The partner of a respected Tasmanian aviation identity has penned a heartfelt tribute to his “soulmate Sandy” delivered at her funeral on Friday.
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Sandra Southwell, 63, of Sheffield, who was killed in last month’s light air crash, was farewelled by about 400 mourners at a fitting celebration of her adventure-packed life in Devonport. Her partner Barry Bransden, 68, survived the crash.
Mr Bransden was attempting to land a Cessna 182 aircraft on a runway on a property at Boobyalla on January 20 when it crashed. Sadly Ms Southwell died being airlifted to hospital. Mr Bransden attended her funeral on crutches and asked his brother, Brian, to read the loving words he wrote.
Mourners at the Mersey Gardens Chapel included members of the aviation community who came from around the country to be there.
A picture was painted of an accomplished pilot, a loving and generous woman who contributed a lot to aviation and gave life everything. Mr Bransden thanked people for coming to help wish “my princess a good flight to her final destination.”
“Sandy and I have had the best time together I doubt many couples could have fitted the number of adventures in their lives Sandy and I have,” he said.
“Sandy was one of the most hardworking, honest and loving people on this Earth...she was strong-willed and extremely highly principled. She was a great role model to young women.”
Mourners heard about the talented equestrian’s lifelong passion for horses. She first met Barry at the Trowutta Showground where he said he could not help but notice “she was a star”. After becoming a couple she joined him in his business, Tasmanian Horse Transport, as office manager and within two weeks was driving a truck.
“Together with a lot of hard work, long days and determination we turned it into one of Australia’s leading horse transport companies,” he said.
After 17 years of shipping horses it was time for a change of pace and retirement.
Mr Bransden recalled when he gave Sandy a diary for Christmas and later she gently suggested she was possibly worth a bit more.
“Out of the blue so to speak, I gave her a birthday present of five flying lessons and I was redeemed,” he said.
Aviation soon became a huge part of her life. Ms Southwell was Tasmanian president of the Australian Women Pilots' Association and a strong advocate for women in aviation.
Devonport Aero Club president Terry Travers, Cessna 182 Association of Australia president Frank Lewis and Australian Women Pilots’ Association president Deborah Evans also delivered tributes.
