He was a cadet at Hull's Air Training Corps,
where he was awarded the True Grit award for outstanding cadetmanship
when he was 14. He joined the RAF at 19 and became an engineer.
In 1982, he was posted to RAF Lyneham, in Wiltshire, before
being sent into combat in the Falklands conflict. His superior
officers realised his potential and, as a master engineer,
Gary become an instructor at the Hercules simulator.
His marriage broke down, but he brought up his two sons,
Adrian, now 21, and Stuart, 19, on his own. Mrs Nicholson,
65, of Boothferry Estate, west Hull, says: "He was a
fantastic dad and they are a credit to him. "The RAF
was like an extended family and his job as an instructor allowed
him to get home at night to deal with his boys."
During his career, described by the RAF as "long and
distinguished", he was sent to Iraq, the Balkans and
the war in Afghanistan, receiving medals from the UN and Nato,
along with a clutch of campaign medals.
However, as part of the Hercules crew, he was also involved
in mercy missions to countries devastated by famine, war or
natural disaster. It was during a mission to Ethiopia that
he flew with Mother Teresa.
Mrs Nicholson says: "He was really taken with her."
He said "She had an aura about her. She was a tiny little
thing and he noticed a safety pin holding her cardigan together."
He never spoke to his mother about the risks he faced or
his fears before heading off to another warzone. "He
never worried about anything like that as he said he was just
doing his job," she says. She last saw her son at Christmas,
when he visited her with his sons before heading back to Iraq.
On January 30, days before Gary was due home on leave, his
mother discovered a Hercules plane had crashed. A phone call
from her grandsons the next morning confirmed her worst fears.
"This is every mother's nightmare," she says, simply.
She is not willing to reveal her thoughts on the Iraqi conflict,
preferring that they remain private. Super-fit Gary played
rugby and ran the London marathon three times. He came to
Hull about four times a year to see his mum, his grandmother
Julie Fall and old school friends.
In 2002, Gary and his sons visited when his younger sister
Diane flew over from Texas with his two nieces. Mrs Nicholson
says: "When he was home and got together with his mates,
he was well-known for drinking champagne. "Where that
came from, I don't know, but that was his tipple."
Although giant in stature and personality, Gary had a nurturing
side, caring for his sons and his pet dalmatian, Jasper, who
was brought to his funeral in Wiltshire, attended by hundreds
of mourners.
Mrs Nicholson said: "The dog was quiet all the way through
the service and only whined as his coffin was lowered."
At the wake, his friends and family toasted his life with
champagne and anecdotes that went on until 4am. "There
was a spectacular fireworks display. He'd told friends he
wanted to go out 'with a bang' when his time came."
A DVD was played with songs by his favourite artist, Sir
Elton John. It featured photos from gary's childhood through
to shots of him at his fun-loving best, sharing jokes, dressed
up as a clown and at a black-tie do, standing out from the
crowd in his bright purple bow-tie.
Mrs Nicholson says: "Gary was doing a job he wanted
to do and he loved it. "I would never have stood in his
way - he wouldn't have allowed it. "I was used to him
being away, but I know he's not coming back. I'm just living
it one day at a time."
With special thanks to Mr Jim Ryan for allowing
us to use the photograph of Gary Nicholson. We have produced
a remarkable colour montage reflecting Gary, and as his mother
Julie Nicholson has said "the twinkling eyes of her son
Gary" The photograph illustrates Gary, his Hercules aircraft
XV179 and No 47 Squadron badge. It is with deepest sympathy
we have lost a remarkable genteman, full of zest and a charactor
that would put a smile on everyone's face. We ask that the
photograph is not taken from here without the written permission
from the owner. Please respect the request from the family
of the late Gary Nicholson. Thank you. |
