Dennis,
On behalf of the entire Stout family, my condolences to you and your family for your loss.
My dad and I first met Big Art and the Adamisin clan for my first Nationals in 1973 in Oshkosh, WI. The wind was horrific for me flying an overweight Sig Chipmunk. Was very impressed on how Alan’s V Tail flew in the high winds and won Senior that year. At the 1974 Nationals in Lake Charles, LA, the Adamisin clan adopted me, where I flew against Alan for a second time in the Senior Class. I had my new Apparition, which was much lighter at 42 ounces and loved that thick southern air. I got a look at the Adamisin trailer for transporting all of their stunt ships, which was pretty cool. In 1978, Big Art reworked my ST 46, where I used one of his mufflers for my new Apparition 2. My dad and I met up again with the Adamisin clan at the 1979 Nationals in Lincoln, NE, where Dennis and I practiced together, and Marie help pit for me.
Big Art was a huge help to me at my first and only USA Team Trials in 1979 at Wright-Paterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. He saw what I was doing wrong with the outside portion of my square eight during practice and I fixed it. During finals the next day, I accidentally hurt my left hand starting my ST 46 for my first official flight. I cracked the 12/6 Rev Up prop right next to the base and left a dent in the wood from the bone in my middle finger. I’m a lefty, who fly’s with my right hand. After visiting the base health clinic and getting bandaged up, Big Art jumped right in and took over for me with my dad in my pit, and I was able to complete my two official flights and place 9th.
Very memorable times with a great family. Big Art and your family touch my life in a way that I will never forget. I only regret that we did not live closer, where we could have spent more quality time together.
Doug