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Tremendously sad day for us all. Joe could always put a smile on my face and talk me down from the ledge when I called in with problems. My deepest condolences to his family, Vans and the entire RV community. We lost a great one.
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I feared this day would come sooner than it ever should. Joe was a great friend, even though we lived in different parts of the country. He was always friendly, always had a laugh. Teh highest time RV-1 pilot of the "modern era", he loved flying. The first time I visited Van's a few years ago, I'd been flying Van's airplanes for years - and Joe said "what do you want to take up?" I said "well technically, I don't qualify for a demo ride...right?" He wanted to fly...."I won't tell if you don't!"
I think it was OK - Van dropped by the hangar as we were getting ready to fly a -12 ,and didn't raise an objection. We'll miss ya' man! Paul |
I was looking forward to meeting him. I could just sense from his presence in the RV world that he was a first class guy. Even though I never met him I extend my sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
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A great friend, an awesome pilot and a formation Bro...and just plain one of the Good Guys. Joe battled cancer his way, with strength, honor and dignity. George "Cipher" Ford, his wife Lori and I spent some time with Joe and Trisha this past Sunday, sharing a few stories and several chuckles and smiles. Many in the RV/VAF family and the RV formation family have done so over the past weeks, and he knew he was surrounded by love. Tailwinds and Blue Skies Shadey...safe flight home.
Bob |
RIP, Joe. I will treasure all the build advice you've given me over the years, and our trip together to the Madera Formation Clinic this year. Blue Skies my friend. I will truly miss you.
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Tailwinds and blue skies my friend.
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Blue Skies and Better Days
![]() I remember Joe for his dry humor and "Let's do it!" enthusiasm. Like many meeting him for the first time, I immediately thought of him as a friend. I remember the day of the final inspection on Joe's RV-6. He was running around like a kid on his birthday, eager to share the experience with his family (photo above). I remember when Joe was an excited newbie formation flier. We would fly 2-ship practice hops when none of the other guys could come out to play. I remember when Joe quit his corporate job to become the "New Guy on Phone" at Van's Aircraft. Over time Joe became an important public face for the company. He was smart, friendly, and approachable and went a long way toward filling the shoes of the late Bill Benedict. I remember Joe leading half of a 24-ship formation to a perfect show-center crossing at the Madera clinic. As a leader he was always urging us toward a higher standard of safety and precision; but he never forgot that we were there to "Have Fun!" I remember when Joe announced his cancer diagnosis to the formation family with the words "Fight's On!" Though it eventually took his life, it never changed his spirit. I hope to always remember Joe for the example he set and most of all for his friendship. Blue Skies Joe! -Dan Benua Hillsboro, OR |
![]() I can remember when Joe was a "newbie" guy hanging around the builder's group meetings soaking up all the tricks and techniques, then finishing his beautiful plane, and becoming a valuable member of Van's team, and after we started the NW FF group, Joe wanted in -- and became a much more accomplished FF pilot than me and most if not all of the others in the group. And he did it all with a relaxed easy way that belied his skill, professionalism and discipline. I feel privileged to have been able to sit with him at his home just a few hours before he "went west", reminiscing about building our -6s and formation flying and camping at the Alvord desert and all the rest. Or I reminisced anyway, don't know if he could hear me but I like to think he could. Goodbye Joe, you will be missed. |
Had the pleasure to talk to and exchange emails with Joe early on my empennage build. Always had a way of answering your dumb questions without making you feel dumb. My condolences to his family.
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I first met Joe at the factory when he took me up for a demo ride in the RV-8A many years ago. After my ride, he also took my nervous, non-pilot wife up for a ride. I was hoping she'd like it as I already had a lot invested at that time. I don't know what he said to her, but it worked. When they landed she said, "Hurry up and get it finished". Joe was a fine gentleman and aviator. May he rest in peace.
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