MBOMBELA – “Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life. In its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence; the blessing of growth, the glory of action, the splendour of beauty. For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”
This was the motto of late Mr Richard Bjorn Ashenborn (66), who died on duty during a firefighting operation over Piet Retief on September 15. He was an experienced pilot, with more than 20 000 hours’ flying experience, who had been contracted by Kishugu, flying fixed-wing water-bomber aircraft since 2011.
He completed his PPL (private pilot’s licence) in grade 10, and when he was in grade 12, he completed and paid for the first two years of his CPL (commercial pilot’s licence). He was well known and earned the respect of every pilot he worked with, and certainly left his mark on the aviation industry.
The memorial service was held at Nelspruit Airfield on Saturday with cold, rainy weather welcoming his friends and family. Therefore, the missing man formation, an aerial salute in memory of the fallen pilot and a celebration of his departure to the heavens, could not be performed. Nonetheless, WoF Team’s march on parade had mourners moved when they performed the incredibly difficult slow march, which is a sign of great respect shown to the fallen. After The Last Post, to salute and signify the fall of Mr Richard Ashenborn, friends and relatives said their last goodbyes.
Mr Mark Jackson, WoF helicopter pilot and life-long friend of Richard, conveyed his condolences and said his last goodbyes on behalf of the aviation community.
“One of the things I learned from Richard is that when you share hard work, intelligence, dedication and determination, you can and will reach your goal in life.
“We are sad about your sudden departure, but we are relieved to know that you left us while doing what you love.”
According to Jackson, the only rule with Richard was to have that passion and to live life to the fullest.
He saw the potential in every pilot and motivated them to go further. There are many individuals flying today, who probably benefited from his prolific knowledge about aviation and life itself. He certainly lived life to the fullest.
“Richard, your sudden departure left me with a terrible sense of loss – a small seed which grew into a big tree, has fallen.
In aviation, you often come home tired and scared, but it is that sense of achievement that makes it all worth while, and that is what Richard lived for,” said Jackson.
Although Richard was 66 years old, he was still as fit as a fiddle. He left his family and friends doing what he absolutely adored. “The Lord above has a new and skilled angel, sharing his passion for flying with his permanent wings,” Jackson concluded.
His wife Ms Elizabeth “Bettie” Ashenborn conveyed the following message, “Words fall short of expressing how much all our family, friends, colleagues, guests and strangers touched my heart.
“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you for supporting me with the passing of my dearest Richard.
“I cannot express enough what a huge comfort it was to me to know that he had influenced everyone’s lives in some way. It helps me cope at this sad time.
“As I grew wiser I discovered that the things humans did at times, could be unkind, making us cynical.
“I can also say now with restored faith, that they are just as capable of the most incredible, amazing and wonderful kindness, love and support.
“And to my Richard – I can’t imagine the world without you. I only know it would be a much different, much less comforting place. God bless you for always being there to cheer and to guide.”
A picture of Richard, with a WoF flag, signed by all the WoF pilots, was handed over to Bettie in conclusion of the memorial service and as an eternal memory to hold onto.
