The Duke Has Passed

jet a1 · Post by **jet a1** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 6:26 am

i never had the honour of meeting him, i've just read his stories. my heart goes out to his family, and hopefully they'll take some comfort in seeing how much of an impact he's had on aviation and fellow pilots, most of whom he's never met.
he'll be missed.
jet.

flyinthebug · Post by **flyinthebug** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 7:18 am

Im not sure how I could have possibly missed this topic?
My most sincere condolences to Les` family.
He was a gifted writer and his passion for this industry was a model for the next generation coming up.
God Speed Duke.
With Respect FTB

ZLIN 142C · Post by **ZLIN 142C** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 6:50 pm

It's been awhile since I checked up on this forum. I was saddened to hear of the Duke's passing. While it was not unexpected, it is unwelcome nonetheless. We should all be grateful that Les possessed a gift for the English language and a desire to share his stories.

Duke:

I never met you, at least not in this life. But I think you showed us all a lot about how to live in the time you were here. In particular, how to live with courage. In the face of your own certain death, you chose not to surrender to bitterness and fear and withdraw within yourself. Instead, you chose to share your life with all those here through your stories, and our lives are all better for it. There is no greater example of courage than this, in my opinion.

Good for you, Les, for reminding me that my own time is precious. I know a few "experienced" aviators much like yourself. Thanks to you I no longer take my time in their presence for granted.

Your stories are your legacy. May they never be forgotten. Godspeed, Duke.

Zlin

FSS · Post by **FSS** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:13 pm

The final departure,
The final flight,
Of which there is no landing.

yak driver · Post by **yak driver** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 7:09 pm

Now Les gets to show the angels how to do it right.

Pratt · Post by **Pratt** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:29 am

Time to bring this topic back up top. Tomorrow, Saturday is the day for the gathering for the celebration of life of the Duke. I will be there and hope to see some others of our online friends there among the people that will be attending.

Airtids, I will be looking for you and your 1 year old. Anybody else planning on showing up?

jumperdumper · Post by **jumperdumper** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:39 am

I will be attending the farewell party for the Duke today. I am looking forward to meeting everybody that shares the respect and admiration of this man who has influenced my aviation career. I hope everybody will take a moment and pause today to think of this man's love of aviation and for living life to the fullest.

"i will not tip-toe through life to arrive at death safely"

Airtids · Post by **Airtids** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:31 am

Unable to attend. Baby has an ear infection so can't fly. Too bad, Duke has seen to it that it's a beautiful day out here, making it easy for everyone to get together one last time. Shake the hangar roof off!!

Out of Control · Post by **Out of Control** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:40 am

Rest in Peace.

Airtids · Post by **Airtids** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:58 am

Anybody go? How was it?

jumperdumper · Post by **jumperdumper** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:04 am

It was a nice service with a large turn-out. There were serval flybys which capped of the service. It was something im sure Les would have approved of.

Blue Skies

Pratt · Post by **Pratt** » Sat Feb 26, 2005 8:01 pm

I also managed to attend the service. There was a large turn out, many friends, family and co-workers from a number of his previous places of work. A number of stories were related by friends and relatives that had the assembled folks alternating in laughter and tears, sometimes both at the same time.

After the service at the hangar a number of people gathered at the Flying Club for some libation and to carry on with the story telling.

It was a great day, with clear skies and warm temps, a fitting tribute to a great person and aviator.

Rest in peace Les.