hours at the Nene Valley Gliding Club where he oft said “you will miss me when I have gone” and “let us wear out the Old Ones first”. We never knew how true that was to be. It is impossible to walk around the hangar, workshops, caravan or clubhouse without seeing some of his handy work. Shelves, doors, notice boards, tables all benefited from the Brian touch. For many years he maintained the glider fleet and was proud to hear visitors commenting on the high standard of the fleet. His story telling from early days in the Royal Air Force where he managed to talk himself into flights in Mosquitoes and Vampires plus his recall of the number of 2 BA nuts and bolts that had to be undone to reconfigure the seating in the Hastings were legendary. As his stories were recounted it became necessary for him to stand and illustrate the tale with hand and arm actions. Central heating boiler malfunction and roller doors at the Post Office received the same detail of description.

Brian shared a lovely little K8 with a red nose that he maintained could outsoar anything on the airfield because of the red nose. He eventually donated it to the Club for others to enjoy. When he first flew his Cirrus, on landing he went down on his knees and kissed it on its nose. A red one again.

My earliest recollection of Brian’s help was when as a new boy (well newish), as recently as 2000 he adopted me, took me under his wing and helped me to integrate into the family that is the Nene Valley Gliding Club. No wonder he was affectionally known as “Dad” by many members. A “Buddy” scheme managed Brian style has merit that might be used more often to help new comers. Visitors to the airfield were always made welcome particularly on Open Days when Brian would use his motor caravan as a main information centre.

Brain’s jealously guarded collection of tools, paints, empty jars, tins and pencils took pride of place in the workshop and perhaps will become, with his handy work, a lasting memorial at the Club.

You were right Brian. “We will miss you now you have gone” and perhaps it is not always a good idea to “wear out the Old Ones first”

JB

Brian,

We first met at an Open day in 1996, I mention that I worked for BT previously GPO, his eyes lit up and said he also worked for the GPO later Royal Mail Engineering. Brian flew with Chris Hill and afterwards chatted to several members, he liked the banter and said "we were his sort of people". He came back and signed up as a member the next week. He soon became known as "Dad" to most of us, saying we must respect our elders, which we did in Brian's case. No job was too small for Brian, he loved his projects, his practical skills and first class workmanship put many of us to shame.

JB has already recalled many of the memories I have of Brian.

We may joke when we say "Dad is looking down at us" but I am sure he is. I am only sorry I could never get him interested in the new fangled Internet thing, he could have spent many happy an hour "Googling" his favorite subjects.

Dave M - Webmaster

Brian`s interest in gliding began with two one week courses over two years at London Gliding Club.  Moving to Whittlesey Brian soon found us and promptly joined.  He soon soloed and reached Bronze C with Cross Country Endorsement.  Whenever someone from the BGA  would come to the Club, Brian would grab them and say " why can`t us oldies do 5 one hour flights for our Silver Badge, I can`t sit up there for 5 hours, my body won`t let me." I flew with Brian many times and he was able to fly from the back seat equally well as from the front. When  ever the Motor Glider came out Brian was often seen in the second seat, some say he had more hours in the Motor Glider than some syndicate members!!.  Brian was a dab hand at making, designing and repairing things and his expertise can be seen around the Club.  We all have many memories of Brian which we will keep for ever.  Rest In Peace Brian, you will always be with us. 

Roger Morrisroe.

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