Goodbye to a Friend

[Derek Koopowitz]

I would just like to echo what Troy wrote... For those of us in District 7,
Bob is and has always been a fixture in pattern for many, many years.  His
insightful comments and sometimes caustic comments will always be
remembered... He had my sense of humor - he got it right with life and
blessed us all with his presence.  He came into this world a winner and went
out one too - 1st place in Masters at his last contest this past weekend.

Happy snaps, Bob, we'll miss you!

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org] On
Behalf Of Troy Newman
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2003 4:20 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Goodbye to a Friend


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
=====================================
# To be removed from this list, send a message to 
# discussion-request at nsrca.org
# and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
#



==================# To be removed from this list, send a message to 
# discussion-request at nsrca.org
# and put leave discussion on the first line of the body.
#