Our head Docent at War Eagles recently passed away.

[Clifford Bossie]

Frank Arrufat had been our head docent for the past couple of years. He had been a naval aviator and flown COD to ships on Yankee Station. After he left the Navy he flew for TWA until retirement. In the 1970's he imported an FG-1D (Bu. No. 92489 N209TW) from El Salvador and spent decades on the restoration. The airplane was named "Kathleen" after his wife. About four, or five years ago he sold the airplane, which is now with the Texas Flying Legends Museum.

While looking through his log book he discovered that he had stick time in our T-28B (Bu. No. 138247) while he was in training at P-cola. Frank passed away 20 November. He was a friend and a mentor. Our museum director and I (and everyone else) felt that we should recognise Frank's devotion, so today I added his name to our T-28.







I left my camera at home, had to use my phone for the photos.

[Pat Carry]

Sorry for your loss. Just reading your post indicates to me he will be missed around the museum.

[valdez25]

I flew with Frank at TWA. (The N-Number on the Corsair is a reference to TWA) He was an awesome man. He was a devoted husband and father, and a passionate aviator. I'll never forget his soft, deep, and friendly voice, his infectious smile, or the twinkle in his eyes when he spoke of his wife, kids, or warbirds, or the conviction in his eyes when he spoke of serious matters. He weathered his wife's successful battle with cancer, only to be afflicted with the terrible disease himself. The last time we talked he steered the conversation toward the happenings in my life, as he usually did, ignoring his own desperate battle with cancer. A loyal, strong, and faithful husband, father, and friend. What a privilege it was to know such a guy.

[PbyCat-Guy]

RIP and god bless sir.