The wit and humour of Eric Engledew
Eric Engledew passed away on the morning of Thursday, 31st August 2006.
Although I suppose he had his detractors, I never heard, nor knew, of one; he seemed to be that rare human being, a man who was admired by everybody and of who everybody was proud to be his friend or colleague.
And that was a lot of people. Colleagues from Imperial Airways, BOAC, British Airways and Austravel and friends from his last home in Westport, CT, will all be saddened by his passing.
Of all his qualities, his quick wit is the most widely remembered and this blog is created so that we can share our recollections of this unique man's sense of humour. It was a wit without barb; it never sought to hurt or humiliate, yet was nevertheless sharp and quick.
It remained with him to the last - as the email message he wrote to everyone a few days before his death showed. I can do no better than start this blog by quoting it.
"Please forgive this modest round-robin e-mail but rather than (have you) read about it in the News of the World - the pancreatic cancer has finally caught up with me.
My ashes will be scattered on the 13th (water) hole at the Longshore golf course where they'll be reunited with several hundred of my golf balls.
It's been a great deal of fun these past 84 years and I have no complaints - I hope you all continue to have a glittering future, good night and good luck. Eric "
To that message his widow, Nicola, added, "I know Eric would like you all to remember and smile."
I have no doubt we will, and I hope this blog will be a place we can share our recollections of Eric's humour, and smile again.
Although I suppose he had his detractors, I never heard, nor knew, of one; he seemed to be that rare human being, a man who was admired by everybody and of who everybody was proud to be his friend or colleague.
And that was a lot of people. Colleagues from Imperial Airways, BOAC, British Airways and Austravel and friends from his last home in Westport, CT, will all be saddened by his passing.
Of all his qualities, his quick wit is the most widely remembered and this blog is created so that we can share our recollections of this unique man's sense of humour. It was a wit without barb; it never sought to hurt or humiliate, yet was nevertheless sharp and quick.
It remained with him to the last - as the email message he wrote to everyone a few days before his death showed. I can do no better than start this blog by quoting it.
"Please forgive this modest round-robin e-mail but rather than (have you) read about it in the News of the World - the pancreatic cancer has finally caught up with me.
My ashes will be scattered on the 13th (water) hole at the Longshore golf course where they'll be reunited with several hundred of my golf balls.
It's been a great deal of fun these past 84 years and I have no complaints - I hope you all continue to have a glittering future, good night and good luck. Eric "
To that message his widow, Nicola, added, "I know Eric would like you all to remember and smile."
I have no doubt we will, and I hope this blog will be a place we can share our recollections of Eric's humour, and smile again.
posted by Philip Howells at 9:25 a.m.
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