Thursday 25 October 2012

Colin Michael Simlett 1948 - 2012 RIP


My little brother, Colin, spent a lot of his life, risking his life, to save other people's lives. A Royal Navy Helicopter Crewman who hung from that cable in the worse  possible conditions and rescued countless people in despair.

He died today in Crete, Greece where he had been living for quite a few years.

I told him he should have joined the Air Force, "You've always wanted to fly, for goodness sake!"
He told me I should have joined the Navy, "You're a bloody Shipwright, for goodness sake!"

We both did the opposite.

They once landed in the field behind my house. First we knew was a knock on the back door. There was Colin in all his flying gear, Helmet with visor down, Immersion suit, Life Jacket etc... "Excuse me, we've lost our map, could you give us instructions on how to get to..." Great sense of humour.

Cheers Colin, Happy Landings Mate... leave a drop of Scotch for the others ... 

24 comments:

  1. Even though he lived a distance away, I know your world was a better place knowing your brother Colin was in it. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  2. Dear John, your words remind with love your brave brother who has lived a life risking their own to save others.

    I always hope that there is another place to live in peace forever...
    (and find, sometimes, in my case, a glass of sparkling white wine)

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  3. Oh John, I am sorry for your loss. Your love for your brother is so evident... the difference he made in the world - through rescue and through laughter - commendable. He obviously was a unique person.

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  4. He sounds like quite a character John and we can only imagine what 'the Simlett boys' were like as lads. I'm sorry to hear of your sad loss.

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  5. Dear John,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. He must have been a wonderful person. John , you and your love ones will be remembered in my prayers tonight.

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  6. What a lovely tribute to your Brother. Sorry for your loss. He wasn't that old. Thanks for sharing this with us. Thinking of you and your family.

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  7. Dear John, I am very sorry for your loss. A hug!

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  8. Oh dear, this had to be a terrible shock...for he was young (well, we tend to think of the 60's as still being relatively young!) My condolences to you and yours. My brother died at age 50 and I miss him all the time, even though we lived very far apart too. Hugs to you.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss, John. What a great story about him!

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  10. I am so saddened for the loss your brother, John. Please accept my condolences and sympathies to his family and to your family. He sounds like he is of fabulous sense of humor.

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  11. I am so sorry to hear about your dear brother, John. Please feel the hug that I'm sending you. You sound like you were close to him even with those miles between you. I can see how proud you are of him...thoughts and prayers...hilda...

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  12. My deepest sympathies dear John. I'm truly sorry about loss.
    I send you and the family my warmest thoughts,
    Konstantina

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  13. Please accept my deepest sympathy in the death of your beloved brother, John.

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  14. Thank you everyone for your kind support.

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  15. I'm so sorry for your loss John. My thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family. I love the story you shared of your brother and if he's anything like you (which it sounds like he is) then he must have been one great man.

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  16. My dear John, I am so sorry for your loss. From your story, he sounds like he was as wonderful as you. My deepest sympathy to you.

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  17. Dear,John,I feel close to You and Your Families
    for the loss that You are suffering.Rita.

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  18. Speechless after reading your heartwarming memories.
    My sincerest condolences, John, and please pass them on to your dear wife and family, too

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  19. So sorry to hear of your sad loss, John. Losing a sibling is truly massive. I'm sure you have countless happy memories of him to help you through this sad time.

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  20. My condolences, John. Sincere and heartfelt condolences.

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  21. Once again, thank you all so much for your kindness.

    As Mike, his son, said, "My dad moved to Crete in 2001, looking for his dream life, he found it and lived it." Who could ask for more?

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  22. John. I've just read this Post. My deepest condolences.

    Rest assured that I have added Colin (R.I.P) to my daily Prayer List.

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