Funeral held for Super Puma crash victim

THE children of a victim of the Super Puma helicopter crash off Shetland have paid tribute to their father at his funeral.
The funeral has been held for Super Puma crash victim Gary McCrossan. Picture: Peter JollyThe funeral has been held for Super Puma crash victim Gary McCrossan. Picture: Peter Jolly
The funeral has been held for Super Puma crash victim Gary McCrossan. Picture: Peter Jolly

Gary McCrossan, 59, was one of four who died when the aircraft plunged into the sea just two miles from Sumburgh Airport in Shetland last month.

A funeral and “celebration of his life” took place in Inverness on Friday where he lived with his fiancee, Fiona. The humanist service was attended by more than 300 people and officiated by Alan Smurthwaite.

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Daughter Freya said: “My dad was the best dad in the world. He was the kindest, most generous and most selfless person I have ever met. He always thought of others before himself and was always there if you needed him.

Gary McCrossanGary McCrossan
Gary McCrossan

“He always supported my decisions with no judgment, no matter how outrageous they were and was always there to catch me if things didn’t work out. My dad was an incredibly clever man – he was a fountain of knowledge and I am proud to say he taught me so much.”

His son Niki said: “I could never quite figure you out – you always challenged me. You helped create me. I forgive you for leaving as I made my own massive mistakes. There were many miles between us for a long time but distance can never deny pure love that’s deeper than the deepest ocean.

“You were my father, idol, friend, guide and master teacher. I will always feel your big warm hand on my cold wee one and you tickling my wrist with your pinkie. I’ll always be proud to say I am the son of Gary McCrossan. Love you past space and time. I walk in your honour, Dad. Your wee boy. Niki.”

Freya’s mother, Nina, also paid tribute to the offshore worker.

She said: “Gary and I were together on and off for about five years. We met at New Year in 1990 and Freya was born in April 1991. During this time, we lived in Kinnahaird, near Contin, and Niki used to come and stay with us often during his holidays. Gary was a good dad and Freya and he had a wonderful

relationship.”

Lorraine Macdonald, a close friend, read a poem which included the lines: “Generous, when he could be. Articulate, double brandy and Coke, please.”

The mourners heard one of Mr McCrossan’s favourite pieces of music, Samba pa ti by Carlos Santana. Mr Smurthwaite gave details of his life and career, which included stints in Knoydart, Finland, Holland, Norway, the Canary Islands, Libya and

Kazakhstan.

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An investigation into the Super Puma AS332 L2 crash is ongoing. Sarah Darnley, 45, from Elgin; Duncan Munro, 46, from Bishop Auckland; and George Allison, 57, from Winchester also lost their lives in the crash.

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