It is with great sadness that we report the death of Rod Rea, a retired RAF and commercial airline pilot, who come to live in Kalkan 7 years ago.

A burial ceremony, will take place in Kalkan cemetery, on Friday 25th March at 10.00.  Afterwards, there will be a gathering in Parc Kalkan, to celebrate Rod's life.

If you wish to pay your respects, please do come along.

In January, Rod underwent tests, which revealed that he had cancer. Despite treatment in local hospitals, Rod's condition deteriorated quite rapidly, and on Sunday evening he passed away, peacefully, in his sleep.  His wife, Bridget, was with him in his final waking hours.

Rod was a formidable man, who lived an exciting and fulfilled life.  We know that seeing his daughter Amanda, progress through medical school, was something he was particularly proud of.

In his chosen career, he was no ordinary pilot.  Rod was one of the best.  He trained pilots, and some of his former colleagues have paid tribute to his skills, saying how privileged they were to work alongside him.

For a time, he flew with the Rothmans Aerobatic Team (RAT), where he flew in position No. 2 - hence his nickname, RAT2.

Below: Rod, (centre), and his RAT colleagues, between flights in Malaysia.

Below: Rod in his No. 2 spot, in the plane furthest from the camera - G-BADY.

Some Kalkan residents may know Rod as one of the most knowledgeable men on swimming pool maintenance.  He knew more than most, and could claim to be Kalkan's very own 'pool wizard'.

We shall miss him.  Rest in peace, Rod.