Sad news

[DaveWG]

It is with a heavy heart that I have to pass the news that Dave Booker (DaveB) passed away yesterday morning (16th).
A truly decent bloke and a great friend. He will be sadly missed.

[bazzar]

We had our differences on many an occasion but I am sorry to hear of this news. Too many familiar names are leaving us. Too many, too soon.:engel016:

[ZsoltB]

I'm very sad, He really was a good man! :angel:

R.I.P.

Zsolt

[Dimus]

I second Baz's thoughts. Too many sad departures. Dave was another valued member of our community that left us too soon.

R.I.P. Dave

[roger-wilco-66]

Sorry to read that. And right, too many have left us in the past months.

R.I.P, Dave.

[jeansy]

Horrible News, I liked Dave a lot

Vale Dale

[Jafo]

Darn.... but ain't any one of us getting any younger. ..

[simondix]

Very sad. He gave me a lot of help and support in the CBFS. It must have been sudden as he was only on here the other day.

[Cees Donker]

OMG! Dave! He was such a great guy! I feel I lost a dear friend. He helped me a lot. I don't cry often, now I do.

R.I.P. mate.......

Cees

[Ganter]

I'm very upset to learn this terribly sad news.
I must admit to being surprised we didn't chat yesterday about HMS Queen Elizabeth arriving Portsmouth. I thought he might be away on holiday.
I have not been on SOH long and in that time I made good friends with Dave as we shared a passion for all things Royal Navy. He was also very helpful about ships, aircraft and everything. A friendly tone of writing and fairly expert about a fair few things. I shall miss him much.

Rest In Peace mate.
Fair winds and clear skies.

[Chris Sykes]

Sad sad news! Hope his family have comfort in knowing he was part of this community.

[thefrog]

I'm shocked to hear this. Very sad news.

[YoYo]

In this Year we have very good news about projects, plans and new updates. They are very good news about simulators too (P3Dv4, new IL-2 BoK, X-Plane 11 and development of DCS) BUT for news about people this Year is disaster :(. Dave! Have a good time and many FPS, proper FM behavior and ect in the second, better life!

['] Rest in Peace DaveB [']

[cavaricooper]

God Bless and God Speed!

C

[dc10boy]

Very sad.Dave was a good guy, may he rest in peace.

[Butcherbird17]

Wow, This is very sad news. My heart goes out to his family and friends. R.I.P my friend.

Joe

[MDIvey]

Sad to know... a Gent that Made coming to SOH a pleasure. Always very helpful and enthusiastic.

Matt

[Roger]

Dave had become a great forum pal of mine and we helped eack other when ever we could. I had no idea if he was ill. Rest in Peace my old mate and thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. Really upset to learn this.

[SpaceWeevil]

Just... speechless

[ian elliot]

Very sad news, really enjoy'd his posts, imput and screen shots, esp if it was classic British and you could land it on a carrier.

[falcon409]

Very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. My condolences to his Family and friends. RIP Dave.:blue:

[TARPSBird]

What a shock and how sad to hear of DaveB's passing. He was one of the regulars here and I always enjoyed his posts. RIP, sir.

[Rami]

My condolences to his family and the SOH community. I noticed his name in the forum lists often.

[Milton Shupe]

Oh my; it truly saddens me to hear this. My condolences to family and friends. Rest in Peace Sir! :sorrow:

[stovall]

Very sorry to hear the news, Dave was just one of those folks that when I saw DaveB associated with anything, I wanted to see what he had to offer. Rest in peace Dave, you will be missed.

[Duckie]

What a blow. I always thought Dave was a very likable fellow and helpful when he could be. Heart felt condolences to his family and friends. RIP DaveB.

[Moses03]

Much too young to go! RIP Dave.

[mal998]

It makes me sad to hear of another comrade passing on. Condolences to all Dave's family and friends.

[Tako_Kichi]

I am stunned to read this grave news. Dave and I had a lot in common and I regarded him as a friend even though I only knew him via the internet. We were only four days apart in age, were born and grew up in the same county in England (although at opposite ends) and both of us had a love of motorcycles and aircraft. I will miss him and his dry humour and my thoughts go out to his wife and children. RIP Dave.

[SpaceWeevil]

I didn't know Dave but I always appreciated how, even if he disagreed strongly with someone, he ended with ATB (all the best) - just to show it was a difference of opinion, not a declaration of war. It's an example I wish some of today's quick-fire online haters would follow. RIP Dave B.

[jamminjames]

I didn't know the man. Just started going back and forth with him on the A-20 thread. He had a sense of humor and a true talent. I didn't want to start my day with this news. May God be with him and his family..

[manfredc3]

I didn't know Dave, but am saddened to hear another strong holder of the flight simulator community has passed on.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

R.I.P

[Dave Torkington]

Like Manfred I didn't know Dave personally but I've fond memories of his contributions to CBFS. Very sad news indeed.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[delta_lima]

Shocked beyond belief.

Since he was a fellow motorcyclist, my first thought was accident, especially given his comparative young age. That doesn't appear to be the issue, but in no way less tragic. Over the years, Dave and I talked at great length regarding our respective military careers, joked about the vagaries of British versus Japanese versus European motorcycle ownership, and specifically, the one area we both loved - naval-oriented flight sim. His knowledge of naval vessels was legendary, and he helped me in the early days of my figuring out FSX AI ship formations.

He was generous and kind, and recently began to take on some great repaint projects. My deepest condolences to his wife Alison and daughter - a terrible loss, but my memories of his friendship will remain.

dl

[Blackbird686]

Very sad to hear of his passing. A very generous bloke IMO, helped me out on several occasions, taught me a thing or two.. My deepest condolences to his family.

BB686:US-flag:

[hairyspin]

A big shock, my heartfelt condolences to his family. His naval aviation contributions will be much missed.

[cortomalteseit]

OMG, I'm very shocked of reading this. :(
R.I.P., Dave

[blanston12]

I was very shocked to hear that, only known him online but felt like we have been friends for many years. It was dave's involvement that turned me to become active on this forum. He will be greatly missed.

Happy Flying Dave!

[Smashing Time]

Thanks for your contributions Dave.

R.I.P. :gameon:

[fallenphoenix1986]

Really sad to hear he's passed. I'm not particularly active here but have been interacting with him on other FS boards for many years. Really going to miss him.

RIP

[Ganter]

I still can't believe it.

He introduced me to Merlins so I tasked one this afternoon to overfly HMS Queen Elizabeth that arrived in her home port of Portsmouth yesterday morning. I'm so sorry we didn't get to talk about that. RIP Dave. The virtual skies are much emptier now.

https://s30.postimg.org/yuqszq0ht/Dave_B1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dl36ovk71/)

[fallenphoenix1986]

Just spent the last half hour going through CBFS and Flying Stations, going to be a lot emptier without him

[glh]

Did not know the gentleman personally. It appears Dave was oriented towards naval matters; perhaps from prior military service. If so, let me just wish him "Fair winds and following seas". My condolences to his family.

[mike_cyul]

If you have the North Star, have a flight for Dave, who was the principle beta tester for the project (and a help with the Heron as well). A great shock to hear that he's gone. Speechless.

RIP, Dave, very much enjoyed working with you.

Mike

[nio]

I still can't believe it.

He introduced me to Merlins so I tasked one this afternoon to overfly HMS Queen Elizabeth that arrived in her home port of Portsmouth yesterday morning. I'm so sorry we didn't get to talk about that. RIP Dave. The virtual skies are much emptier now.

https://s30.postimg.org/yuqszq0ht/Dave_B1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dl36ovk71/)

May I add my condolences also.

If I may say so, Sir, I would think Dave himself would have found your tribute entirely to his liking.

Thank you.

best

nio

[IFlySWA]

That's wonderful, Ganter. Dave would love it. :encouragement:

Brian

[Manschy]

I am truly shocked - although I only knew him from this forum, he was a nice and kind guy, always helpful. Very very sad news.

R.I.P. Dave

[gman5250]

Stunned really....

Dave was always supportive of my work and conducted himself as a true gentleman on this forum. He will be greatly missed by many. My condolences go out to his family and friends. The best any man can do is to build a legacy. I think Dave accomplished that in a grand manner.

"And it's a fair wind, blowin' warm out of the South over my shoulder....guess I'll set a course and go"

[AussieMan]

This is so sudden. I think he was posting up to a couple of days ago. My condolences to his family.

[Bradburger]

This is a big shock.

I always enjoyed reading his posts and his contributions here and at CBFS.

My condolences to his friends and family.

Cheers

Paul

[mrogers]

I didn't know Dave, but I do remember his posts and avatar of him in a cockpit of an airliner that I suspect is a British type. So sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to his family. May good strong tailwinds speed you along, Dave.

[NickB]

The first place I go to is FSX Screenshots, saw Ganters pic, thought what the hell, that can't be right. I even went to CBFS to check. It's a weird thing about the internet that the passing of someone you don't really know can shock and upset as much as it does. My thoughts are with his family. A gentleman.

Nick Bradin

[gray eagle]

Blue Skies my friend, you will be missed :sorrow:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8_FqJcFRas

[PhantomP]

I am so saddened by this,I just talked 2 weeks ago to him,I have never met the man in person,but,we use to email each other a lot,DaveB has always Been so helpful,patient,polite,and most of all kind,I truly considered him a friend he helped me out so much with FSX,and his knowledge of the Royal Navy,RAF,and all things English military,I will miss his opinions,and insight,RIP mate,and my condolences goes out to his friends,and family. Pete.Seegert

[Javis]

Devastating news.... Hard to believe... Speechless...

R I P my friend

[kl791]

Very sad news indeed! Dave, you gave great inspiration and you will be missed. I will continue the work to compile a Falkland taskforce, but it would have been so good to be able to share with you.
RIP
Henrik Nielsen

[strykerpsg]

I still can't believe it.

He introduced me to Merlins so I tasked one this afternoon to overfly HMS Queen Elizabeth that arrived in her home port of Portsmouth yesterday morning. I'm so sorry we didn't get to talk about that. RIP Dave. The virtual skies are much emptier now.

https://s30.postimg.org/yuqszq0ht/Dave_B1.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/dl36ovk71/)

I, like many of you, did not know him personally but always made note of his comments and suggestions on this site. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

On a side note, Ganter, that is absolutely a fantastic tribute to DaveB. I am touched by the gesture offered towards him from you. Kudos my friend.

[DaveQ]

I used to read Dave's comments with great interest, and, as someone who lived close by, I always promised myself I'd try to meet up some day. Such sad news that he's no longer with us. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.

DaveQ

[Montie]

Truly sad news. Blue skies my friend.

[scotth6]

As with everyone else here I am literally in shock with this news. I only knew him from these forums, but Dave was one of the friendliest, funniest, forthright, and helpful people I had come across. He helped me out personally on several occasions and always with wise words and a joke. I really looked up to him.

I can't describe how saddened I am by this sudden news.

RIP Dave. You will be truly missed.

[huub vink]

Really sad news and also so unexpected.......... it leaves me speechless.

My thoughts are with those he leaves behind, family, friends and especially with his friends from the CBFS

Huub

[Motormouse]

As well as being ex Royal Navy; one time host of 'The Bull Inn' at Streatley, Nr Goring, on the Berkshire/Oxfordshire border UK,
stalwart of CBFSIM, and all round good bloke, Dave also quietly acted as beta tester on many products; the UK2000 scenery range being just one. Certainly going to be a few developers will miss his critiques' no doubt.

See you Dave, and thanks for all the fishead / crab jokes... ATB

ttfn

Pete


(fishead -- RAF slang for Royal Navy ; crab -- RN slang for RAF )

[odourboy]

My sincere condolances to Dave's family and friends. I didn't know Dave but always enjoyed his posts and pics.

[mikewmac]

My condolences to Dave's family and close friends. May he now rest in peace.

[Sundog]

Damn, that is rotten news. Another great member of this community is gone. My condolences to his family and friends. Godspeed Dave.

[JensOle]

That is very sad news. I did not know Dave personally, but I had a lot of chats with him over the years both here at the SoH and the CBFS. I appreciated his inputs on my projects very much and he had a lot of knowledge about British military aviation. In particular we had a lot of fun with RN/FAA related FS projects. Thank you for all your help Dave!

We have lost a very valued member of our community.

You will be truly missed.

[DaveWG]

If anybody would like to attend the funeral, the details are posted over at CBFSim here:https://cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30125
We would like to get some idea of the numbers, so if you plan to attend please use the poll set up over there, or if you're not a member there, please post your intention here and we'll count you in.

Cheers.
(https://cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30125)

[menef]

Very sad new ... I'm without words. Blue skies forever Dave.

[StormILM]

Sad news indeed. I always liked and appreciated DaveB's contributions to the community which no doubt will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

[Bjoern]

Oh no. :( :(

[jagl04]

Sad news. Rest in peace

[Flapsfull]

This is very sad,

I knew Dave only from his posts here at SOH and a very few private messages we exchanged when I had a question.
He was most helpful and kind to me - it's hard to believe he is gone.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace Dave,

Oliver

[dhasdell]

What very sad news. I can only echo what's already been said above about what a friendly, helpful man he was, always quick to respond to thread, PM or email. The simming world is a lot poorer for his passing.

Ta'ra a bit, Dave. Yow was bostin.

David

[gribouil]

Sad news...
R.I.P. Dave!!!

[Cees Donker]

Today is the funeral. I still can't really grasp the reality that Dave is no longer here....

:crushed:

Cees

[Ganter]

Indeed, my very sincere best wishes to Dave's family and friends on this sad day.
I hope the funeral goes well and the wake proves to be a time of celebration of Dave's life and brings some comfort to his loved ones.

[spatialpro]

As has also been reported over at the CBFSim forums today has been a very emotional day. It was a good send off for DaveB. A cadre of 6 flight simmers attended. I'm immensely proud and very grateful to Ben Watson for the tribute he gave on behalf of all simmers during the ceremony. I was very touched that his family and Ben made mention of the legions of others all around the world who new DaveB and will be forever grateful for his great contribution to our pastime and for being such a gentleman. I freely admit to shedding many tears. Other things which really touched me were the hymn For those in peril on the sea, the White Ensign on Dave's coffin and Rod's Stewart's Sailing playing at the end, all given Dave's Navy service and interest in all things Fly Navy.

For those who here at SOH who were unable to attend I'm attaching the order of service (please click to access larger versions)

Andy Ford


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/36137349903_ac48cd1407_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4kn7X) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4403/36137347433_76d7eaf0f8_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/X4kmon) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4344/36758134286_dab210a0b2_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1c3FY)

[spatialpro]

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4388/36757831966_b3b960ea98_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y1auPy) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36805749971_d27abf6556_n.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y5p6b4)

[Ganter]

Thank you very much for taking the time and trouble to post this Andy.
Best wishes to you and clear skies and fair winds and tides to dear old DaveB

[Roger]

Yes thanks Andy. Like many others I still can't believe he's gone.

[Naismith]

It's just not fair, he was only 60. Nowadays that is no age to be taken. He'll be greatly missed.

[ChipShop]

Hello everyone,
I too have been absent from the Flight Sim world, due to 'real world' family problems and pressures. I too thought I'd take a quick shufti at the forums.............. https://cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/images/smilies/shock.gif

I am deeply shocked to hear that Dave has gone! https://cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/images/smilies/086.gif

I think I can honestly say that Dave for so many of us, embodied all that was good about Flight Simming!

I used to pester him something rotten, with requests for tweaks to aircraft skins etc., or if there was something that I didn't understand regarding the complexities of downloading or something, and every time he would come up trumps!
All of this AND doing his job AND keeping SWMBO(Alison) happy (very important!), not to mention his helpfulness with other members of the Flight Sim community!

I never actually got to meet the man or talk with him over the phone; but, through the medium of the internet and our wonderful forums, I think that I came to know Dave quite well!

We have indeed lost a very special person, hopefully the 'Big Guy' upstairs has a 'full on' Flight Sim set up, for Dave to use; and he certainly won't have to bother about any more Sainsbury's 'late shifts' in the dark and rain, (he hated doing those!)

God Bless You Shipmate! https://cbfsim.co.uk/cbfs_bb/images/smilies/cheers.gif

Of course my sincere condolences to Alison and Helen at this desperately difficult time!

ChipShop

[Sascha66]

God speed to blue skies, Dave.

[warchild]

Clear sky's and stiff winds Dave.. I'm sorry i missed your passing. Perhaps when its my time to join you, we can sit, have a drink and tell stories. Go fly a plane..
Always.
Pam

[modelr]

Been gone for awhile. Just read this. Sad to hear. RIP, DaveB.