Chichester, 22nd Feb 2018
A large number of 33 Squadron Association and ex-33 Squadron members turned out at Chichester Crematorium on Tuesday 22 March 2018 to say farewell to Brian Randall, a 33 Squadron Association member and dear friend to so many who knew him during his RAF career. Brian unexpectedly passed away after a very short illness on 19 December 2017. The large congregation had turned up to participate in the ‘Celebration of Brian’s Life’ just as his widow, Carol, daughter Vicki and son, Jack had directed. The only disappointment on the day was the last minute cancellation of a Puma flypast that had been scheduled on the flying programme the day before the funeral. The weather was absolutely perfect so the announcement of a cancellation due to 'aircraft unserviceability' produced some excellent banter among the former 33 Squadron engineers in attendance!
With as many people standing outside listening to the service as were sitting inside, the family regaled the audience with some wonderful funny stories about life with Brian, a ‘Trenchard Brat’ who had trained as a ‘Super Tech’ at RAF Halton between 1971 and 1974. He was considered by his fellow trainees as the father figure of No.120 Entry, aka the ‘Fleet of Foot’. Brian was instrumental in organising the Entry’s reunions, tracking people down from around the world and putting together the programme of visits. He also coordinated the 120th Entry paver at the National Arboretum which, of course, says 'Fleet of Foot'. After retirement from the RAF Brian had returned and settled in his home town and from the many written and verbal tributes that have been sent to the family it was evident that Brian was a well-respected and popular man in and around Chichester.
To all of us who knew him, Brian was a kind, generous and funny man, who will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
The Chairman laid a wreath on behalf of the 33 Squadron Association members among the many floral tributes that were left.
Attendees included: Dave Stewart (Chairman), Chris Perkins, Dave Coombes, Brian Fitzpatrick, Graham Lowe, Tim Perera, Kevin Graham, Rolf Fearnley, Gordon Bruce, Chris Cutting, Paul Winson, Andy Dixon, Bert Bullen, Martin Wyatt, Andy Convey, Ed Sturt, Bill Ramzan, Clive Biddulph, Jim Young, Guy Danby, and many more.