Goodbye to a Friend

[Troy Newman]

For those of you who have not heard. I have some very sad news. I received
word that early yesterday morning Nov 5, Bob Whitacre passed away from a
heart attack.

This past Saturday Nov 1 Bob was the host and CD of a pattern contest at the
Hollister Flying field in Northern California.

Bob was a very special guy. For some of you that don't know....I was located
in San Jose for 3 months this past spring. Bob was my flying buddy, coach,
and friend for that time. I must say that I owe much of the success that I
have had flying this year to Bob. I have never known anyone that would come
out with me at 9am and leave at 3pm  4 days a week. Bob would just sit in
his chair and coach. In most cases he would not even take his plane out of
the car. He was thrilled and enthused to just help me with my flying. He was
content to just spend time working with me. Top this off with the fact that
when I left the area I thanked him for the help..His comment was "Hell I
learned more watching you do it than I could have ever learned flying
myself"

Bob was somewhat active here on the list and I know that there are at least
6-7 pilots in the San Jose area that Bob was mentoring. Bob was truly a
special guy that loved playing with our toy airplanes. He will surely be
missed by all that knew him.

To his wife Lorrie and all you guys in the group out there...Jenny and I
send our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks Bob. You have made a lasting impression on me.  I will never forget
you.....Its all 10's now my friend.


Troy Newman
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