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Gone West: Ed Hopkins, NWM / 1941 HAG Crew Chief
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Author:  Ryan Keough [ Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Gone West: Ed Hopkins, NWM / 1941 HAG Crew Chief
Hello everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to let those of you here who were active in the National Warplane Museum and later the 1941 HAG in Geneseo, NY, know of some sad news regarding one of the key individuals there...

Ed Hopkins, long known as the Chief Mechanic for most of the warbirds that graced the grass at Geneseo, passed away today after a long health battle. Despite his failing health, Ed could still be seen with the volunteer crews through the winter working on the aircraft he loved so dearly despite being confined to a wheelchair.

Ed, Eddie, Hoppy, Chief... no matter how you knew him, you always knew of him as a dedicated friend and an amazing wrench. He was one of the people who traveled to Mesa, AZ in 1985 and helped get Tanker 89, N9563Z ready to make the flight back to it's new home in Geneseo to begin it's new life as "Fuddy Duddy." For years you could find Ed working late in the hangar on 44-83563 to ready her for the next mission in this new life. You see, Ed had a unique history with 44-83563... he worked on her when she was a VIP transport in the Philippines after WWII... and then in her second life in his hometown.

During airshow time, Ed was the ground ops chief for just about every airshow and kept the flightline safe for years. I can't recall a time when I didn't see him zooming about in the "Follow Me" truck.

Ed was one of the people that helped form my interest in aviation during my teenage years. His seemingly gruff exterior gave way to his care, patience and friendship around those who worked along side him on the projects at hand. He became a great friend and I always appreciated the lessons he passed on to greenhorn, snot-nose kids like me.

So tonight, I raise a glass to the West and toast you Ed Hopkins on your new mission... you are missed by a great many people including your wife Raubie and family. I hope you'll look down on the aircraft that saw your care over the years and bless us with good compressions, clean plugs, and sound oil temps.

Thank you Eddie... Godspeed my friend.

- Ryan
Author:  michaelharadon [ Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
^Real nice letter.^
Author:  Nathan [ Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:56 am ]
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sad day :cry:
Author:  Jiggersfromsphilly [ Tue Oct 13, 2009 6:59 am ]
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May he rest in peace. Thank you for your service and may you have soft landings sir. My deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and friends.
Author:  Zachary [ Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:45 am ]
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A real loss to the warbird community. Rest in Peace....
Author:  Chuck Gardner [ Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:46 pm ]
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Taken a week before the airshow this year
Image
Author:  TimAPNY [ Wed Oct 14, 2009 6:56 am ]
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I'm sorry to hear that! My condolences goes out to the family and friends.

Tim
Author:  Holedigger [ Wed Oct 14, 2009 7:05 am ]
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Sounds like a great loss. Condolences to friends and family. Really does put the point to just who will fill the shoes of this generation as they either get too old to work on warbirds or have passed. Their deep knowledge, their historical footing, their passion are immeasurable. Who will pick up the ball and run with it? It is a challenge folks.
Author:  B-25 C [ Wed Oct 14, 2009 9:09 am ]
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My condolences to Friends and Family Gods Speed.
Author:  AHancock51 [ Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
We are having a Memorial Service for Ed on the 31st of this month at 11:00am in the "Swanson Hall" at the museum. Anyone is welcome to come.

- Austin Hancock
1941 Historical Aircraft Group
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