FINAL FAREWELL TO A 'FANTASTIC' MAN
Hull Daily Mail
16th April 2005
www.thisishull.co.uk
A memorial service has been held for Gary Nicholson. More than 100 people paid their respects to the master air engineer who died when the Hercules plane he was travelling in crashed in Iraq.

A FANTASTIC character with an infectious smile - just some of the tributes to airman Gary Nicholson.

The Hull-born RAF master air engineer died when the Hercules he was travelling in with eight other servicemen crashed over Iraq three months ago.

Yesterday more than 100 family and friends gathered for a memorial service at All Saints' Church in Hessle. His uncle Jim Ryan paid tribute to his nephew telling the congregation: "He had a caring nature, shown in the love he had for his two sons Adrian and Stuart, and was a modest man. "Despite the many medals he won through his life, he never spoke of them."

Mr Ryan told the congregation Gary had his first experience of flying with him and how he forged a career in the Royal Air Force based at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire. Gary, whose mother Julie attended the service, grew up in west Hull before joining the Royal Air Force in 1982. His family still live in the area.

A framed photograph of Gary in the cockpit of a plane was placed at the front of the church lit by candles. It stood on top of a folded Union Jack flag and alongside his medals and brown leather gloves.

Also speaking at the service was friend Chris Jordan who paid tribute to the 30 years of good times he and Gary enjoyed together, from when they were young members of the Air Training Corps to avid rugby fans.

He said: "He not only had a successful career, but was also a successful father. I am privileged to speak here." Mr Jordan could not disguise his emotions as he ended his eulogy with tears in his eyes. "Although the loss of his life is a tragedy, I would like to think his family and friends can take comfort knowing he died serving his country."

Standing tall throughout the service were 14 standard bearers with flags of associations including the Air Cadets, Royal Air Force and Royal British Legion. Curate Reverend Kate Burgess led the service, which included hymns The Lord's My Shepherd, Abide With Me and Jerusalem, as well as the Last Post. The memorial service for his East Yorkshire relatives and friends followed Gary's funeral in Wiltshire earlier this month.

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.