Our dear departed friend and prodigious aviator Paddy Parke loved aeroplanes and in truth everything to do with flying. He was proud of the vital part played by the Irish Private Flying movement in giving Ireland to the world on wings and the world to Ireland in sport and commerce. He never lost his wonder at being airborne in the beautiful place we call the sky. He knew we could never rest in its alleys or climb its mountains because it changes constantly, and our stay is temporary. But every flight offered us a magical glimpse of a world beyond our own, for as the saying goes "Every pilot is a little closer to God.
There must have been much of that in Paddy's total dedication, for he had often been known, on feeling a sudden strong shift to the wind, to motor to the airfield and wheel the aircraft by hand to face into the wind, where they would crouch safely, ready to take flight.
I saw this kindly, popular man as excited as his beloved grandchildren at the Air Corps Family Day last year, watching aircraft going through their paces. Even though he had 8,000 hours on his logbook extraordinary for a private pilot. He was an aircraft owner and part owner of several machines member of the Irish Aviation Club, chairman of the Dublin Airport and Dublin Flying Clubs. Paddy had full instrument and instructor rating and took a keen interest in the progress of his students in private flying or commercial rating. He attended all aviation functions, conferences, air shows and club meetings and always asked "What can I do to help?"
As a devoted member of the unique "Aviation Trailblazers of Ireland" he was in his element, meeting old friends and making new ones in powered flying, gliding, parachuting and ballooning etc.
He was looking forward to February 4th to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Barbara. They married in their home town of Enniskillen when Barbara was 71/2 and Paddy just 22 years old.
To his business and aviation friends Paddy seemed timeless and changeless, trim, erect and spry. A sincere straightforward man, with an attractive measure of Northern reticence and courteous reserve.
One of those sublimely fortunate men able to make his dreams come true based on his happy home life, respect and success in business, and his love of flying.
We offer dear Barbara, his son Declan and daughter Kathleen and all other family members our heartfelt sympathy. We are fortunate to have known Paddy and we shall not forget him.