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  #31  
Old 10-26-2016, 03:29 AM
MLock MLock is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Salem, OR
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Van and I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mr. Hoover at a social function this past OSH. He was unbelievably cordial and sharp for a man of his years.

He remarked to me how his body was now bent and broken from all of the mishaps he been in over the years. When I cajoled that he survived most probably due to exemplary flying skills, he said, "Not at all. It was just s@#t a*s luck!".

All of our lives are made up of moments. This is one I shall cherish for the rest of my life.

I ask everyone who reads this, that next time you can, raise a toast to
arguably the greatest pilot who ever lived.

Blue Skies Mr. Hoover. Let's see what you can do with your newest set of wings.
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Last edited by MLock : 10-26-2016 at 05:31 AM.
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  #32  
Old 10-26-2016, 04:23 AM
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ronschreck ronschreck is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 1,628
Default Farewell Bob

I first met Bob Hoover in early 1971. I was dating a girl who lived down the street from the Hoovers in Rolling Hills Estates above the Terrence Airport. Bob and Colleen came over for cocktails one evening and I was fortunate to have a conversation with him. I had the opportunity to fly the Wing Derringer prototype earlier that day and we were discussing the utility of the Derringer. His said that a 2-seat twin was great for a golfing vacation but not much else. He was right; the Derringer never amounted to more than that. Later that year I met Bob again at an airshow in Pensacola. (I was flying OV-10s at Hurlburt Field at the time.) After he landed his Shrike Commander I greeted him and shook his hand. I was just a little gratified to note that his hand was sweaty. I guess even Bob Hoover has to work a bit to do the extraordinary!

Colleen passed earlier this year and I'm sure they are together again. The world is a lesser place without Bob Hoover. Tailwinds Bob.
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  #33  
Old 10-26-2016, 05:24 AM
N62XS N62XS is offline
 
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Location: Hazlehurst, GA
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Default God bless you

Most of us will be genealogy research in a few generations, a rare few become legends, even fewer are fondly remembered. Mr.Hoover was and is the gentleman legend that will be remembered for doing much to help and inspre others. I will remember him for his kindness and for proving to many of us, in flying and in life, most all things are possible when done right.

Godspeed Mr. Bob. The journey continues!
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  #34  
Old 10-26-2016, 07:54 AM
HAMFLYER HAMFLYER is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Aurora, colorado
Posts: 14
Default sad day

I had the pleasure of flying with him back in 1969..he was everything they have said he was.....GREAT!
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  #35  
Old 10-26-2016, 08:01 AM
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Snowflake Snowflake is offline
 
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Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
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I met him at the Reno air races in the mid 90's or so. He was kind enough to autograph my pilot logbook. We only chatted for a few minutes. After seeing so many of his flawless airshow routines over the years (and at Reno that year) I was surprised at his precision for his age... And that was 20 years ago! I hope he kept flying right until the end.
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  #36  
Old 10-26-2016, 08:41 AM
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GalinHdz GalinHdz is offline
 
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Location: KSGJ / TJBQ
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An old Bob Hoover video demonstrating aerobatics in the P-51. Come Fly With Me

RIP "Captain" Bob Hoover.
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  #37  
Old 10-26-2016, 09:00 AM
FMI68 FMI68 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Rogers, AR.
Posts: 18
Default Very well written..

Quote:
Originally Posted by N62XS View Post
Most of us will be genealogy research in a few generations, a rare few become legends, even fewer are fondly remembered. Mr.Hoover was and is the gentleman legend that will be remembered for doing much to help and inspre others. I will remember him for his kindness and for proving to many of us, in flying and in life, most all things are possible when done right.

Godspeed Mr. Bob. The journey continues!
Have wondered what I could say about Bob that hasn't already been shared.. my time with him was one of the most treasured events of my career and I couldn't have said it any better than this post.
Godspeed Bob..
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  #38  
Old 10-26-2016, 09:12 AM
hrhodes2@comcast.net hrhodes2@comcast.net is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 60
Default Moments

My wife and I blundered into him talking with a friend of his in one of the vendor hangars (C?) at OSH '97. I said, "that's Bob Hoover!" She said with her "then" knowledge of aviation, "Does he sell vacuums?".....

He heard, was hugely amused and chatted my wife up as the Brits say. What a kind man. It helps she was/is cute. He knew how treat a lady. I took lessons.

Then she saw the flying show that afternoon......................

Tailwinds
Howard

Last edited by hrhodes2@comcast.net : 10-26-2016 at 09:15 AM.
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  #39  
Old 10-26-2016, 09:24 AM
sblack sblack is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Montreal
Posts: 1,456
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I think he was revered as much for his graciousness and humility as he was for his flying, if that is even possible. A true role model in a world where graciousness and humility are becoming very scarce.
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  #40  
Old 10-26-2016, 09:33 AM
David Paule David Paule is offline
 
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Location: Boulder, CO
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Sometimes the guy is for real.

This was on the Front Page some time ago. Worth repeating. Thanks, DR!



Dave
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