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Flag at Butler County Regional Airport
Jon's home airport recognizes the magnitude of the loss. A great aviator, homebuilding ambassador, and friend. |
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Yesterday was a rough day. I forced myself to work on the RV10 HS. Did not work to well to keep my mind off this tragedy....
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I drove right past my hangar entrance at HAO today. Just wasn't up to it. The only reason why I even went over yesterday was to do my chapter presidential duties in a Young Eagles flight weekend. One kid was taking a flight yesterday on his 15th birthday. Made for a very bittersweet day in my mind.
Still in a daze... |
I met Jon after he responded to my AOG post just after Christmas 2016. I landed in Ohio for gas flying from NY back to NM. My alternator died when I started up after refueling so I posted my issue and he responded letting me know he had a spare alternator and he was only 20min away. Jon brought the alternator and we put it on my -8. We departed 2 ship and he stayed on my wing for a little while then said "I don't know about you but I'm getting a little low on gas" with a big grin on his face. I laughed and saluted, Jon broke off and headed home. As he turned toward home he said "if you have any issues just come to my airport and I'll have a hangar for you and a place to stay" Just a great guy and happy to help others. I did send his alternator back to him after getting back to NM.
While we were putting the alternator on I asked him how he got into the airshow circuit and his response was "that is a story we can discuss over beers sometime" I never got the chance to hear that story. Blue skies my friend. I know you will continue to help aviators from above. |
Blue skies & Tailwinds Sir.
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In the Spring of 2012, Jon posted that he was traveling to the SF Bay area for a few days, and was interested in meeting up with anyone who might be about. I responded, and a few days later Jon showed up at my hangar at KDWA where I was finishing up my RV-7. Jon gave my project a thorough once-over, which for me was immensely soothing since, though I'd had plenty of eyes on my project, his were the most experienced. And then, before I had a chance to throw up road blocks, he declared my plane ready for a first engine start. The next thing I knew someone had dashed off to buy some gas, I pushed the start button, and it sprang to life.
Jon made another visit to the west coast not long after that, with his wife joining him. My wife and I were fortunate to be able to host them for dinner. What wonderful people. His enthusiasm and support were a gift. Godspeed, Jon. |
A real punch in the gut
Such a loss for the RV community, his family, and friends. Jon was always someone I sought out at SnF and Oshkosh after meeting him at the NC formation clinic when I was a "scary red guy". Truly one of "us" and always smiling and seeming to love life. I'm pretty sure Jon could build an RV in the time I take building an HS. He sure will be missed. Godspeed Jon.
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Very sad day
I meet Jon a few years ago when he popped out to the west coast on a layover he was checking out the locals RV?s at Yolo an remarked he?d never flown a RV3,
I told him we can fix that and gave him a quick run down on my -3 and off Jon went into a beautiful blue morning sky for some fun,he landed one hour later with a huge RV grin that said it all! Class act God speed my friend you will be missed My condolences to the family |
Sad news. I was in HAO the week before and thought about walking down to his hangar to meet him....wish I had.
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