I first met Colin at RAF Compton Bassett in Wiltshire, where we were trained as Wireless Operators by former WW2 flying crew staff.
Colin and I were both Methodists and would meet with colleagues and with the Rev. Gordon Moody, the Methodist Padre for the noncomformists on the camp.
Squadron Leader Moody later became prominant when trying to help people addicted to gambling and produced a "paper" for Government entitled "Gamblers Anonymous".
During our time of training at Compton Bassett, to enjoy a change of scenery, Colin and I would walk from the camp along the A4 to Calne. We were eventually posted, Colin was sent to Scotland at Petreavie Castle, where he remained for his entire National Service.
Although becoming separated, we kept in touch, and when my wife and I married in 1959 I asked Colin to be my Best Man. As a trained Newspaper reporter Colin was always very good with words and was an ideal speaker at the wedding with many anecdotes that recalled our RAF experiences.
Colin and his wife Christine remained very good friends throughout their lives. We regularly corresponded.
In 2005 a dear friend at Prestatyn passed away, all alone in hospital; any opportunity to say goodbye to loved ones was lost. It caused me to think about myself and, what I would want to say to my own family and loved ones.
Passing thoughts
If I should leave without saying goodbye,
It is not because I wanted to die.
We can only accept our mortal span,
Of limited years to do what we can.
Do not give way to a tide of sorrow,
Perhaps glance back, but look for tomorrow.
For time marches on and cannot return to all those occasions from which we learn.
Perhaps when pondering or drinking tea, all I ask is simply remember me.
Or when looking out at a view we shared, with its trees and colours or mountains bare,
Place your hand in the space now at your side,
To hold those feelings that have not died.
M.H. Tierney 2005
In remembrance of Annie Cooke
Michael Tierney:
11/05/2021
