One of the really great parts about stunt is that we not only get to see our heroes in person, but we actually have the opportunity to get to know them. Growing up, as far back as I can remember, names like Les McDonald, Bill Werwage, and Bob Gieseke (among others) were regular figures in stories I would hear from my Dad. Before I ever met them they were already larger than life. At that time I never imagined I would fly stunt, yet they were already inseparable from my life.
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bear's passing today. In the years since I was child, I had gotten to know Bear and consider him to be like a second father and close friend. In fact, my dad would always say that when he talked with Bear, he would always ask about me by saying "how's my boy?"
Knowing Bear, as many do, being a competitor was at his core. I think there was always a part of him that would question each year if he should keeping competing once he was past his prime. I only hope he knew half of what it meant to have him there year after year. His presence at the field was invaluable, and I dread the next time I go to a contest that he would normally be at, knowing he won't be.
Like most people here, I have so many memories of Bear. The happiness in his smile the time Bill Rich brought frostys to the field for Bear, Curt, Randy, my dad and I. The really windy NATS a decade or so ago when he had a chance to make the Top 5 after the first round of Top 20. Bear would always say he wanted to make the Top 5 one last time, and all of the sudden it seemed possible. I remember looking at the first round score with him under the pavilion and the realization and excitement that came with it. He gave me a little smile and raised his eyebrows up and down with look of hmmmm. I later remember the second round flight when he ended up tripping and losing the opportunity....never have I felt so devastated at a contest. I always remember how happy he was when his brother Don was at a contest as his coach. I remember watching a team trials finals with him just sitting on the little hill by the race car track at Muncie. I also remember a time I flew into Muncie for a team trials and was coaching my dad. I was only there a short time, and we were rushing around to practice and trim. I finally saw Bear as we were in the middle of all of that, and there wasn't much time to talk. I think Bear knew I felt bad that I couldn't chat longer, but he just said "Go, you have work to do!" The last letter I received from Bear was a few years back. Though he was frustrated about his inability to look up to fly overheads, he couldn't be more proud of Doug's NATS win, and I don't think even winning himself would have made him happier.
I think Curt's comment about a huge emptiness in his heart is spot on...I know exactly how he feels, and have been choked up more than once today. Damn I'll miss him.
I'd like to personally thank Mike Scott for letting me send a get well card to Bear care of him, and especially for making sure if got to him before today. I really, really appreciate it Mike!
I'll miss ya Bear...
Topic: Bob Gieseke (Read 10872 times)