Kenneth Raymond Basilio (5 Apr 1937 - 18 Dec 2016)
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In loving memory of Kenneth Raymond Basilio who died peacefully at Elm Park Care Home, Woodlands, Doncaster at five minutes past midnight on Sunday 18th December 2016.
The dearly loved husband of Maureen, dear Dad of Cath and Gail.
The RAF was Dad's life for 40 years and Mum found and read him this poem recently. It was written by a young Canadian pilot in the second world war who died at only 19 years of age, Dad would have understood what he was writing about.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
wrote
Ken you made us smile and you are missed very much x
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Singapore.
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Ken, a little something for your favourite aircraft. Anna
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My donation for a fantastic 'Lady of the Skies' Vulcan XH 558 in memory of my dear husband Ken who 'put the wind beneath her wings'.
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The flag was a perfect touch and the coffin top spray of ivory coloured flowers made by Gail was a perfect tribute.
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Beautiful flowers xx
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Dad arriving at Stirling Avenue in Bawtry for his 'last flight' on Thursday 12th January 2017.
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Always, always fixing and tinkering with things!
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Weeze in 1979 maybe? When you came to stay and we had the 'escaping chicken' pic-nic.
donated £10 in memory of Kenneth
I knew Ken for 38 years. Always a warm smile and gentle encouragement for me, I wasn't even family but he made me feel like I was.
A wonderful gentleman and father.
Love Anita
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Time may pass and fade away,
But memories of you will always stay.
We will remember Ken
With love his niece Vicki with family
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He's with his sister now which will be a great comfort to him and he'd love you've helped his favourite aircraft keep running a bit longer. Love to you all in Germany.xxx
wrote
Well Ken,
You have reached that final parade. Don't worry old chap, I will eventually catch you up. Looking back to the day we joined the RAF together, 9th October 1952, I have fond memories of our boyhood friendship, in the 17th Entry of RAF Boy Entrants. We passed out together and went to our first posting together, at RAF Bassingbourn in Hertfordshire. We worked on the famous Canberra Bomber.
I left you in 1955 and we did not meet again until the re-union in 2002, nearly fifty years later. The same old Ken appeared at the RAFBEA re-union, soft of voice, gentle, and pleasant to know. God speed dear friend. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go to Maureen, Gail and Cath and all of your wider family.
Dave.
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What beautiful words and lovely memories. I am so happy to hear that your friendship as boys was rekindled all those years later. much love to you and all Dad's RAF family.xx
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Dave, your words were an inspiration for the style of Dad's obituary, you might not have been able to be there but made a significant contribution nonetheless.
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Pass out Day 6 May 1954. Ken is top left and Dave Vickery is bottom right.
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Wow I can't believe you were all so young, only 15 or so.
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RAFBEA Re-union Sept 2014. L to R. Dave Vickery, Graham 'Lil' Lilley and George 'Tiny' Hill. Unfortunately, Ken was unable to attend. Dave and Tiny joined, together with Ken, the 17th Entry of RAF Boy Entrants, on 6th October 1952.
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Wonderful photos I've never seen these before look at dad posing!
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Ken has been a part of my life from my earliest memories in Singapore. Our families seemed to follow each other around the world, Singapore, Scampton, Germany. I have many happy memories of those times and staying with you during school holidays. xxx
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To Ken,
Very happy landings at the end of your final flight. When I first moved to London in 1998 I was very grateful for a familiar, friendly face in unfamiliar surroundings. Thanks so much for helping me settle in.
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Ahhhh that's lovely Leo. I'm Glad Dad could offer his friendship and advice, it set a trend as you were the first of several lodgers that he welcomed.
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A family photo session at Centre Parcs in 2015 definitely showed us all in our best light!
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Lovely photo
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This is a lovely photo of both of you , we became neighbours in 1998, although we did not see much of one another , when we did meet up over the fence for a friendly catch up, our talk was always enjoyable. You were a lovely person Ken and we will carry on listening out for and watching over your beloveded Maureen , god bless xx Chris & Andy LB
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Dad at the Forum in Sheffield in 2015 celebrating his birthday with 'Biggles' who we bought at the National Motorcycle Museum where we went for Dad's birthday. A trip down memory lane for Mum & Dad.
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Dad at Centre Parcs in 2015
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Dad holding me in Singapore
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I love the profile photo I took of Ken at Devils Dyke in Sussex 1959. I took the picture when we stopped to look at the view on one of our many motorbike rides while courting. I still love and miss you xxx
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Singapore.
The flag was a perfect touch and the coffin top spray of ivory coloured flowers made by Gail was a perfect tribute.
Dad arriving at Stirling Avenue in Bawtry for his 'last flight' on Thursday 12th January 2017.
Always, always fixing and tinkering with things!
Pass out Day 6 May 1954. Ken is top left and Dave Vickery is bottom right.
RAFBEA Re-union Sept 2014. L to R. Dave Vickery, Graham 'Lil' Lilley and George 'Tiny' Hill. Unfortunately, Ken was unable to attend. Dave and Tiny joined, together with Ken, the 17th Entry of RAF Boy Entrants, on 6th October 1952.
Ken has been a part of my life from my earliest memories in Singapore. Our families seemed to follow each other around the world, Singapore, Scampton, Germany. I have many happy memories of those times and staying with you during school holidays. xxx
June 2015
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