Fred Wilson's eulogy
"Fred was born and grew in Blackburn, Lancashire and served in the Royal Air Force from 1939. He was posted to RAF West Drayton in 1941 and met Phyllis, they married in 1944 and settled in Yiewsley. He was a loving family man; Phyllis, Keith and Sandy, Maureen & Ray, his grandchildren and great grand children have many happy memories of him. Fred was a petient and artistic man, and everything he made was well thought out and precise.
His love of aeroplanes began when he was in the RAF and after the War he worked for Fairey Aviation and then British Airways until his retirement. He travelled the world to visit air shows and museums, and filled cupboards and his shed with photographs magazines, books and models of aeroplanes. Phyllis drew the line with the paintings and they were banished to the stariway, except for a couple of special ones. He was a founder and benefactor of the Royal Air Force Museum and was a regular visitor to Hendon.
Having settled in Yiewsley he returned regularly to visit his family in Blackburn and never lost his Lancashire accent. He had a keen interest in Blackburn Rovers Football Club and followed their results every season. He loved to read and music was also important to him. Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole were favourites.
Fred was a loving, affectionate and kind man, and was always there for his family. We have wonderful memories to cherish of this gentle man."