I just got the news that a good friend, Gary Widmer, died Thursday morning. . I will miss him.

Is this true???  Gary and I corresponded frequently by e-mail.  Someone please confirm this news!!!

Well, it's been confirmed by two reliable sources.  Gary Widmer is gone.  "Wid" was a former C-130 and C-141 pilot (1st Lt) during Vietnam, and a very funny, no-nonsense guy.  I , for one, shall miss him and his "in your face" humor.

Of course it's also troubling that he was considerably younger.....

Terrible news.  The past few weeks have been tough on the Stunt community. Anybody have a good photo of Gary? I recognize the name but can't put a face with it. EDIT Here's a photo courtesy of Lana Ashford via Mike Keville.


Here is a photo that I would like to share with those of you who have known Gary for a long time. It was taken at my goodbye party in 1982 when my husband and I were moving to Paris. This I love this photo because he & Mary look so happy and he has a twinkle in his eyes.

 

I had the pleasure to work in the same building with Gary Widmar for several years at Los Angeles Air Force Base.  He was a civilian working for the Air Force as a procurement officer for several of the satellite programs there.  We had lunch together often and shared many stories about models and our careers in the Air Force.  He was a quiet man but had very strong opinions about any number of subjects.  Before I met him, he was into big time Free Flight, mostly Wakefield and Coup de Vier.  He showed me some of those rubber models.  They were absolutly works of art.  When I met him, his interest had turned primarily to control line.  He did not build much and flew even less, but the interest was still there.  Based on comments he would often send me, I know he monitored these forums regularly but seldom posted anything.  He was looking forward to move from the LA area, but would not because he was seeing after his mother.  And she survived him.

A very quiet and gentle man.  He was a friend and will be missed.

Keith

"Things start to change" OH YES.  I just spent 12 days in the hospital because of "change".  Amazing how one part of the body affects three other parts.  You guys out there, 40 and up, be sure to get your PSA checked every year.  Trust me, you don't want to go through the related surgery. Not even. Never.  It will ruin three months of flying, building and contests.  Plus a lot of other things happen, none good. 

Ty, I hope you are recovering well!   I didn't know you were having problems......... 

I am jumping through hoops now having to get cleared by a host of doctors.  Probable surgery after the first of the year.  It beats the alternative and really gives you a wake up call......

Mongo