By Margaret Sheard ….
Since I broke my collarbone last Saturday 26th October this is the first opportunity I have had to write about the loss of our dear friend Serkan Özcezarli.
Chris Elliott and myself were devastated to learn of the tragic air crash at Geçitkale Airport which resulted in the death of Serkan Özcezarli and his pilot friend Hakan Çetinkaya, around mid-day on Tuesday 29th October 2019.
We first met Serkan in April 2018 which was followed by a number of visits to the airport to help with his promotion of air sports and his vision for the future of KKTC Hava Sporları Federasyonu. He was always so welcoming and made us feel like old friends in a very short space of time. He was a man in a million and a man with great vision. He loved flying and wanted to share this with others.
In May 2018, I was thrilled to be given a short flight experience with Serkan in the Gyrocopter, I will cherish the memory.
On our last visit we were pleased to meet with Serkan’s twin daughters, Cansu and Göksu, who had arrived for their training session in the Gyrocopter. Serkan told us that his daughters had been introduced to air travel from the age of 3 years and they had inherited his love of flying.
The TRNC has lost a wonderful person who had so much to offer in the promotion of the country in the field of air sports. He was a world class ambassador for flying and air sport activities at Geçitkale Airport.
He will be missed by so many people and we offer our condolences to his wife Aysen and daughters Cansu and Göksu who have lost a loving husband and devoted father.
Rest in Peace Serkan
I echo your words about both Serkan and Hakan. So sad to lear of their deaths.
Still can’t quite take it in, so sad and such a loss.