Thu Dec 25, 2008 2:29 pm
God Speed - Lefty.
[Might anyone have a bio to post?]
{Moonbeam has a connection to Lefty - 'allegedly' it was 'moved' southbound with several other Mustangs at the same time....on one particular night....under the wing of a legally exported Connie..........
But you did not read it here!}
VL
[Might anyone have a bio to post?]
{Moonbeam has a connection to Lefty - 'allegedly' it was 'moved' southbound with several other Mustangs at the same time....on one particular night....under the wing of a legally exported Connie..........
But you did not read it here!}
VL
Thu Dec 25, 2008 2:47 pm
vlado wrote:God Speed - Lefty.
[Might anyone have a bio to post?]
{Moonbeam has a connection to Lefty - 'allegedly' it was 'moved' southbound with several other Mustangs at the same time....on one particular night....under the wing of a legally exported Connie..........
But you did not read it here!}
VL
Chuck Lyford recalled to me seeing Lefty and the Connie when he was in El Salvador in 1969.
Thu Dec 25, 2008 3:10 pm
It is the end of a very special era. Lefty Gardner knew that these planes represented something so great in history and was one of the few people with the foresight to start preserving them so long ago. I owe my interest in warbirds and being involved in the planes I fly today to Lefty's founding of the CAF in 1961.
Thu Dec 25, 2008 3:32 pm
I also received a call yesterday and I'm still sadden with the news. My deepest condolences to the Gardner's and a thank you to Lefty for all the memories...........
Lynn
Lynn
Thu Dec 25, 2008 3:52 pm
My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
I had some dealings with Lefty in the mid 80's. Everyone knows how great a pilot he was, and I have to add he was that great of a man as well. With a handshake you had a contract better than any could be written by attorneys. I am thankful to have known him and will always remember the ride of my life in the "small baggage" area behind him in White Lightning. He was one of a kind; a kind, honest, and passionate man.
Lex
I had some dealings with Lefty in the mid 80's. Everyone knows how great a pilot he was, and I have to add he was that great of a man as well. With a handshake you had a contract better than any could be written by attorneys. I am thankful to have known him and will always remember the ride of my life in the "small baggage" area behind him in White Lightning. He was one of a kind; a kind, honest, and passionate man.
Lex
Thu Dec 25, 2008 4:15 pm
God speed & all my prayers to the family.
I am still curious to know if Lefty ever saw his P38 after the amazing work done by the restorers.
It was after all a life long dedication and his foresight of his that made that P38 so special.
I am still curious to know if Lefty ever saw his P38 after the amazing work done by the restorers.
It was after all a life long dedication and his foresight of his that made that P38 so special.
Thu Dec 25, 2008 5:18 pm
"White Lightning" was one of my earliest warbird memories with its distinctive paint scheme. I saw the plane's very last performance as WL in Tullahoma, TN June 24, 2001. It crash landed the next day with Lefty's son at the controls.
RIP Lefty,
BK
RIP Lefty,
BK
Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:56 pm
Ad astra, Lefty: you and your machine made a tangible difference in this boy's life, and I'm sure plenty others as well. Were I to do half so well, sir, I should be pleased indeed.
Thu Dec 25, 2008 6:57 pm
Oh my god...I just got the new Warbird Digest with his airplane on the cover the day before he died.
"After the airshows are over, and there are no more races to run. I trust that the good Lord above me will look favorably on all I have done.
You know it's been like heaven on earth to fly this magnificent plane.
To pierce the sky and dodge the clouds and soar above the rain.
They say you can't take it with you, when you pass through the pearly gates.
But I hope and pray that the angels above Want a ride in my P38"
(WD-24 recieved December 24, 2008, page 25)
John
"After the airshows are over, and there are no more races to run. I trust that the good Lord above me will look favorably on all I have done.
You know it's been like heaven on earth to fly this magnificent plane.
To pierce the sky and dodge the clouds and soar above the rain.
They say you can't take it with you, when you pass through the pearly gates.
But I hope and pray that the angels above Want a ride in my P38"
(WD-24 recieved December 24, 2008, page 25)
John
Thu Dec 25, 2008 8:15 pm
Michel Lemieux wrote:God speed & all my prayers to the family.
I am still curious to know if Lefty ever saw his P38 after the amazing work done by the restorers.
It was after all a life long dedication and his foresight of his that made that P38 so special.
Unfortunately no to my knowledge but it was in the works....
Lynn
Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:49 pm
Condolences to all now saddened by Lefty's passing.
Still my favorite warbird airshow act. Those knife edge passes will forever be etched in my memory.
Still my favorite warbird airshow act. Those knife edge passes will forever be etched in my memory.
Thu Dec 25, 2008 9:56 pm
My favorite was the single engine maneuvers. Never got any good pictures though. By the time I had a camera that would capture it, it was removed from his routine. I was just by Old Rebel Field a month or so ago. No doubt he was a competent pilot, and I imagine there are a lot of stories we'll never hear.
My condolences to the family.
Chunks
My condolences to the family.
Chunks
Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:31 am
Lefty was very special...
Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:42 am
Very sad news indeed.
It sure would be neat if a flyover of White Lightning could be arranged for the funeral.
It sure would be neat if a flyover of White Lightning could be arranged for the funeral.
Fri Dec 26, 2008 5:06 am
A legend has left us. I'll never forget attending all of the Airsho's back in the 70's and 80's where Lefty flew White Lightning. The memories I had of him as a kid is something I will always cherish.
Condolences to the Gardner family.
Does anybody know what Lefty flew during the War?
Condolences to the Gardner family.
Does anybody know what Lefty flew during the War?