The Royal Air Force gave a long-serving veteran the send-off he deserved with a stunning flypast over his Swindon funeral.
An Airbus A400M Atlas soared over North Wiltshire Crematorium last week as more than 250 people gathered to pay tribute to 84-year-old Michael 'Jacko' Jackson.
Originally from Bolton, Michael spent his life travelling the world.
He received an award for Best Recruit when he joined the RAF in 1961, then spent 25 years working as an engineer for 206 Squadron and flying on Belvederes, Shackletons, Nimrods, and DC10.
After leaving the military in 1986, he was a pilot for British Caledonia, KLM, and MyTravel amongst other airlines.
Jessie, his wife of nearly 60 years, recalled happy memories in Singapore, Scotland, and Malta, and of how proud she was of him earning the rank of master engineer.
She added: "He was an absolutely marvellous man and everyone respected him at his job.
"He thought a lot about the air force and enjoyed it immensely.
"He went all over the world, got up to mischief, and loved his beer, but he was a very good boy.
"Everyone thought he was a super bloke. He was larger than life, his friends called him a legend, he was like royalty."
After a cancer diagnosis, Michael was looked after at home by his wife, daughters-in-law, and a family friend.
The family would like to thank the staff at Old Town Surgery, the district nurse team and carers, Prospect Hospice, and the Wood Street Boots.
Michael died on May 7. His loved ones wondered whether he could have a flypast at the funeral - then received an email from his old squadron at RAF Brize Norton which offered just that.
Group Captain Stephen Austin and Squadron Leader Crispin Chapple attended the service near Royal Wootton Bassett along with many other RAF officers in uniform, while Flight and Air Engineers Association colleagues gave the veteran a guard of honour.
Michael's sons and grandsons carried his coffin inside while Elgar's Nimrod played. As the flypast approached, the crowd raised a can of Boddington's in a toast to blue skies.
Jessie added: "We were really proud and think it's something he would have wanted."
The family thanked Hillier Funeral Service for looking after them and Michael during this sad time, and the DoubleTree Hilton for providing a venue to host guests.
Michael is survived by his wife, two children, and five grandchildren.
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