Good Bye and blue skies Bob Hoover - Page 6

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #51 11-01-2016, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

Bob Hoover was my hero. When he passed on last week, I got thinking it would be fun to do a short video tribute. I think he would have been amused.

https://vimeo.com/189574781

PS...it's tea.

Well done. Added to my obituary piece (which has now become THE most viewed page of the year on our entire website. Yes, bigger than even the death of Prince)

Bob Martin · #52 11-01-2016, 07:52 AM

Great Video DAN...
Really like it!!
Nice Tribute....and pretty roll too...

Snowflake · #53 11-01-2016, 08:03 AM

That's an awesome video... Someday you'll need to post the out-takes!

RVbySDI · #54 11-01-2016, 08:24 AM

Dan, you truly are THE MAN!!

Awesome video!

ExtraKatana · #55 11-01-2016, 09:19 AM

1997 in a crowded Burger King at McCarron Airport I could not help but tap him on the shoulder because he was directly in front of me with his tray. I couldn't think of anything better to open the conversation than "Jimmy Doolittle said you were the best Stick and Rudder Man who ever lived." He gave a wide smile and the conversation ensued. He invited me to his table where it was one-on-one for the next 30 minutes over two Whoppers, talking about everything aviation. I asked for his autograph as we parted and he said "I'll do one better." He wrote my address on a napkin and I received a box of Bob Hoover Memorabilia one week later. It even included his business Card to Enstrom West and a note that said, "stay in touch." What a Gentleman.

DanH · #56 11-01-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVbySDI

Dan, you truly are THE MAN!!

No. Mr. Hoover was the man...a truly fine man.

I've previously told the story about Patti calling around to see about obtaining an autographed copy of Forever Flying. She left a number with someone, and then more or less forgot about it. Days later the phone rang in the kitchen. It was Hoover, calling personally to ask how she would like the book inscribed.

He stayed on the phone with her for 45 minutes, just talking. Did she like to fly? What sort of airplane did we have? Did she like Oshkosh? Patti said he was sincerely interested, and absolutely charming.

There are lots of guys who are very good sticks. Not many of those guys, at the peak of their profession, would take the time to call, just so a wife he had never met could obtain a birthday present for her husband. And how many would want to hear her airplane stories?

Mr. Hoover may or may not have taught me about flying, but he did teach me something about being a man.

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #57 11-01-2016, 12:41 PM

Every time I think there's no hope for the human race -- this is a side effect of being in the news business -- someone tells a Bob Hoover story.

David Paule · #58 11-01-2016, 05:27 PM

Nice one, Dan.

Dave

Neal@F14 · #59 11-01-2016, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH

Bob Hoover was my hero. When he passed on last week, I got thinking it would be fun to do a short video tribute. I think he would have been amused.

https://vimeo.com/189574781

PS...it's tea.

Pure awesome! Bob is not only smiling at this, he is cheering at the old " imitation is the grestest form of flattery" thing.

bwestfall · #60 11-01-2016, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry

Sadly, one of them is Bob Hoover. I had plenty of opportunities at Oshkosh. But it was Bob Hoover and who the heck am I?

I'll add to this... In the late 90's, not sure the exact date I saw Bob's routine in the Shrike at the Hillsboro Airshow in Oregon. After his routine his plane was parked back in the static section and he would stand in front in his straw hat to answer any questions.

Seems he was there for hours. I remember pacing back and forth in front of his plane trying to work up the nerve to introduce myself. Like Bob Collins I too was too shy and star struck to strike up a conversation w/him. I've always regretted that and wish I could go back and replay that one a bit differently.