Pat Turk Catering / In-Flight Services

Sadly Pat passed away, aged 90, during November 2015. Our sincere condolences go out to Pat's family, friends and colleagues.

Pat originally flew as an air hostess for BOAC before joining BUA as Catering Manager Katy Wilde's long standing secretary through into BCal. She was then Graham Elliot's very efficient admin officer. Pat retired at 60 (as she had to from BCal at the time) but then came straight back on a consultancy contract and stayed on with BCal and then with BA working for Pat Rock (later Bates).

Pat was still riding her horse until a few weeks before her passing. She had very little family and her husband died a few years ago.

Pat's service was held on 9th December 2015 at the Surrey & Sussex Crematorium with a gathering after in the Garden Room at the Copthorne Hotel.


Pat Remembered

From George Banks
When I joined BCAL in 1973 as catering Admin officer Mrs Wilde was head of catering, but always had time for all her staff. One day Mrs Wilde asked me if I would fetch her umbrella from her beautiful new BMW and of course I said yes ,but when I put the key in the door, it broke off in the lock! Fearing the worst, as I had only been in the company six weeks, I rushed  back to tell Pat Turk, who as Mrs Wildes PA /secretary, smoothed it all over, and Mrs Wilde accepted my apology and summoned her husband Bill to sort it out.

Later when I was promoted I would always be summoned after Pat had briefed Mrs Wilde thoroughly, so I did not have to go through the whole issue again. Pat was not only very efficient and helpful but due to her experience as a BOAC hostess had a very good understanding of catering and in flight service. She was always helpful, assisting me with my Food Fact Sheets - lengthy documents for the BCAL cabin crew on the latest menus, which were issued monthly.  Pat loved her riding and was very active until a few weeks before she died.

From Phil Bowell
I remember Pat very well - a lovely lady. I remember her showing Betty Shelton and I pictures of flying days - she looked great in her uniform. She also used to arrive early for work and I would take her and Katy Wilde up a coffee and sometimes a danish or croissant if Mick Sidebotham popped in.

From Linda King (nee Hobbs)
I was sorry to hear of the death of Pat Turk. I shared an office with her 1969 + when we were in the very small Special Projects Department at Gatwick. The other secretary in the department was Cynthia Roberts - who actually interviewed me for this job, my first.  I loved working with them but in 1973 I left to have my first baby (and in those days no one asked you if you wanted to return after maternity leave).



If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime



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