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Post by Dave Homewood on May 8, 2021 17:03:33 GMT 12
I have some really sad news for the New Zealand aviation community. My good mate, WWII veteran, author and aviation legend Bryan Cox suffered a stroke earlier this week, and he is in Tauranga Hospital's stroke ward. I just had a catch-up with him on the phone and he asked me to let everyone know that due to the effects of the stroke he is likely to be in the hospital indefinitely now. If anyone would like to visit him or send him a card I am sure he'd be very glad of it, he needs some cheering up. And he has his mobile phone with him if you wish to speak with him, for those who have his number. I have to admit I am a bit cut up about this news, he does not sound his vibrant self at the moment. I hope lots of people will rally to send him some good wishes. I wish him all the very best for a recovery though.  |
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Post by davidd on May 8, 2021 19:21:05 GMT 12
Wow, sad news indeed, he successfully achieved his allotted three score years and ten with tons of life left in him, but older age has a habit of knocking on the door at intervals as the decades pass by, and strokes can hit at any time, as my (slightly) older brother found out a couple of years ago. My very best wishes to Bryan in the hospital at Tauranga.
David D
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Post by tbf2504 on May 9, 2021 9:55:44 GMT 12
Sad to hear about Bryan, we have talked and corresponded over many years. Here's hoping he can make the best of this current setback
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Post by johnnyfalcon on May 9, 2021 11:15:28 GMT 12
Perhaps we could all send him our greetings and best wishes right here. Dave could encourage him to check out his own personal we're-thinking-of-you thread!
For me, I'd like to say how much I enjoyed meeting Bryan and sharing in his special reunion with Tiger 43 (Lily) at Rangitata Island. You are an inspiration Bryan, and an all-round great guy! Thinking of you and hoping you are comfortable as can be.
Best wishes
John
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Post by starr on May 9, 2021 11:37:51 GMT 12
Thank you Dave for posting this news. I had not heard anything. I was really saddened by the news. Bryan has done very well really. As davidd said, he well passed his three score years plus ten. I have also, but still have quite a few years to catch him. As you know we are cousins. I wish him well.
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Post by FlyingKiwi on May 9, 2021 12:42:05 GMT 12
Very sorry to hear that, I've only met Bryan very briefly in passing, but he is certainly a legend of NZ aviation. Wishing him well.
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 9, 2021 16:27:11 GMT 12
Perhaps we could all send him our greetings and best wishes right here. Dave could encourage him to check out his own personal we're-thinking-of-you thread! Sadly Bryan does not have access to a computer in the hospital and cannot get the internet on his phone. However Forum members Mel and Kev Salisbury are planning to visit him tomorrow, and Mel said she will print out all the messages for him on the forum and on my Facebook post to take along. |
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Post by planewriting on May 9, 2021 16:37:19 GMT 12
I called on Bryan on Thursday. All things considered, he is doing very well, no doubt enhanced by his trade mark very positive and realistic attitude. He would welcome visitors. Fortunately his stroke has not affected his speech or memory so if you can spend a few minutes with him that would be appreciated.
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Post by baz62 on May 9, 2021 17:30:13 GMT 12
Sad to hear this about Bryan. Hope he improves but glad to hear he is getting visitors as it must be a lonely time for him being away from his home.
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Post by thebrads on May 9, 2021 21:00:42 GMT 12
I read Too Young To Die as a kid, and it sounded like a bunch of fun adventures.
I re-read it as an adult, it reads like an amazing history of something so hard to understand and so utterly unconnected to the modern world, (beyond those who would already have an interest in such matters) that few would understand or have any empathy or appreciation for. Thank you for your efforts in bringing about the world we inhabit now, and for recording those experiences so the rest of us can try and understand, to not forget, and hopefully not repeat.
Best wishes and warm regards to you.
(P.S. A little bit jealous of having the experience of flying a Corsair!)
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Post by ZacYates on May 9, 2021 22:34:12 GMT 12
The Wanganui library copy of Pacific Scrapbook is almost falling apart due to its popularity, likewise with Cats. I've lost count of how many times I've read or thumbed-through them since childhood! I always enjoy hearing from Bryan at forum meets but never said hello.
Be well and keep positive Bryan. Thank you for sharing your memories.
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 10, 2021 19:15:00 GMT 12
Bryan was moved today to the Recovery Ward, so if you have not sent cards yet, address it to there rather than the Stroke Ward. If you've already posted a card I am sure the good staff at the hospital will forward them to his new ward.
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Post by nuuumannn on May 16, 2021 10:31:51 GMT 12
With everyone here about Bryan. Before my father passed away in 2011, I took him to Classic Flyers at Tauranga Airport and he got to meet Bryan, who was charming and affable, even talking us into buying copies of his book A Cat Has Only Nine Lives. Really nice fella.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 10, 2021 17:10:00 GMT 12
Has anyone got an update on Bryan? Last I heard was he improving and was moving into assisted care last week. I tried to call him today but got no answer. Has anyone talked with him since he moved?
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Post by ZacYates on Jun 12, 2021 1:03:07 GMT 12
Last night I meant to send you a message to ask.
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Post by alanw on Jun 12, 2021 12:22:24 GMT 12
Hi Dave & Forum,
Just caught up with this post on Bryan.
I have never met him (would love to though), but his Book
"Too Young To Die" is well thumbed and a ready reference for me.
I hope he is doing well, and wish him speedy recovery in the coming days.
Best regards
Alan
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 12, 2021 15:58:59 GMT 12
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Jun 12, 2021 17:48:05 GMT 12
...!  We shall remember him. |
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Post by ZacYates on Jun 12, 2021 18:02:57 GMT 12
I'm at a real loss for words.
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Post by alanw on Jun 12, 2021 19:26:46 GMT 12
I have just received a message from Peter Layne with the terrible news that Bryan passed away this morning at Tauranga Hospital following a stroke. He was 96.  That is really sad news Rest in Peace Bryan, may you have Blue Skies and Following Winds always Condolences to his family Regards Alan |
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