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-   RV Friends Who Have Passed On (https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=77)
-   -   Redline Airshow Crash (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=165011)

blackbeard10 10-13-2018 12:39 PM

Sad
 
Jon, on his bike cruising around Butler Co. airport stopping by to see how different builds were going, that is my lasting image. Jon was my RV professor
and my RV4 is flying today because of him. Thanks Jon.

videobobk 10-13-2018 12:41 PM

Jon brought some of the guys over to OVO years ago and did a formation routine. He took one of our old WWII pilots for his last ride. Most gracious and fine gentleman. Deeply saddened.

Bob

jdmunzell 10-13-2018 01:49 PM

I had never met the man, but have enjoyed watching their night time shows in particular! A very sad day for the community...

Godspeed Jon!

MIKE JG 10-13-2018 02:18 PM

This is a sad day. I met Jon and Ken in 2014 when they were just getting their act going. I think I saw one of their first night shows that weekend in addition to their day show. There were so many UFO reports from that night.....We all got a good laugh from that.

That was the weekend I knew I would build an RV-8. I saw them both at OSH this year in the Lycoming booth but they were giving an interview at the time so I didn't want to bother them. I regret not saying hello at the time.

RIP Jon, prayers to your family in this difficult time and to Ken and his family as well.

Bruce 10-13-2018 03:20 PM



Mutha in the middle.

eddieseve 10-13-2018 03:44 PM

Wow I didn’t know Jon either but loved his video flying aeros with his daughter Hayley.

Condolences to the family, what a sad event.

flytoday 10-13-2018 03:54 PM

Condolences
 
Talked to Jon at the last few Oshkosh years, he was always smiling. Watching the Redline night show was a highlight of the week.

The Haley-batics videos are great, and show the loves of a father and daughter.

Jon Thocker is a pilot hero of mine. He will be missed.

Carl
..

JFWilson 10-13-2018 06:12 PM

Jon
 
I met Jon at a time when he was on leave from his job as commercial pilot. I was interested in buying or building a RV-8. A mutual friend, "Bud Newhouse" told me that he happened to know a guy who was between jobs and was just finishing up building a airplane and might be interested in building another. Shortly after Gordon Davis "builder rv-7a" and i flew to a fly in at Lee Bottom 64I. Jon and several River Rats showed up. We were introduced. I proceeded to tell him that i was interested in buying or Building a RV-8. He asked me if i had ever flown one. I said no. He said before i get that far into it i probably should fly one first. We set a date and he took me for flight that i will never forget. I had to have one! By the end of that day Jon said he would help me and i decided to order my kit. Jon asked me, if i thought i should think about it first. I responded with absolutely not. I've wanted to have a airplane like this for a while now. Jon and i spent almost every day together for 1 1/2 years. He was unbelievable. If it wasn't for Jon i don't think i would have built. He taught me everything. His willingness to help others was unmatched. For the last 9 years he has always been there for me. No matter how busy he got he always had time to help. I cant tell you how much i will miss my friend. Last time i talked to him was at Oshkosh. I told him how impressed i was by his flying ability and building a air show business with Ken. He responded by telling me that he was proud to see how far i have come as well. He and Ken never got too busy to talk with us comoners! lol He will be greatly missed. My prayers for Debbie and their family. I cant imagine what they are going through.

Thank You Jon!, your the best friend one could ever have. Clear blue sky's and tail winds my friend.

Jim Wilson
N1981J

algrajek 10-13-2018 06:51 PM

SAD SAD Day for aviation.
One of the BEST is gone.
Godspeed, my friend!
Nordo

jclark 10-13-2018 11:00 PM

Sad ..... So sad
 
What a painful loss. One of the great ones has left us.

So many great memories.
(On the ground and in the air.)

Just one of MANY indicators of the person he was ... I flew up to his airport and bought an RV8 (that he recommended I see) from someone he knew, based simply on his word.

RIP Jon.

Prayer for the family.


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