Brother pays tribute to pilot

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

BROTHER's ANGUISH: Elliot Cree at a press conference for his brother Nick, who died in a plane crash on Thursday.

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Feilding pilot Nick Cree shared some loving moments with his wife and baby boy before he went on the training flight that claimed his life.

Squadron Leader Cree, 32, was killed when the CT4-E Airtrainer he was piloting crashed into the Raumai weapons range, west of Bulls, about 8.15am on Thursday.

The air force is investigating the cause of the crash.

Speaking at the Feilding police station yesterday, Squadron Leader Cree's younger brother Elliot Cree tearfully told how Nick kissed his wife Sarah and four-month-old son Jackson before going to Ohakea.

"She [Sarah] gave him a kiss goodbye and Nick came running back in and [said] `Oops, forgot to kiss you, mate', and gave Jackson a kiss on the head and went back to work."

Squadron Leader Cree and Sarah, a police officer in Feilding, were childhood sweethearts, who had their first child last year, he said.

"He was so proud of his young son Jackson and he loved his wife Sarah so much.

"He was such a family man, always there for us. He was the best brother, son, friend, anyone could ask for."

Mrs Cree was still adjusting to the shock of losing her husband, but had a lot of supporters, he said.

One of Squadron Leader Cree's dreams was to finish an Ironman competition with Jackson so Mr Cree said he would like to do this in his brother's place.

"I'm really excited but sad at the same time to watch Jackson grow.

"Already he's such a cool little kid and it's a shame that he won't have his dad around, but I can see that we're all going to stick together.

"Everyone's going to chip in telling him all the silly things his dad did. I think he'll have a good understanding of who his dad was."

He described his brother as an excellent sportsman, who enjoyed sailing, skiing, football and triathlon, a skilled pilot and family man. "As much as flying was his passion, his family was everything.

"He was always talking about growing his family and living in their new house and finishing the new house."

Mr Cree was grateful for the messages of support from friends and colleagues of his brother, who was a member of the Red Checkers aerobatic team.

"He always gave everything 100 per cent and was really good at everything he did.

"I don't think he'd have any regrets about anything he's done. He has packed a hell of a lot into his life."

Military and private funeral services will be held next week.

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