British father of two drowns while snorkelling in Corfu during family holiday Richard Milne apparently drowned while swimming after lunch in Corfu The 39-year-old, from Carnoustie, Angus, spent 15 years in the RAF A former RAF serviceman has been killed in a snorkelling accident while on a family holiday in Corfu. Father-of-two Richard 'Richie' Milne got into difficulties and apparently drowned while swimming after lunch on the Greek island, where he was on holiday with his wife Claire, and children Zoe and Reuben. The 39-year-old, from Carnoustie, Angus, who spent 15 years in the RAF, met Claire while posted in England. Tragedy: Former RAF serviceman Richard Milne got into difficulties and apparently drowned while swimming after lunch on the Greek island Since leaving the RAF Scottish Mr Milne, a graduate of Bristol University, had been living in Calne, Wiltshire, where he worked for the local council. His family paid tribute to him, praising him as 'one of the best'. His father John Miine, 63, said: 'He was out snorkelling and as far as I know he got into difficulty and drowned. 'His wife's father phoned me. He said there had been an accident and I was just going away to ask how bad it was and he said Richard had died. My wife had to take the phone off me. I couldn't handle it. I still can't believe it.' He added: 'Richard was a good father and a doting dad. He also doted on his mother. She died of cancer 21 years ago. 'When he had his passing out parade in Lincolnshire she wasn't able to go down because she was so ill. He kept phoning her throughout it. 'I can't believe he's not here anymore, I can see him in my mind. The 39-year-old, from Carnoustie, Angus, who spent 15 years in the RAF, was praised as being a hard worker and a great grandson Richard was far away and working hard but he came up to Scotland a couple of times a year. It can be difficult when you're living away but he always kept in touch. He was a clever man. While he was in the services he did a lot of studying and got two degrees. He sailed through life without any problems whatsoever and it is not often you can say that with kids. Mr Miine's grandmother Sheila Paley, 82, added: 'I just can't get over it. I can't believe I'll never see him again. He was one of the best grandsons. We had a great relationship from the day he was born. 'I've never been so proud of anyone as I was of that lad. He and his wife had just had their lunch when it happened. She said she had never seen him looking so happy and relaxed just before the accident happened. 'I still can't believe it.' His wife Claire, posted a message of thanks on Facebook today, along with details of Mr Milne's funeral on Saturday. She said: .We have really appreciated all of your messages since Richie died and are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next week or so. The post was signed 'Claire, Zoe & Reuben'. Jackie Walter responded and posted: 'Thinking of you all Claire. You are amazing, love u so much. Big hugs to you all. Michelle Jones Kmiec said: 'You are an amazing strong incredible wife and mother. You are such an amazing friend to have in my life. Richie was an amazing friend too such a gentle kind guy we will miss him so much.