…….. Gone But Not Forgotten
It was with great sadness that Pennine Helicopters announced the sudden death of their Head of Ground Crew, Jimmy Wrigley, on Monday 26th January 2009, whilst working in the High Peak area, on behalf of the National Trust, on underslung load lifting work. Jimmy collapsed and died, due to a heart attack.
Many people will remember Jimmy from the Pleasure Flight Sites, where he was in charge of site safety and jovially chatted to passengers about the helicopter and various jobs undertaken by the company.
Likewise in the environmental work which we carry out for numerous organisations, Jimmy was well respected for his leadership qualities, his ability to “add colour” to a job and yet always he conducted his duties in a very professional manner.
Jimmy was with Pennine for over 12 years, and is greatly missed. Our thoughts are always with his family, Moira, Vicky and Matthew.
Words from Jimmy’s friends and work associates:
“Jimmy was a tower of strength, knowledge and a lovely person to be with on the moor especially in trying circumstances or emergency incidents. I will have always very fond memories of Jimmy and feel great honour to have called him my friend.”
“I knew Jim mainly through being in Saddleworth Bulldog cubs and scouts but would often see him around Saddleworth, particularly around Whit Friday. He always took time to have a friendly chat and would always remember who I was, or indeed any of my friends that moved through the cubs and scouts.”
”He was a wonderful, cheerful character who was so easy to get on with. I hadn’t known him all that long but I looked forward to our little chats in the moments during the half hour flights. I shall miss him and I know you will.”
“Jimmy was a great asset to you, and his patience and helpfulness towards the NT staff and volunteers cannot be underestimated. We shall miss him greatly.”
“Very sad news about Jimmy, he was a great leader on the airlifts and fun to work with.”
“One thing though Jimmy always indicated to us that he would die on the job we just did not expect him to keep his word.”
