An Irish pilot who died in a light aircraft tragedy will be laid to rest later this week.
Wexford native Peter Tawse, 61, died instantly alongside John Finnan, 58, when their airplane fell apart and plunged from the sky on Sunday evening.
Mr Tawse, from Old Ross, had been a flying instructor since 1982 and was well known throughout the region, having been the manager of Waterford Airport from 1987 until 2002.
Fellow flying enthusiast Mr Finnan worked for Teagasc in Carlow and was originally from Athy, Co Kildare, but lived in Naas and was part of the Wexford Flying Club.
A relative of Mr Tawse described him as "very kind, a real gentleman and he never had a bad word to say about anybody.
“He was really particular about his work, an absolute perfectionist. We’re all very upset here and finding it so hard to believe.
"Peter was good-natured and good-humoured, he liked the easy-going life. He was an exceptional person. That’s the best way I can put it.”
A death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Beloved husband of Kay, son of Margaret and the late Andrew and brother of Liz, John, Lucy and Emi.
"Sadly missed by his loving family brothers in law Julian, Doug, Niall, Michael, Ned, John and Francis, sisters in law Silvia, Statia, Mary, Anne, Helen and Mary J, nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, extended family and friends."
A wake will be held in Ryan's funeral home in Wellingtonbridge on Thursday, October 10, from 4pm to 8pm.
A Funeral Service will be held in St Abban's Church, Adamstown (Y21X685) on Friday, October 11, at 12noon, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Family flowers only, donations if desired to the RNLI.
