In Loving Memory of Colin James Woodward
Written, and read, at Durrington Cemetery Chapel by Derek Shorter
Friday, 25th July 2003 - A Celebration and Thanksgiving For His Life
Colin, as a young man, did two particular things with far reaching consequences: He joined the R.A.F. – little could he have realized then how that decision was to shape his future life and career… and second – he met a pretty girl in Pucklechurch and the pretty young girl met a lively young chap in RAF uniform. They married. That pretty young girl was of course Joan. She was in the uniform of the WAAF. By their marriage they secured a bond of love and affection, a zest for life, a mutual support for their forthcoming adventures that was to endure for a long time; 60 year or more.
In his early days in the RAF, Colin served in Iraq on the medical side. That intiated his continuing interest in all things medical. He came home (to England) to continue that service until one day he decided he would like to fly. He past his tests with such aptitude that he was selected to train other men to fly. He proved to have a natural teaching ability and that particular skill was to stay with him a long time.
Later, he volunteered for operational duties and was eventually awarded the DFC for leading flights into Europe to drop resistance leaders, a task that required exacting standards in flying, in navigation and in courage.
On conclusion of his wartime duties, Colin chose to remain in the RAF in which he rose to the senior rank of Squadron Leader. Colin was given opportunities in Paris with NATO, in London with the Air Ministry and in counties in Eastern and Southern England. He even took up the study of Russian when the Cold War seemed to make that imperative. Colin concluded his RAF career with a great send-off party at Kenley aerodrome, to which he invited me as the sole civilian. Some party!!! Colin drove home very slowly, very carefully, we survived the journey.
Having, as the phrase went in those days, “taken the golden bowler”, civilian life saw Colin and the family – Joan, Jaqui and Paul, settle at Leamington. But, ever restless for real flying, saw Colin accepting the appointment of Air Advisor to the Sheik of Kuwait. Off he went with Joan’s full support and of course with Jaqui and Paul.
Having sorted out the Kuwaiti Air Force, in which he had the rank of Colonel, the family came home.
More training appointments followed before the next excitement, the job of teaching some of the folk of Papua and New Guinea to fly. Off went the family again, this time to Port Moresby, making many new friends in New Guinea, Australia and America on their travels.
Back home (in England) again, a sedentary job followed with the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association and a stay in Folkestone.
Then it was off again – (but) not flying – this time to Norfolk. Colin incredibly took on the task of converting three semi-detached terraced cottages into a splendid house – no less than the White House.
Finally retirement, sort of, to Worthing, and to the mastery of that enigma – the computer and a little dabble in politics, Colin’s intellect was sound to the last.
By his physical fitness, 500 press-ups each morning, Colin survived serious illness during his working life. He had inate resilience and moral courage which saw him exceed, by twelve months, the Doctor’s expectations for his last illness.
He was indeed a vibrant, colourful character, keen in debate, a nice sense of humour, but above all, a devoted husband.
May he, through the mercy of God, now rest in peace
