Fred Panton

[Tony Gunby]

Originally posted on 12 June 2013 by Tony Gunby

It was with great sadness, that we heard of the sudden death of Fred Panton on Sunday 9 June, aged 82. Along with brother Harold, Fred was co-founder of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby established in memory of their older brother Chris who lost his life while serving as a Flight Engineer with 433 Squadron on 30 March 1944.

From very little, Fred played a pivotal role in the development of the Heritage Centre to the point that it is now established as one of the premier aviation museums in the UK, if not the world. Never one to stand still, Fred was a driving force behind plans to get the Centre’s Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ airborne once more and spoke of his plans only last month during commemorations for the Dambusters Raid.

Paying tribute to Fred, a family statement said:

“He was a gentleman, a loving and caring family man and an inspiration to us all. He will remain in the thoughts and spirit of the centre forevermore. The world is a poorer place without him.”

We will always remember Fred and the entire Panton family as tremendous supporters of the 57 & 630 Squadrons’ Association. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.

————–

Later on 12 June 2013, David Houghton replied:

I can but echo the words of our Vice-President, with the death of Fred the world is a less colourful place and the 57 & 630 Squadrons’ Association has lost a great friend.

The special attention Fred always paid to our ‘old boys’ was wonderful to see, and is reflected in the warm welcome Association Members receive at the East Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby from all the Pantons.

At this difficult time for Fred’s family, I hope it will be some small comfort for them to know that his presence will continue to be felt at East Kirkby. We will miss Fred, but we will not forget him.

• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.
• This topic was modified 7 years, 6 months ago by Tony Gunby.

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