John Charles Cavanagh (5 Dec 1952 - 22 Apr 2022)
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In loving memory of John Charles Cavanagh who sadly passed away on 22nd April 2022.
John was born in Manchester where he grew up with his younger sister Sheila. Having a keen interest from an early age in aviation, after leaving university he became a Squadron Leader in The Royal Air Force. He joined British Airways in 1990 where he met his wife Una whilst they were both crew on a trip to Seattle. He spent many happy years flying around the globe, becoming a training Captain on the Airbus A319/20s, eventually retiring from BA as a Captain on Boeing 777s.
A talented and keen photographer, for many years he volunteered his skills for the charity Dreamflight, a UK charity that takes children with a serious illness or disability on their holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, becoming their photographer and video team organiser. When he retired, he continued working with them, editing hundreds of photos daily in the UK whilst the trip was in progress in Orlando, to enable hundreds of children to have wonderful memories of their trip.
After he retired, he became the Chair of Cherhill Parish Council as well as joining the village hall committee. He gave many hours of his time to them as well as applying his IT skills to both, designing and maintaining their websites. At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, he quickly set up a village helpline, matching volunteers to those in need of support.
He was a volunteer photographer for Dorothy House Hospice Care and was pleased that he already knew their wonderful work in advance when he himself became ill - he knew he'd be in safe, caring and professional hands and he continued to live well with cancer, refusing to call it "battling".
John loved the countryside and his home in Wiltshire - he and Una acquired several rescue dogs over the years and he spent many hours walking the downs and woodlands with them. He loved wildlife and, being creative, one of the last things he made was a bird nesting box. In the last few weeks of his life he was delighted to watch the comings and goings of the blue tits who'd made their home there.
He died just as he has lived - peacefully, quietly, without fuss and, importantly for him, at home thanks to the incredible support of Dorothy House and the community nursing team.
wrote
I met John as I was cabin crew long haul many times and I keep nice memories of a trip to hkg many moons ago and some good time with him and the crew.
All my sympathies to you and your family.
Geraldine from France
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donated in memory of John
In memory of dear John, thinking of Una. We were so fortunate to know John, a true gentleman. Xxx
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donated in memory of John
A donation in memory of dear John in the knowledge that Dorothy House gave him and Una much support recently
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donated £30 in memory of John
Sending love to Una
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donated in memory of John
Sending love to Una and peace to John x
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donated in memory of John
So sorry for your loss Una xxx
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donated in memory of John
Thinking of you both.
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wrote
What a lovely man . Such a sad loss . Sending our condolences Jacqui & Glenn
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donated £30 in memory of John
What a remarkable man . Proud to say I was with You and Una the day you met . RIP sending love to Una Jacqui & Glenn
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donated £30 in memory of John
RIP John
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donated in memory of John
John was the nicest man you could ever meet, I'll miss seeing him on my walks home from work. Love from all the Bliss'. xx
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donated in memory of John
RIP John.
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wrote
John and I joined 70 Squadron together 40 years ago, just in time for the Falklands War. We then followed each other through the Flying World ending up together at BA on the Boeing 777. Cindy and I were the guests that came to dinner, and ended up staying in the village with John and Una. Rest in Peace Mate
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donated in memory of John
Bye John. You and I joined 70 Squadron together 40 years ago, just in time for the Falklands War. We then followed each other through the flying World, ending up at British Airways on the Boeing 777. Cindy and I were your guests that came to dinner and moved into the village with you and Una. Rest in Peace Mate
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donated in memory of John
Love and best wishes at a difficult time.
Eamon and Jo
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donated £10 in memory of John
Rest in peace John x
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donated £20 in memory of John
John was a lovely gentleman, always willing to help me out on any computer problems. Such a wonderful neighbour and is sorely missed by the various Cherhill committees.
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donated £15 in memory of John
A True Gent, so very kind and considerate to others. A truly sad loss
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donated £20 in memory of John
In memory of a lovely man - love from the Purslows
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donated £50 in memory of John
We have known John for many years but got to know him better in the last year and what a pleasure it's been to get to know him and Una better. You will be greatly missed John but you can rest now following an illness so bravely born. With much love to you both.Patrick, Kate and Alex.
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donated £10 in memory of John
John
You made so many children dreamflight children smile through the lens of your camera
It was a privilege to know you and Una
Thinking of you both today and always
Andrea
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donated £15 in memory of John
Your kind heart, warm smile and ability to capture many a magical moment will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know you.
Rest in power and peace!
Liz and Phelipe xx
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donated in memory of John
In memory of my lifelong friend. Fly high and keep a steady course. The Cables and The Leighs
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JC showing my children his camera skills! I will miss you JC. One of the best. xx
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