Former RAFA chairman’s ‘anecdotes and wit will be missed’

Harry Sharkey, a former chairman of the RAFA Carrick branch, died last week.

Paying tribute to Mr Sharkey was Colin Murphy, RAF Association chairman. “Harry was one of our stalwarts and one of the best parade commanders in Northern Ireland. His attention to detail, and insistence on proper military discipline whilst ‘on parade‘, was legendary,” he said.

“Up until recently, when his health was good, he was our parade commander at our Battle of Britain parades.”

The local man was also familiar face at charity collections throughout the borough.

RAFA Wings Appeal organiser, Wing Commander Noel Williams, said: “Harry was also one of our prolific Wings Appeal collectors and only this year was manning our stalls at Sainsbury’s, Tesco and the Milestone petrol station in the town. Here, too he was always turned out in his ‘uniform’ of blazer, beret, medals and tie and looked impeccable.

“As a former aircraft technician myself, Harry and I used to swap stories about our days servicing the old Shackleton aircraft. His anecdotes and wit will be sadly lacking from our monthly branch meetings in the future.”

Former branch welfare officer, Kevin McRandle, expressed his condolences to the family of Mr Sharkey.

“Our sympathies go out to the immediate Sharkey family, especially Kathleen, her sons, daughters and the wider family circle. Harry was a proud and loving family man who will be sadly missed,” he said.

Mr Sharkey will also be remembered for his work with the Royal British Legion, said Mayor of Carrick, Alderman Charles Johnston.

“Harry was well known in the town for collecting for the Poppy Appeal; he was a gentleman and will be greatly missed,” he added.