A memorial service for pilot Kevin Whyman, the pilot killed at CarFest North, took place yesterday (August 20).
Mr Whyman, 39, died when his plane crashed during a Gnat Display Team show at the motoring festival held at Oulton Park on August 1.
The King’s School flew their flag at half mast on GCSE results day to honour their former pupil and rowing club member.
Representing the school at the funeral were two current and two former members of staff, including assistant head Seb Neal, who once taught Mr Whyman,
Mr Neal said: “The memorial service at St Clement Danes Church was very well attended.
“Many former members of the King’s community were present, including Olympics double-gold medallist, Tom James MBE, some even wore King’s rowing blazers.
“The service was extremely moving, Kevin’s best man gave the eulogy which captured Kevin, who he nicknamed ‘Big Man’, to a tee.
“In his words, it was the person Kevin was, even more than what he had accomplished, which we remembered.”
The memorial service began at 2pm at St Clement Danes Church, Strand, London before proceeding to The Royal Air Force Club, Piccadilly.
Director of external affairs Vicky Titmuss said: “This is a very sad day for King’s.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin’s wife, daughter, parents, family and friends.
“Kevin’s memory will remain vivid in the King’s alumni community through his former class mates, rowing crews and teachers.”
Tribute
Former King’s headmaster Roger Wickson also paid tribute to Mr Whyman on August 18.
He said: “Kevin was an outstanding member of the school from 1987 to 1994; I knew him very well and held him in highest regard.
“The one possible source of consolation we can have is the knowledge Kevin died doing something he loved.
“In his final moments of life he used his skill and courage to ensure his plane crashed in the trees and not among visitors to the event.”
After leaving school, he read economics at Cambridge University and coxed Cambridge Boat crews to victory in 1996 and 1997.
Mr Whyman then trained as a pilot with the RAF, but changed career to become a mortgage trader in London.
He leaves a wife, who is pregnant with their second child, and young daughter and friends have set up a GoGetFunding site where more than £23,000 has been donated towards the welfare of his family.
A JustGiving page has also to raise money for Help for Heroes.
