| The Magnificent |
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| THE |
| D A F F O D I L S Q U A D R O N |
| 1953 to 1955 to Eternity! |
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Members of the Daffodil Squadron. |
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Lance Paul "Conch" INGATE 1936 - 2007 Lest We Forget |
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Members of the 'Daffodils' extend their deepest condolences to Jan and family. |
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EULOGY: LANCE PAUL INGATE (A Tribute by Jan Ingate) |
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Born in December 1936, Lance grew up through the years of World War II, and though times were tough for everyone in those years, he still had a happy and carefree childhood. He had already begun to form the lifelong friendships, which would become the enduring pattern of his life.
At 16 Lance joined the RAAF as an Apprentice Aircraft Engine Fitter, and the following years were some of his happiest times. He forged unbreakable bonds of brotherhood with the fellow apprentices on his intake, who were called "The Daffodils", and many other mates joined them in the years of his military service. Although in later years he became disillusioned with the RAAF, he would always treasure the friendships he made then, and the many happy memories associated with those years In 1959 Lance met an irresistible force in the shape of a WRAAF by the name of Janice Vivian, and in December of that year they were married. In the years that followed they had a son Shane and a daughter Gabrielle, and he watched them grow into adults with a great deal of pride at their accomplishments. But more importantly, he saw them develop the personal qualities, which reflected his own values - consideration, respect, compassion for other people and their feelings, and the ability to see the humour in the things that life throws at us all. Over the years, Lance and Jan moved around a great deal. Victoria, Queensland, Malaysia, back to Victoria and finally back to Perth where he took his final discharge from the RAAF in 1968. He struggled to adjust to civilian life - but no matter where he went, he would always attract new friends. In 1974 Lance accepted an offer of work in Papua New Guinea, and ultimately spent five years running the aircraft refuelling depot at Wewak Airport. Lance loved PNG, and he loved the climate and the lifestyle. The years spent there meant many new friendships and happy times, most of them involving the consumption of large amounts of beer. It transpired that every social occasion in Wewak required the compulsory consumption of much lager, and Lance did his level best to support the local custom. He was a popular figure around town, and acquired the nickname of "Strawb" - the reason for which is long-since forgotten. On one occasion, Jan travelled back to Perth for a brief holiday and on her return was greeted with an overly affectionate husband, who said in a casual offhand voice - "by the way I bought you a new bed". "Why did you buy a new bed? said Jan. " What happened to the one we had?" "Well, it caught fire," said Lance. "It caught fire! How did that happen?" said Jan "Well, (he replied somewhat sheepishly), I fell asleep with a cigarette in my hand, and the mattress caught fire, and the only way I could put it out was by dragging it outside and throwing it in the ocean! But I bought you some nice new sheets." Jan was not impressed! After five years, and with two teenagers leaving boarding school, Jan managed to get Lance on a plane leaving PNG for good. They had been good years but it was time to move on. Back to Perth and once again a struggle to fit into the routine of suburban life after being his own boss for 5 years. During this time, once again Jan took off on a brief visit to Qld to see old friends from PNG. On return she was greeted by a rather "po" faced Lance, who, after hustling her out of the airport informed her that he had bought her some new sheets for their bed! No need to elaborate on what had happened - suffice to say that on this occasion at least the bed managed to survive. As did the plastic plant that he had faithfully watered every day for two weeks! It wasn't long though before he became restless and soon they were on the move again, this time towing a caravan - they set off to look for greener pastures. In 1983 they arrived in Darwin and Lance fell in love with the town, the people and the laid back life of the territory. It wasn't long before he had endeared himself to a whole new set of friends, some of whom are seated here right now some twenty-three years later. But it wasn't all roses, and while in Darwin Jan and Lance separated, and it would be almost ten years before their paths would come together again. During this time Lance occupied himself on a project very dear to his heart - the restoration of his beloved Willys Jeep. He restored it to the original condition in every detail, and took much pleasure tootling round the streets in it. On one occasion he was pulled over by the police. "What's up?" he said. "Nothing mate", said the cops, "we just wanted to check out your jeep, she's a ripper!" In 1994 Lance returned to Perth and reconciled with Jan. From that point on he never stopped complained about being 'COLD', and the moment the temp dropped below 30 degrees he would be looking for his sweater and dreaming of hot, humid tropical weather in places far north of Yangebup, while cursing the weather outside! The tropics would forever be in his blood! Old friendships from years past were now renewed, and once again life settled down to a nice steady rhythm. Then one day he announced he was buying a motorbike! "Aren't you a bit old to be riding one of those things? Jan asked. "Of course not, lots of old people ride motorbikes" - and so the necessary licence was ultimately obtained (after several attempts) and then he announced he was off to Darwin. After enough planning to do justice to a military operation he set off, and remarkably, returned unscathed and with a renewed passion for the road. "I think I will go round Australia on the bike" he announced. "What! Are you nuts?" replied Jan. Nevertheless, after two years planning, a bigger bike and the necessary licence, he set off. It was an achievement - a dream realised, and on the way he made many stops to visit with old friends. It was a rare night when he did not have a bed and a warm welcome waiting for him along the way. While all this was going on, another project was taking shape slowly in the garden shed, where all men's Secret Business was conducted. Lance decided to build himself a trike - from scratch. No easy do-it-yourself kit for him. This was going to be an original design and he spent many months on his project. Sadly, it never was completed, but that was never really the point. For Lance it was the journey and not the destination that mattered. We are the fortunate ones to have been part of his life journey - and for him - he has reached the final destination. In his own words "I can't complain - I had a good innings." |
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