Today I learnt that Phil Ansell, whose membership name was Willip26 and used the sobriquet Wicked Willip, died last week. His health had not been good for some time but he bore his adversity with fortitude and courage. He was knowledgeable – especially concerning the history of Shoreham Aerodrome and light aviation in Sussex – and always was generous in sharing that with others. After his contribution to a thread I had initiated on one of my pet subjects, we found that we had much in common and embarked upon e-mail correspondence that lasted for some years. He last contributed to this forum in October 2013 and when I did not hear from him, in response to my Christmas e-mail to him, I thought nothing of that. But there was a deterioration in his health quite recently, necessitating an admission to hospital, and there he faced a foe that even he could not, this time, defeat. I shall miss him and, I suspect, others who have read his erudite posts on this forum will think that it is the poorer for his loss.
By: Moggy C - 27th January 2014 at 21:51
I didn’t know him, other than from his postings here.
But he’ll be yet another whose name suddenly pops up and you think “What?!?!” and then realise that it’s a ‘zombie thread’ that somebody has pulled from the depths.
But he’ll be in good company with those who have gone before.
RIP
Moggy
By: Tango Charlie - 27th January 2014 at 20:11
Farewell Phil
I met Phil twice when he flew into great Oakley with friends to look at the Proctors both in store and our rebuild of the Mk 3. He came across as a real enthusiast with a great knowledge of classic British types.
It was always a pleasure to chat to Phil, on the last visit he asked if we would be coming into Shoreham with the Proctor. I assured him we would and that a seat would be available for him. His face really lit up
sadly he will now never get to fly in LZ791. We will attend Shoreham at some point in memory of Phil and maybe his friends if they are forum members can attend on his behalf.
By: John Green - 27th January 2014 at 18:10
My response is late but, heartfelt. I never met Phil, unless it was unknowingly during my training days at Biggin. But I was on the receiving end of his kindness and thoughtfulness when he re-united me with the first a’c I ever flew.
Warm sunshine and cool breezes.
By: avion ancien - 24th January 2014 at 10:05
Phil’s funeral took place on Monday last, followed by a ‘wake’ at Shoreham Airport. A more appropriate venue for that could not have been chosen. At sunset, there was a flypast by a Piper Cub and a Cessna 182, aeroplanes that featured large in his life of more recent years. Last night I received the attached two photographs of that. I feel sure that the author of those will not object to me posting them here.
By: low'n'slow - 15th January 2014 at 18:32
Sad to hear the news. Despite chatting electronically at length about Tipsy aeroplanes, I never did get the chance to get Phil into the cockpit of one for one final time. Something I now regret. Thoughts are with his family and friends.
By: TexanTrev - 15th January 2014 at 14:13
Condolences 🙁
By: Arabella-Cox - 15th January 2014 at 09:35
Very sorry to hear of his passing….. Condolences.
Planemike
By: Propstrike - 14th January 2014 at 23:37
Phil was a one-time co-owner of Tipsy Belfair G-APOD, as he outlined in this thread.
http://forum.keypublishing.com/showthread.php?108402-Tipsy-Belfair-G-APOD
It is the combined knowledge and experience that make this forum such a formidable resourse, and he contributed both.
By: bazv - 14th January 2014 at 20:53
Very sad – I also will miss wicked willips contributions !!
By: G-ASEA - 14th January 2014 at 20:33
Very sad.
Dave
By: TonyT - 14th January 2014 at 20:12
🙁
By: Newforest - 14th January 2014 at 20:00
God speed Willip, electronic friend.
By: Wyvernfan - 14th January 2014 at 19:54
Always sad to hear we’ve lost a fellow forumite.
Rob
By: Denis - 14th January 2014 at 19:52
Indeed, condolences to his family.
By: trumper - 14th January 2014 at 19:41
Sorry to hear that,best wishes to his family and friends.
By: Consul - 14th January 2014 at 18:46
I always enjoyed Willip’s questions and contributions – sorry to hear this news.
Tim
By: Rocketeer - 14th January 2014 at 18:14
Sad news.
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January 14, 2014 at 5:56 pm