Back in the late 60's, a fine gentleman taught me to fly control line at Flushing Meadows Park. I was 14 at the time and rode my bicycle through Queens, Corona Park and then to Flushing Meadows to enjoy weekend after weekend flying until my 20's. He was one of the nicest guys ever to have lived, and live he did. His complete enjoyment was to teach newcomers and to fly every weekend with those who also thought the hobby was the Greatest !!
I'm Al Takatsch, one of Dick's Triple Partners, Bob Rey was the third member. We affectionately called him "Bob what's his name". Not sure why Dick called him that but the name stuck.
We flew together for many years until work or other reasons took us away from Flushing. But Dick was always there, flying doubles and triples with others until they too moved on.
I spent many an evening visiting and watching Dick repair his oil soaked Ringmasters, Shoestrings and some things that didn't look like planes at all. But everything always flew on the weekend. Barely.
When Dick passed away he left a legacy of students and friends that will remember him forever as the man who loved to teach.
Anyone else remember Dick or have a story to tell?
Al T.