Death of air tattoo’s co-founder
The co-founder of the Royal International Air Tattoo has died after a six-month battle with lung cancer.
Paul Bowen, 57, launched the event with Tim Prince in 1971 whilst they worked as air traffic controllers at the Boscombe Down airfield, Wiltshire.
Over the years, the show has had many homes, but is now based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Paying tribute to the Bath-born aviator, colleagues said he was “simply the heart of the tattoo.”
Driving force
Friends have described him as a natural showman, who was the driving force behind the tattoo’s growth into one of the world’s largest military airshows.
Last year, the event attracted more than 160,000 spectators and 500 aircraft from around the globe.
Money from the show goes to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Tim Prince said: “RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is a 4,000-strong family of volunteers, supporters and staff who are committed to staging a world-class event each year. Today, that family has lost its father.”
Mr Bowen leaves a wife and a son.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/3732325.stm
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 22nd May 2004 at 23:18
Hi,
yes, that was abit off topic, but anyway, does anyone else think that they may plan a “loving memory display” with a lancaster and some spitfires or something, that would mean alot to him and his family.
MANAIRPORTMAD!!
By: LBARULES - 22nd May 2004 at 17:59
Look at his profile. It says his email address is Cossar2 (Or something like that). His name is Matthew Cossar. His profile has all the same things that he had in it, his postings are very similar and he comes from the same place!
By: LBARULES - 22nd May 2004 at 14:40
Dont want to take it off topic, but just to let you know (if you havent already guessed,) Man Airport Mad is Skyliner World.
By: MANAIRPORTMAD - 22nd May 2004 at 13:02
Oh dear!
Hi,
that’s awful news. I take it the airshow will go on though, wil there be somekind of memory display? That would be nice. 😉
MANAIRPORTMAD!!
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May 21, 2004 at 11:44 pm