We have been advised of the passing of Mark (Willy) Wilson who died suddenly in Hong Kong on 9 March. He was a universally well-liked and highly respected pilot in the RAN, RAAF, and in commercial aviation principally with Cathay Pacific Airways.
Mark joined the navy in 1972, completing No. 85 Pilots course from where he was posted to S2 Trackers. After service on 851 and 816 Squadrons at NAS Nowra and HMAS Melbourne, and an exchange posting as a flying instructor with the USN, Mark transferred to the Air Force in 1984. There he distinguished himself as an instructor at the Central Flying School at East Sale, including a senior role in The Roulettes aerobatic team, flying the Macchi 326H.
He left the RAAF to join TAA in 1986, and in the following year commenced a 21 year career with Cathay Pacific where he flew the Lockheed L1011 (rising to Training and Check Captain), and Boeing 747-400. He was part of the Boeing 777 introduction team and left Cathay as Senior Check Captain on the aircraft. He rejoined the airline in 2011 as a B777 simulator instructor.
In recent years, Mark had held training and inspection positions with Hong Kong and South Pacific Airlines, and with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.
It is a measure of Mark Wilson’s standing amongst his colleagues that we have been inundated with remembrances and anecdotes, for which we are grateful to Marcus Peake, John McCormack, John Purnell-Webb and David Fairhurst amongst others. Perhaps the common sentiment is best summed up in the words of the General Manager of Greater Bay Airlines in his memo to staff entitled “Remembering Mark Wilson”.
“Aside from his professional accomplishments, Mark will be remembered for his humour, warmth, and care he showed to the people he worked with. He was always willing to share advice, listen, and help others succeed” – Cesar Del Pino.
Mark is surviv
ed by his wife Yvette, and his children Allira and Joel, to whom, on behalf of you all, we extend our deepest sympathies.
It is likely that funeral arrangements will be in Hong Kong and when further details are known we will pass them on.
Jeff Dalgliesh and Murray Smythe.
