More than 70 people gathered at Shepparton Aerodrome yesterday for the unveiling of a memorial to legendary stunt pilot Pip Borrman who died while practising manoeuvres at the facility 10 years ago.
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Family members, friends and fellow flyers came together to honour the Shepparton man who entertained and amazed thousands at airshows across Australia with his aerobatic skills and whose motto was: ‘‘why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary’’.
Mr Borrman’s daughter Sarah Wathen, who was 21 when her father died, said the family had wanted to do something to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his death and to provide somewhere for the community to reflect on his life.
‘‘This is a special place to commemorate his achievements and for the Shepparton community to remember him — the skies haven’t been the same since,’’ Ms Wathen said.
She said the simple rose garden and plaque near the airport entrance faced south to the site where her father’s custom-built Pitts Samson biplane was now buried at the southern end of the aerodrome.
Ms Wathen said her father had a positive influence on her life, and on the lives of many others.
‘‘My memories of my Dad from my childhood and teen years are that of positivity, guidance, seeing him mentor others but most importantly being an amazing father.
‘‘One tradition we always did was to visit the aerodrome every Sunday and watch him fly from his hanger and have a cuppa and enjoy Mum’s homemade biscuits afterwards, knowing others in south Shepp would also be enjoying his dancing displays in the sky,’’ she said.
Janet Borrman said her husband was a generous and community-minded man.
‘‘People may not be aware that he gave up his time to do aerobatic displays for the Make a Wish Foundation and he did a lot of public speaking at schools, sporting events and aged care homes across the region. He wasn’t a boastful person,’’ Mrs Borrman said.
She said their son Edwin, now an Australian Air Force squadron leader and instructor on the new F35 jets based at Williamstown, was unable to attend yesterday’s memorial dedication.
Mr Borrman was 54 when he died on February 25, 2009, while flying over the airport practising manoeuvres for the Avalon Air Show the following month.
Witnesses said the red biplane had completed a loop just north of the runway shortly after take-off when it plummeted to the ground and burst into flames about 2.20pm.
Greater Shepparton City Council, which owns Shepparton Aerodrome, supplied the rose garden and will maintain the site.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said Mr Borrman was a vibrant community member.
‘‘He was such a strong community supporter — it’s important to remember somebody so well known.
‘‘His message was ‘always do the best you can and give it your best shot’,’’ Cr O’Keeffe said.
Friends said Mr Borrman’s daring aerial stunts were the result of meticulous planning, practice and a highly professional attitude.
Qantas pilot Ralph Petritsch described Mr Borrman as a ‘‘very inspiring guy’’.
He said he first met him at a Royal Victorian Aero Club Young Eagles event where Mr Borrman was a guest speaker.
‘‘I noticed his passion for flying and a sparkle in his eye when he talked about it. Then he went outside, got in a plane, and did a demonstration. He was someone who could talk the talk, and walk the walk,’’ Mr Petritsch said.
‘‘He was a man who said if you’re going to do it, do it properly. He was respected for his commitment and excellence.
‘‘He was many things to many people — the showman, the aviator and the family man,’’ he said.
