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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: Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:49 am 
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Jack Cook wrote:
Looks like Bob Brown with Skeets in the Navy Stearman.
"Lady Anna" is PT in the bottom photo. I think she was the first 450
they built and was named for Skeets's mom.
Brad your right that weekend was a blast!!!


You're right Jack, that is Bob. I was going to put that on the caption but I forgot to. I've fixed it now.

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PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 12:19 pm 
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I've got a awesome picture of a bunch of us with Jeff's SNJ.
It's to big for my scanner but I'll try andget it posted.

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PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 12:39 pm 
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Here it is..........
Good friends are what makes aviation truly special!!
Image
After we loaded the SNJ-4 onto Skeets trailer for the trip from SLE to Workman.
(L-R) "River Bob", Jeff Wright aka JCW, Jack Dickey-RIP, Me, Roger Burton & "Skeets" Mehrer-RIP.

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PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 4:25 pm 
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I have Known Skeets for 30 plus years, worked on many of his airplanes overhauling his propellers for him... He always called me Laurie Baby,,
pinned a few of his special pins on my shirt also... So sad as I had talked to him at 8:30 that morning and he was his old self.. Always told me to remember that he was on social security before I prepared his bills. RIP Skeets you have gone to the big one in the sky....
Laurie Marshall


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PostPosted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:53 pm 
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Hi All, New to WIX.

I first met Skeets in 1983, as a crew member, the first year Lickety Split (SNJ-5) raced under that moniker. In '85 I became Crew Chief, a job I took willingly and kept at Skeets' insistence. Needless to say, Skeets and I developed a very good and trusting friendship, and enjoyed many great times together.

The Stearman restorations began with BJ, a 450 ex duster that was co-owned and restored by Skeets and Jack Dickie. Jack's son Steve currently owns BJ (it is for sale if you know someone who may be interested).

#2 was Breezy, a 220 that is owned by Skeets' Daughter and Son-in-law, Art and Patty Whitney.

#3 (I think) was a partial restoration for Bob Burton.

#4 (I think) was Lady Anna, another 450, affectionately named in honor of Skeets' Mother (#3 and #4 were in progress at the same time).

Then, in no particular order, came Friskie, Glad-He-Ator, Cloud Dancer, #37 (partial restoration), Dragon Lady, and most recently, Golden Hawk. I may have missed one or two so if someone knows which feel free to add. All of the restorations after #4 were in pseudo military paint in honor of each of the services (did you know the Marine Corps flew Stearmans? LOL).

Skeets also owned "Old No 7", an AT-6D in Navy markings. This A/C is currently on display at the Pearson Museum in Vancouver WA. Of note, the original interphone system is still installed, complete with dynamotor, and it is operable (at least it was the last time I flew in it).

Skeets, farewell my good friend. I toast you with a "Camas Special" (Ezra Brooks and Diet 7Up). May you be blessed with blue skies and tailwinds forever.


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