The Duke Has Passed

No Conflict · Post by **No Conflict** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:09 pm

God speed. I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but a brother passing is always painful. I hope it's all smooth flying from here on.

Flying Low · Post by **Flying Low** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:39 pm

I has been my pleasure to read about your experiences. What a life!!

Duke you are cleared direct, the ride is smooth at all levels.

Post by **avcanada** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:45 pm

Les your words touched so many people including myself. I will truly miss reading a new story from Duke Elegant.

My condolences to Les's family and friends.

I will do my best to perserve your stories Duke. God speed.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 9:54 pm

his tales of a wayward aviator should be moved to the classics section i believe, also noticed that before the time warp his screen name had the classic poster rank, which was lost

R1830 · Post by **R1830** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 10:39 pm

Your insights touched us all Les...It was a pleasure..Happy Landings

bigsky · Post by **bigsky** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 10:54 pm

Take a moment to listen..reflect upon Les

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/amazgrac.htm

Godspeed Duke

Double Wasp · Post by **Double Wasp** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 11:39 pm

Heart felt condolences to the family for one that had so much left to teach but already left a lifetime of experiences with us. Keep the greasy side down Duke.

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Sun Feb 06, 2005 11:56 pm

Les, I feel very priveleged to not only have known you, but to have flown with you and enjoyed some of the perks of the job and the lifestyle with you. You will always be a solid memory of my beginnings in my journey through aviation, and not only a memory of interesting threads here on avcanada, but also one of the major threads that ties together my path in aviation with the good friends and great people that i have met along the way.

RIP my good friend.

Fork-Tailed Devil · Post by **Fork-Tailed Devil** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:10 am

Truly sad news. My condolences to his family. Les was one of those characters you just could never imagine going out like this. I always thought it would be a jealous husband or something. Les was always very encouraging to me when I was starting out flying. The total opposite of the 'grizzled captain' who tells every kid 'forget about flying and become a doctor or lawyer'. Les would reignite my enthusiasm when I was down on aviation. Why? Because he knew it was the best job on earth and there are more important things than money. I agree with him 100%. He used to torture me by 'forcing' me to consume large quantities of 'amber nectar' up at the club, then tell stories so funny the suds would be coming out my nose. I once had the honor of backing a King Air with him about 1000 feet down the runway, and later some in-flight use of beta. Hmm, your not supposed to do that. But then again you probably shouldn't chase married stewardesses either. I hope when he's not flying that big A-26 in the sky, he's out chasing hosties and sipping on 'golden throat charmers'. Cheers Duke. I'm drinking to you tonight. You will be missed.

Right Seat Captain · Post by **Right Seat Captain** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 5:59 am

I'm very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with his family and friends. You've touched us all with your stories, Les. Thank you.

shitdisturber · Post by **shitdisturber** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 12:25 pm

A truly gifted story teller. I hope that somewhere down the road, his family will be able to get his stories published for future generations to enjoy. So that he will truly be, "gone but never forgotten."

By the way moderators or whoever, any chance that the "Tales of a Wayward Aviator" be closed off to prevent further posts? I think it'd be fitting if the last word on there came from his daughter.

Snow Monkey · Post by **Snow Monkey** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:02 pm

Excellent idea Shit Disturber.

KAG · Post by **KAG** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:07 pm

A very sad day indeed.
I also like the idea of noone posting anything else on dukes thread. It would seem improper.

. . · Post by **. .** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:27 pm

the topic is now locked.

Snow Monkey · Post by **Snow Monkey** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:31 pm

Thanks

jumperdumper · Post by **jumperdumper** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 1:38 pm

My heart aches for his family, Les was my mentor and my friend. I will deeply miss him. I plan on attending his service to bid him a final fare well.

May all your skies be blue.

Gods Speed my friend

Slaz

Red1 · Post by **Red1** » Mon Feb 07, 2005 3:06 pm

you will be missed, thanks

... · Post by **...** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:18 am

...........I am sorry...........

Spiraldive · Post by **Spiraldive** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 9:07 am

You will be missed, Duke. Thank-you for letting us have a look into your wonderful life. Doing so has made ours more than a little better.

loopy · Post by **loopy** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 9:05 am

I'm at a loss for words. Duke, I, like many, only new you through your stories on this site which is like a comfortable den for so many of us in this career. You've made us all laugh, taught us a lot about flying...and living. You have had the greatest attitude despite the battle you have fought these last few years. I think we may all learn from your example. I consider you a mentor, something we all need, no matter how old we are.

My sincerest condolences to family and friends from one of your many admirers.

Fair breezes and clear skies my friend.

Loopy.

harveymushman · Post by **harveymushman** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 12:51 pm

I got to know Les during his time on the CASA an amazing man and role model to many.

HM

Sawmill Broad · Post by **Sawmill Broad** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:30 pm

Hi Everyone,

There will be a Celebration of Life for the Duke on the 19th of February, Saturday at 1pm

It will be held at the Upper Valley Aviation hangar which is at 8406 Lockheed Place in Chilliwack.

It is located just off Airport Rd. one block past the airport on the right.

I will be printing out all of the posts of condolences for his family and friends to read at the celebration.

Everyone is welcome and Duke's wife says thank you for honouring him.

Sawmill Broad

Airtids · Post by **Airtids** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 6:55 pm

Thanks for that, Sawmill. Hope to see you there. I'll be the one with the red-headed 1 year-old in arms. I'm sure the Duke won't mind the ruckus...

Avro Arrow 206 · Post by **Avro Arrow 206** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 5:45 pm

God speed, you will be missed duke

. ._ · Post by **. ._** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 6:14 pm

And istp ......... you're in my seat . Now Git!!!! Ah says GIT!

Happy trails, Duke. There are no engine failures where you're going. ( Unless you want one to spice things up.

)

I wish I had met the fella.

-istp