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Classic Wings Magazine WWII Naval Aviation Research Pacific Luftwaffe Resource Center
When Hollywood Ruled The Skies - Volumes 1 through 4 by Bruce Oriss


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PostPosted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 11:57 am 
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Gordon Plaskett, of King City, CA, was born on December 2, 1935 and died on February 26, 2013. A fourth generation Californian, Gordon’s early years were spent with his brother Vernon on the family ranch in Wild Horse Canyon. His parents were Ethyl Eade Plaskett and Gordon Laurence Plaskett, a rancher and USAAF flight instructor during World War II. After graduating from King City High in 1952, Gordon attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, after which he enlisted in the Marines. In 1958, he began work as a crop duster in the Salinas valley, which he continued until 1998. During that time he owned and operated Greenbelt Aviation; after its sale, he managed the air division of Soilserv, Inc.

In 1974, he purchased his first P-51 Mustang project (44-73454), restoring a wreck acquired from author Richard Bach. It was from this first project that a warbird business began. He restored a total of seven P-51 Mustangs, two TBMs, and numerous Stearmans (including the first Stearman purchased by the US Army). He also restored and operated an ex-Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena TF-51D (44-73458) in 1977, the only flying dual control Mustang at the time, and trained pilots from all over the world. In the late 1970s and early 1980s Gordon operated a Stearman, T-6 and TF-51D in his training program. Ray Hannah, Cliff Roberston, Lee Lauderback and many others flew with Gordon in the TF. Gordon and his wife Barbara traveled extensively and especially loved England where they made many great friends. In the mid 1970s Gordon travelled to Haiti and puchased a large quantity of Mustang spares from the government, saving them from the smelter. He later purchased airframes and parts from the remaining Cavalier Aircraft Corp. inventory and sold them to Mustang operators in the US and abroad.

He loved to take his P-51 Mustang out on a beautiful day; the roar of his Merlin engine could often be heard throughout the Salinas valley. His last airplane was a Van's RV-8.

Gordon combined his entrepreneurial spirit and sense of adventure with a great love of family.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his children Lisa Plaskett (Randy Lasnick), Mark Plaskett (Julie Smart), Leslie Plaskett Merrill (Scott), Peter Iverson (Kristin), Jennifer Plaskett (Matt Burnes) A private (family only) graveside service was held on 4 March, 2013. A celebration of life is planned for 10 April in King City at the Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mee Memorial Hospital, King City CA 93930, and Agricultural Aviation Exhibit at Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum. Donations made to MCARLM, PO Box 644, King City CA 93930.

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Ed L.


Last edited by Ed L on Fri Apr 05, 2013 5:08 pm, edited 4 times in total.

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PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:39 pm 
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Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2009 8:07 pm
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Ed:

Good Evening:

We are indeed very sorry to hear that Mr. Gordon Plaskett went west! Our condolences to his wife & family during these hard times.

We'll remember him from bringing back to life many aircraft..specially FAS 400!! Blue Skies Gordon!!


Last edited by zorro7 on Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:01 pm 
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1000+ Posts!
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Location: Illinois, USA
FAS406 bids Godspeed, Gordon.
VL


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 12, 2016 1:40 am 
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Location: Shasta Lake, CA
I remember watching Gordon fly his Mustangs over the hills of the Salinas Valley.

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