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.