Remembering My Father...

[CowboyTodd41 133]

So ok, yeah this isn't happiest topic of discussion. My dad passed away today at 62, from a heart attack. I'm still kind of in shock, to be honest. But to try and cheer myself up I thought I'd post a few pictures of him to remember him by, and in the process you'll get to know a bit about a really great guy.

 

Sometime in the early 70's. Him and his friends built that Piper Vagabond the summer after they graduated high school. We still fly it! They called themselves the "Skyblazers" in reference to the F-86/F-100 USAFE Demo Team.

 

 

 

 

Early 80's probably, hand propping a Pitts Special at an Aerobatic Competition (Ottawa, KS I think) My dad competed in Unlimited for a number years with (and against) numerous members of the US/Great Britain/Soviet aerobatic teams.

 

 

Dad, Mom and I the day I left for Basic Training.

 

 

And finally, My Dad, my Brother, and me in front of that same old PA-15 at Blakesburg, Iowa. This is also the same airfield where the first picture I posted was taken, so many years ago.

 

 

Dad, I'll miss you so much. The world has lost a great pilot, and even better Dad.

Edited June 2, 2013 by CowboyTodd41

[Fubar512 1,350]

I am sorry for your loss, Todd.

[Heck 496]

Condolences to you and your family.

[+SupGen 78]

My condolences to you and yours.

[+CrazyhorseB34 937]

[Faust_ 1]

I'M sure that your dad had a happy life and was a proud father and husband

[+streakeagle 864]

Great pics! Thanks for sharing. No one lives forever. At least he had a great life while he was here. Pass on the love and memories to future generations.

[CowboyTodd41 133]

Thanks so much for all your condolences guys. It's been a rough day and I really, really appreciate it.

[+NeverEnough 78]

Best wishes for you and your family in a time of terrible loss.

[Stratos 3,167]

Condolences for you and your family.

[thodouras95 25]

RIP.My condolences.

[MAKO69 186]

Looks like he did life right.

[GASCAN39 7]

Thoughts and prayers.....it must be tough. Looks like some great memories there.....pay tribute to him by making more, especially with the Piper

[Capitaine Vengeur 263]

Condolences. So happy memories in these pics...

[MigBuster 2,861]

So sorry for your loss Todd - condolences.

[FalconC45 157]

RIP

[Nesher 629]

I can't imagine what you're going through, my deepest sympathies to you and your family!

 

 

RIP.

[CowboyTodd41 133]

Once again, thanks to everyone who stopped by and gave their condolences. I also want to thanks to the SF mod community the last couple days have been nuts, and few minutes I get playing Strike Fighters is one of the few reprieves I get. Thank you guys for years of fun.

[+Dave 2,318]

Condolences for you and your family Todd.

[UK_Widowmaker 571]

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air...

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark or even eagle flew --

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

 

 

My Condolences to you and your family