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 ... 
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24 comments:

  1. Linda Roth25 October 2012 at 12:23

    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. Catharina Engberg25 October 2012 at 12:48

    I´m so sorry.

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  3. Rita Vaselli25 October 2012 at 13:18

    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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  4. minnemie25 October 2012 at 13:26

    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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  5. John (JWJarts)25 October 2012 at 14:43

    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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  6. jsicignano2.blogspot.com25 October 2012 at 16:45

    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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  7. Cris, Artist in Oregon25 October 2012 at 17:32

    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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  8. Tito25 October 2012 at 23:33

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

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  9. Celeste Bergin25 October 2012 at 23:46

    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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  10. Judy26 October 2012 at 00:36

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

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  11. Autumn Leaves26 October 2012 at 03:30

    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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  12. hmuxo26 October 2012 at 13:28

    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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  13. KonstantinaP27 October 2012 at 03:04

    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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  14. Susan27 October 2012 at 08:45

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

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  15. Gatepost productions28 October 2012 at 04:15

    Thank you everyone for your kind support.

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  16. Crystal Cook28 October 2012 at 06:29

    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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  17. Studio at the Farm28 October 2012 at 20:09

    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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  18. Rita Vaselli30 October 2012 at 06:21

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

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  19. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com31 October 2012 at 19:46

    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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  20. Unknown1 November 2012 at 03:08

    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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  21. Maga Fabler2 November 2012 at 03:41

    My condolences, John. Sincere and heartfelt condolences.

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  22. Gatepost productions3 November 2012 at 02:38

    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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  23. Zephyrinus5 November 2012 at 14:21

    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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  24. Gatepost productions6 November 2012 at 12:14

    Thank you for being so kind.

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