Remembrances of Allen Brickhaus

[Bob Hunt]

It's been a few of weeks since the news broke of the passing of Allen Brickhaus. No need again here to express just how special Allen was to our community; everyone is well aware of that.

Many of us have special memories of interactions with Allen. My special memory is the time that my son, Robby and I caravaned with Allen and Ron Woodman on a trip out to Pasco, Washington in 1995 to attend the Nats. That was a great trip and we had lots of very humorous moments. Those who knew Allen also know of his sometimes offbeat sense of humor... For years after that trip we would kid each other about the zany things that happened during that trip out and back.

Here's why I started this thread. I would like to publish an article in Stunt News that contains short stories about other modeler's special memories of Allen. These could be humorous memories or simply things that come to mind about times spent with Allen. I'd like to keep these to short (200 words or less) essays. I'll run as many of them as space allows in the next issue of Stunt News.

Please take the time to write down your memorable experience with Allen; not only would it help to define just how special a person he was, but it would also be something that Kathy would likely cherish forever.

Send your remembrances to me at robinhunt (at) rcn (dot) com. If you have photos, please send them as well in jpeg form. Try for at least 600 dpi at 5 x 7 on the photos so that they will print clearly in Stunt News. I can't guarantee that I will use the photos, but I can guarantee that if I don't have them I won't use them...

Thanks for doing this in memory of our mutual friend.

Later - Bob Hunt   

   

[Will Davis]

I  Like this one, I know Allen did, he sent it to me a couple days before he passed

[Paul Taylor]

Bob
This is a great idea. I knew Allen as a friend but do not have the history that a lot of people do. I know Jim Lynch is going to write up a little something for CLW.

I just hope some people will put aside there differences and come to Brodak's. My guess is there will be a large gathering at the flag pole.

[Andrew Saunders]

Even though Allen and I lived three hours away from each other, he would still call to check up on me or to offer advice and knowledge on control line flying. Every contest he would come over to offer advice or positive criticism. Every time he was around, he would have some great story to tell or to tell a new joke he just heard.  Back in January of 2013 I bought a top flite score from Allen and I made some of the modifications that Allen was talking about to it. I cant wait to maiden it. Allen really wanted to see the plane fly.  At the 2013 Paducah contest, I was just about to give up and quit flying due to allot of engine troubles.  Allen talked me out of it and I am glad he did. Ill never forget at the beginner NATS he came up to me and even before I got to say anything, he asked if I was gonna fly and compete. I said no I was just there for Byron barkers memorial service. Allen and Byron are both fellow club members. But he said that I needed to fly and he wanted me to. Said I need to at least fly for Byron cause Byron would want me too.  I will greatly miss his friendship, mentorship, and everything Allen stood for.  He really was a mentor and friend to many.  

[Mike Keville]

Well, here's one:

At long-ago VSCs, Allen and I would make bets on which maneuver a certain flyer would crash.  (No, I'm not going to name the flyer.)

Our bet was for a cup of coffee.  One of us would bet "Reverse Wingover", the other would say "Triangles" or whatever.  We had a lot of laughs over this, at the flyer's expense, though he never knew about it.

Allen thought it was hilarious.  As I recall, he won the last one....and I still owe him a cup of coffee.

Not sure how I'm going to pay-up now.  But maybe someday....

[James Mills]

This is a great idea Bob.

James

[Randy Ryan]

I sent you one Bob

[Randy Ryan]

Got it Randy! Very nice indeed!

Thanks - Bob

Thanks for letting me know, I sent it from work and sometime they get caught in the "que"