By Kevin Smith of Northrepps Aerodrome, Cromer
16 July 2024
Chris (or Chrissy) Gurney who died peacefully on 26 June, was a larger than life Norfolk character who despite being in a wheelchair had founded and ran Northrepps Aerodrome, Cromer for over 40 years.
Always passionate about flying he knew pilots from all over the world, many of whom flew in to see him.
In 1981 Chris had been badly injured when a Tiger Moth biplane, flown by the then Norfolk Euro MP Paul Howell, crashed in Norfolk.
Chris who had been a passenger in the front seat barely survived, receiving multiple fractures and a broken back.
In intensive care in Norwich he met the love of his life, Julie Millett, who nursed and later married him. Despite being told he only had three to five years left, she kept him alive for a further 43 years. Her care and devotion were literally life preserving.
Chris grew up on the family farm in Northrepps, son of Major Gurney and went to school in Wiltshire and Harrow. He studied farming at Cirencester agricultural college and also had a short time in the Army.
Always keen on flying from a young child Chris got his pilot’s licence early and went on to fly a lot in America which he loved and getting his dual engine ticket.
Even after his crash Chris used to do some flying and always made light that it was only ‘the last three feet that hurt’.
Full of the joy of life, Chris was always stoic about his injuries which kept him in a wheelchair and the cards that fate had dealt him. He used to teach the air cadets for many years and help Cromer carnival.
Many will miss his daily local weather forecasts as he had trained in meteorology. He will be remembered for his laughter and kindness. He leaves a loving wife and a lot of happiness.
Chris’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s church, Northrepps at 2pm on Friday 2 August.
