A WWII veteran who made headlines around the world when he was pictured looking forlornly at a Spitfire through an airfield fence has died aged 95.
Former aircraft engineer Ken Farlow became an internet sensation when a picture taken by his daughter Helen Nock of him sitting in his wheelchair went viral.
She had taken him Gloucestershire Airport in July to fulfill his ‘last wish’ of being reunited with the iconic planes he worked on during the war.
The heartwarming image was spotted by the airport director of operations – who was so moved he invited Ken for a VIP visit.
Grandfather Ken, of Painswick, Glos., spent hours talking to the pilots and ground crew, who were captivated by his stories.
He was suffering from terminal colon cancer and succumbed to the disease on November 10 just 20 minutes after being admitted to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
His daughter Helen said that he passed away peacefully after battling the disease bravely.
“He had been unwell for a while but he was fighting it. He kept joking that he would still be here at 100,” she said.
“He had a long life, he relished every moment. He was never self-pitying and as he got older and frailer, instead of cussing he just got on with it.
“He would often say ‘I’m one of the lucky ones.’ He was an utterly marvellous ambassador for his generation.”
William Kenneth Farlow – known as Ken – joined up in 1939 at the age of 19 and served as an engineer in the RAF with 38 Squadron in the Middle East.
He then served with the Royal Australia Airforce 450 Sqn in North Africa and Syria and then back in England with 91 Squadron.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalised.
