CHAPTER NEWS: Wing Commander David Kitching Passes
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Wing Commander David Kitching, RAF (Ret.), died recently at Mais House, the Royal British Legion care home in Bexhill-on-Sea, where he had recently moved following a stroke last year. The thoughts and prayers of the UK Board and Chapter members are with David, his partner Kathy Hastings and David’s family. David was a renowned Royal Air Force EW expert and a major influence in the UK Chapter for many years. In his later years, he organized and chaired hugely successful international EW conferences in Europe setting the benchmark for such events.
He was most deservedly awarded the AOC Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received with great pride in Atlanta in 2010 where he and Kathy were feted by the many UK members present. David was someone who was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration and a leader to all those whose lives he touched.
Here are just three of the responses from UK Board and Chapter members when we first heard the very sad news: "David was kind to me and I find myself in tears as I write this;" "David was a great guy and a very talented Air Electronics Officer;" and "I am very saddened – I have known David for over 30 years and he will be much missed by everyone." David was the UK Chapter Executive Officer for many years and will be remembered by many for his stewardship of the Annual Christmas Dinner, where he and Kathy brought much fun and gaiety, as well as the required degree of solemnity where appropriate – a reminder of the many brilliant events he hosted over the years for industry. We were fortunate that despite his circumstance he and Kathy were able to join us at the RAF Club in 2013 as our guests and we will be sure to raise a glass in his honor and memory on December 12 at this year’s dinner.
John Clifford, OBE
President AOC UK Chapter
He was most deservedly awarded the AOC Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received with great pride in Atlanta in 2010 where he and Kathy were feted by the many UK members present. David was someone who was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration and a leader to all those whose lives he touched.
Here are just three of the responses from UK Board and Chapter members when we first heard the very sad news: "David was kind to me and I find myself in tears as I write this;" "David was a great guy and a very talented Air Electronics Officer;" and "I am very saddened – I have known David for over 30 years and he will be much missed by everyone." David was the UK Chapter Executive Officer for many years and will be remembered by many for his stewardship of the Annual Christmas Dinner, where he and Kathy brought much fun and gaiety, as well as the required degree of solemnity where appropriate – a reminder of the many brilliant events he hosted over the years for industry. We were fortunate that despite his circumstance he and Kathy were able to join us at the RAF Club in 2013 as our guests and we will be sure to raise a glass in his honor and memory on December 12 at this year’s dinner.
John Clifford, OBE
President AOC UK Chapter
