The obituary reproduced below was published in the RAFBEA Newsletter No 31, July 2003.
Rex
Rex Thompson, 24th Entry Ground Wireless, died on Friday, 9th May 2003. Rex was a good friend to the RAFBEA and to Beachat and - to all who knew him - hugely popular. So much so, that it prompted his friend Tom Brown, writing on behalf of all who were saddened by his passing, to describe him as "generous, witty and a 'hero' in the true sense of the word".
Rex served 16 years with the RAF followed by a further 30 years with what was then the Royal Ulster Constabulary before retirement 3 years ago due to ill health, a condition he fought bravely. Tributes will continue, but on the day of his funeral at Roselawn, Northern Ireland, his coffin was escorted to the Chapel by Police motorcycle outriders, former Boy Entrants provided a guard of honour, the RAFBEA Standard preceded the coffin as it was carried in by Rex's four sons and more than 200 mourners - family, friends and former colleagues - paid their final respects. To his wife Kate and all his family our thoughts and sympathy are extended. And to Rex - "Thanks for the Memories ".