Mike Lehan writes:
‘It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of David Pink. He died doing what he loved most in life, adventures and travels around the world. He died on 10 February 2011, whilst hiking in the North Drakkensberg mountains in South Africa with his wife Karen, when he suffered a direct strike by lightning – he never regained consciousness.
I met David when he joined the Royal Navy at the BRNC Dartmouth, for 115 Helicopter Specialist Course. His very first helicopter ride was in the College based S51 Dragonfly, and he never looked back from then on. He became one of the most competent and professional pilots of the Royal Navy.
For those of us who experienced Early Morning Activities at Dartmouth, you will appreciate David’s dedication to family life. Married, with his wife suitably berthed on the route of the morning marathon, he jumped ship at night and joined us in full running kit at first light, en-route. Thus he survived the rigours of Dartmouth, and his actions epitomized his character, and how he adapted naval life to maximize opportunities. He was one of life’s true characters, and enjoyed life in every possible way.
David’s father was a professional carpenter and he taught his son the skill of making specialist furniture – and an attention to detail that David always applied to his flying profession. We flew together throughout flying training and both ended up on 815 NAS under the capable command of John Kelly – of Sea Vixen fame, and joined HMS Ark Royal in early 1965 for an 18 month around the world cruise.
And what a cruise it was. We were as poor as church mice but we had tremendous fun, and by necessity became experts at seeing and doing as much as possible, with as little as possible. David was always the leader of the push for the ultimate ‘run ashore’.
Life on board Ark was equally good – flying was great and wardroom life just fantastic. It was the perfect experience for young men aspiring to be professional pilots. It was a very happy ship with strong camaraderie and competitive squadron spirit. Lifelong friendships were developed and maintained.
We were lucky, our cabin 7W123, was in the gunnels of the ship, well below the water line, under the wardroom – but it was air-conditioned, and on the same circuit as the Sick Bay – it never failed, unlike the Ready Rooms. Our 4 berth cabin was always on standby for squadron briefings.
We never had a shot fired at us in anger, and were most fortunate in that we did our time in a prolonged period of peace. Fishing out fixed wing aircrew, medical evacuations, aid to civilian power and constantly looking for Russian submarines was our profession – Beira Patrol was something different. There are a few pilots around today who owe their lives to Dave Pink.
We arrived back to the UK in late 1966 with our helicopters converted to the commando role and spent the last month of our commission on 815 roaring around the UK chasing the bad guys. It was a rounding experience. David proved he could navigate, which was more than I could!
Leaving 815, we parted company. David went off to Portland for SAR duties and spent his spare time building up fixed wing hours at Exeter airport, preparing for life after the Navy. He had completed his 5 years and was ready for the next phase of his life’s plan.
David left the RN and joined BEA/BA in 1968. During the next 26 years he flew Tridents, Lockheed 1011’s, B737’s, B757’s and 767’s, and took early retirement aged 51. We kept in touch throughout with many amusing anecdotes being exchanged.
During his ‘civilian’ phase he took up carpentry again and started a building company during his spare time, between flights. He turned out to be an exceptional builder and won accolades and accreditations for his standard of workmanship and building design.
David was a hard working conscientious man of considerable talent. He took early retirement from BA in 1994 and spent the last 16 years of his life travelling across the globe with his wife Karen, making the most of what life had to offer. He was a great friend, and will be sorely missed.
David is survived by his wife Karen, his children – Steven, Suzy and Roger – from his previous marriage to Libby, and grandchildren – George, Ruby, Lucy, Bethan, Jessica, Carmel, Florence, Charlotte and Bradley.’