Big crowd gathers to honour local aerobatics legend

HONOURABLE UNVEILING… From left, Peter ‘Pip’ Borrman’s son-in-law, Dale Wathen, Pip’s wife, Janet Borrman, grandson, 2-year-old Luke Wathen with Pip’s daughter, Sarah Wathen in the special garden fit with a plaque honouring local aerobatics legend that is Pip. Photo: David Lee.
HONOURABLE UNVEILING… From left, Peter ‘Pip’ Borrman’s son-in-law, Dale Wathen, Pip’s wife, Janet Borrman, grandson, 2-year-old Luke Wathen with Pip’s daughter, Sarah Wathen in the special garden fit with a plaque honouring local aerobatics legend that is Pip. Photo: David Lee.

A LARGE crowd touched by local aerobatics legend, Peter ‘Pip’ Borrman gathered last week at the Shepparton Aerodrome to be witness to the unveiling of a special plaque dedicated in his honour.

Pip, who tragically lost his life in a plane accident in 2009, was spoken about fondly during the gathering, where Greater Shepparton City Council unveiled the memorial area, with council contributing the grounds keeping and supplying the rose garden.

Pip’s daughter, Sarah Wathen was proud to see such a large turnout to see Pip honoured in this way.

Sarah said, “We feel very proud and humbled. Pip must have touched the lives of so many people whether they were 8-years-old or 80. We wanted to let the community know of his other achievements as people may only know Pip as the guy in the sky, but he was far from just that. He wasn’t a boastful person.

“Besides performing aerobatics he was an inspiring mentor, guest speaker, businessman, assessor for QBE aviation and would consult for Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), not to mention he would donate his time to perform at charitable events and heavily supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He had a lot on his plate and was meticulous in everything he did and it’s heart warming the community has supported this.”

When The Adviser asked Sarah to share a fond memory with us she said, “Dad’s cheeky and quick witted nature is definitely something that I will never forget. On my 21st birthday he wrote in my book ‘Youth and exuberance are no match for old age and treachery.’

“We decided to place the plaque facing due south of the aerodrome, as the aircraft wreckage is buried near the windsock.”