Mon Oct 26, 2009 5:48 pm
Oh my God... One of the nicest people on WIX, hands down. I always wished I could have visited Austin Acres and listened to his CAF stories.
Of course all our prayers go out to his family.
Would the CAF consider painting some kind of tribute to him under the nose art on Ol' 927?
(If you hear a strange noise in the sky tonight, a Stratolina will have just bellied in at the gates of heaven.)
Of course all our prayers go out to his family.
Would the CAF consider painting some kind of tribute to him under the nose art on Ol' 927?
(If you hear a strange noise in the sky tonight, a Stratolina will have just bellied in at the gates of heaven.)
Last edited by Chris Brame on Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 5:50 pm
Prayers up
Tears down
Tears down
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:00 pm
I am speechless. I only met him briefly when Ol' 927 debuted in Oshkosh and he was a true gentleman. My thoughts are with his family and friends. 
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:01 pm
Just found out about this on Facebook, and now here. I am in shock and can hardly believe it. I am incredibly saddened by this news. My heart goes out to all of Gary's friends and family, and our own "family" here on WIX. We've lost one of the real good guys folks...
Zack
Zack
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:02 pm
Boy you said it Spanner. 
I'm not a religious guy myself, but Ill make an exception and send a prayer out for that man. God speed my comrade. God speed.
I'm not a religious guy myself, but Ill make an exception and send a prayer out for that man. God speed my comrade. God speed.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:02 pm
I can't Believe it, He was so nice...
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:03 pm
What a huge loss. He helped me with a couple of small projects over the last year or so, and his fabrication skills never ceased to amaze me. Blue Skies my friend!
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:04 pm
I dont want to add too much . I am in pain as all of you.
Gary was a lovely man.
Gary was a lovely man.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:05 pm
Terrible news. There are no words.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:06 pm
You gotta be kidding me. 
Have we truly lost our Grand Amassador!? Gary is/was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of this forum. If this isn't a hoax, then may God rest his soul. What a hell of a guy.
Have we truly lost our Grand Amassador!? Gary is/was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of this forum. If this isn't a hoax, then may God rest his soul. What a hell of a guy.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:10 pm
My deepest condolences to family and friends, and wishing quick healing to all those now saddened by their loss.
Godspeed, Gary.
Godspeed, Gary.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:16 pm
His last post:
(found in the Off topic section. He talks about how he got started in this whole plane biz and I think its a very fitting post.)
They better have a good DSL connection in Heaven.
retroaviation wrote:Unless it's changed, the requirement is 22 months of school, or 30 months of on the job training before being allowed to take the FAA exams. I also got my license through the on the job training, starting out my career by working at a prop shop and washing airplanes. I then "moved up" to panel puller, bearing packer, and spark plug cleaner at a scumbag flight school.
Unfortunately, there's nothing very glamorous about starting out as an airplane mechanic. The old saying used to be "small airplanes, small money...big airplanes, big money," but with the state of the airlines these days, I'm not sure that even applies anymore. I know quite a few folks who went to school and got jobs right away in the airline industry, and are doing quite well. However, the majority of folks who try this line of work end up not being able to hang in there due to financial constraints, lack of life, etc. The only reason I was able to get as far along as I have (and I'm still broke), is because I've never had a family to support......well, and I'm a little hard-headed.
Getting involved with Warbirds (if that's what your goals are) takes lots of commitment and a fair amount of luck as well. You've got to find a group of folks with the ol' airplanes that not only appreciates your efforts, but are also willing to trust you with their equipment. Naturally, this takes time, but if you can find someone who knows your heart is in it, then you need to feed off of them and learn everything you possibly can. I had a great group of folks in Memphis, TN that allowed me to do just that, not to mention the unbelievable experiences I had while working for Nelson Ezell, in Breckenridge, TX.
I hope some of this helps you with your goals.
Gary
(found in the Off topic section. He talks about how he got started in this whole plane biz and I think its a very fitting post.)
They better have a good DSL connection in Heaven.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:20 pm
This was at OSH on July 25th, 2007.
Hey folks how about posting your photos of Gary? I know I would like to see them.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:20 pm
Unfortunately, I was not familiar with the gentleman, but on behalf of myself, the 1941 HAGM Website Message Board and the 1941 HAG Museum and its members, please allow us to extend our sincerest condolences to Mr. Austin's friends and family.
Thomas C. Kwiatkowski Sr.
Thomas C. Kwiatkowski Sr.
Last edited by crusader1 on Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:20 pm
I am deeply saddened by this news. Gary's skill and how open he was with sharing that skill was and still is a huge inspiration for me.
God speed and blue skies Gary. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family.
God speed and blue skies Gary. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family.