Institute Fellow Neill Leary died on 2 January at the age of 88.
He was an RAF navigator from the early 1950s, flying Valettas out of Singapore during the Malaysian conflict from 1955, followed in 1958 by Beverleys at Abingdon, ultimately becoming responsible for all their navigators' professional standards. From the mid-'60s he flew on 99 Sqn Britannias, becoming Deputy Nav Leader, and from the early '70s was a Flight Commander on 36 Sqn Hercules, responsible for the standards of Special Forces crews. Amongst various MOD appointments, he went on to command No 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit (AIDU), with over 100 staff compiling and distributing aeronautical information to all MOD aviation assets and allies worldwide.
In 1958, Neill was awarded the DFC for his service in Malaysia; he also received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977.
On leaving the RAF in 1985, he joined the CAA, ultimately leading the production of maps and charts and aeronautical information publications. He joined the Institute in 1992, becoming an active member of the General Aviation Navigation Group (GANG), having gained a private pilot's licence, and later joined the staff for some time, becoming the first Secretary to the European Union Group of Institutes of Navigation (EUGIN), financed with EU funds; he was responsible for administration of the European Radionavigation Plan.
Neill, also known as 'Red' due to the colour of his hair, bought much expertise to the Institute as well as being very helpful and good company. We pass our condolences to his family, including his daughter, Heather, who also joined our staff for a handful of years, in particular covering maternity leave.
Members are welcome to attend the funeral service, which will take place at Holy Trinity, Rotherhithe, at 1.30pm on 31 January, followed by refreshments nearby. The service is being followed by a private cremation.
Sqn Ldr Neill Owen Leary DFC FRIN RAF(Ret'd) 19 October 1934 - 02 January 2023
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