William Leo "Spud" Murphy Flight Engineer
Sadly we learn that Leo passed away on 19th March 2019 after a short stay in the Princess Royal Hospital, he was 93. My sincere condolences to Leo's family, friends and former colleagues.

Leo, formerly a Flight Engineer, flew the following types Douglas DC6, VC10, B707 and DC10 for in a career that started back with Silver City and continued through to BCal. He would have seen some huge changes in a career spanning many years.
Leo Remembered

From Brian Ferdinando
Leo was a very long serving and well respected Flight Engineer with Silver City, British United and of course British Caledonian and British Airways.

From Ken Honey
Sad times. Leo, although known to most as Spud, was a very well known and popular Flight Engineer, Silver City - BUA and onto the formation of BCAL, he was a good friend of Sir Adam.

From Tony Cutting
Sad departure of a top class E/O and a great chap. Shared many a pint with Spud, condolences to his family and many friends, RIP Spud

From Caron Phillips : RIP Spud, and my condolences to the family

From Trevor Warburton 
I had the privilege to fly with him as a loadmaster on DC6s. And of course saw him many times at Gatwick, and in USA. He was a great bloke

From Fee Flee : So very sorry Fly Free Spud

From Jackie Hebert
Great friend he will be missed...in my heart I know he is having a cup of tea with his sweet wife Audrey...RIP. You will be missed but never forgotten

From Ranjit Bedi : Very sorry to hear Spud is no longer. He was a great person. We have had few beers in Nairobi. R I P

From Marjorie Anglesea Jackson : I remember Spud, condolences to his family and friends, may he rest in peace.

From Neil Ambrose
Spent a marvelous few hours with Spud while he explained the intricacies of the 707 panel enroute to Caracas. Martin Hole, sadly now gone too, was the skipper. It was a memorable trip.

From Jim Stott : RIP Spud. I remember the days when I was first recruited and that you were the one who interviewed me.

From Doug Griffiths
Fresh from the R.A.F. I was on the B707 course in 1974 along with Leo and Jim Stevens. Jim on a career change from Ground to Air and Leo returning to Flight Engineer after a spell as a Property Developer. Sad to hear of their Passing. A couple of great Chaps. Doug Griffiths (Ex. BCal B707, DC10 and B747 Flight Engineer.)






If you would like to leave a message in remembrance please drop me a line anytime at  BCalatribute@outlook.com




Condolences were also extended by:

Dave Thaxter, Phil Benson, Lindsay Smith, Gwyn Jenkins, Peter Durran, Graham Waters, Christine Jegu, Julie Nuttal, Alan Flower, Linda Daley, Dudley Rice, Trevor Tommy Gunn, Jackie Hebert, Pat Cresswell, David Mercer, Tom Stringer, Dolorsmaria Vila-mills, David Williams, Riaz Butt, Sally Heron, Kris Massie, Jim Williams, Richard Church, Ian Jones, Jenny Kempa, Carmel Stewart, Sara Cunningham




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Service details

Leo's service was held on Monday 1st April 2019 at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium near Gatwick

Afterwards folks gathered for tea & refreshments to remember Leo in:

The Caledonian Suite, Copthorne Hotel London Gatwick


Any donations in Leo's memory to be made to :

The League of Friends at Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath please
A Royal Flight : December 1970 : Left to Right
Bridget Dobson, Pauline Bodfish, Elizabeth Bruce, Angus Ogilvy, Princess Alexandra, N/o Baldwin, E/o Leo Murphy, F/o R G Smith and Capt. T W Evans
Leo Murphy is 3rd in from the Right
British Caledonian - A Tribute