Warbird Information Exchange

How is it that I'm sitting here a thousand miles away from someplace I've never been, literally in tears over the loss of a man I never met face to face?

Because Gary Austin had a unique ability to reach out... he not only had an amazing gift at mechanical and metal work, but he also had an almost surreal ability to communicate with those who didn't know 1/1000th of what he did, and help them learn. That thread on Ol' 927 is still one of my personal "watershed" moments, wherein I got to experience almost first-hand the level of effort, talent, and dedication it takes to restore these old aircraft and keep them flying for years to come. I had never had such an opportunity in real life, and as the work progressed, I couldn't wait to see each new post and Gary's "photobomb" documenting even the smallest tasks.

Regrettably, I am a virtual nobody when it comes to personal impact on Gary's life, but he will always stand as an inspiration to me- because he's the guy that took the time to show me how it's done, even if it was only online.

I am not a religious man by nature, but God, if You're listening, I would humbly ask You to take good care of this ol' Texas redneck... he meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people down here, and we're gonna miss him something fierce.

With respect, admiration, and profound sadness-

Lynn Ritger
Newport News, VA

EDIT: I can't believe this.

Over the past week, our company had it's annual conference, so I was away from my computer for most of that time. I happened to check my inbox just now, and ... there was a personal message from Gary thanking me for my input on the CAF, dated 15 October.

At 1:09.

Words fail to describe how much sadder this makes me over his loss.

For once, I have no words. I didn't get past the first page of this. I couldn't.

Mudge

_________________
Land of the free because of the brave

It's a feeling that defines emptiness to sit here missing someone I've never met.

May Gary rest in peace,you are in my prayers

Group,

I would like to offer my condolenances to Gary's Family.

Gary and I talked last week and he was planning on coming out to pick out one of my P-40 replicas. I was looking forward to meeting Gary in person as he picked out his P-40 replica.

I had traded the P-40 replica for an R-4360 and an L-5 project (Griffin powered L-5). I picked up the R-4360 about two weeks ago from Aero traders. Gary was planning to bring out the L-5, and pick out his P-40 replica. Gary talked like it would be fairly soon.

Laterrrrrr
Avn-Tech

Wow this is such a shock. I never meet Gary ...........Nore never made contact with him ..................But fee l that I knew him on a personal level.
If one takes the time to go back and look at past post . with Gary envoled they were always with the up most respect ..........even if it was over matter that were not pleasent. The Wixer family lost a good one today.
I am taking my son to his first Airshow this weekend in Houston and I am planning on sharing with him the fine work that Gary did on Ol 927 and the suggestions that wisdon that he offered on other Aircraft that he was involed with. Origanations like the CAF will always be stronger from all the knowlage that he brought to the table on SAFETY For the CREWS And the Planes them selves.
God Speed Gary Missed By All but not forgotten.

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Always Keep Em Flying !

Glen

Lookie Capt Jim! Wham! Wham! ...............................Termights

What terrible, terrible news. I only met Gary a couple of times in person, at Reno and Nellis, but would always take the time to read his posts - always insightful and interesting.

So sad that he should be taken from us in this way. Blue skies, Gary.

Well, this just stinks. Gary stopped in here at Wendover a few times on the way to and from Reno. He had a lot of kind words and support for the museum and folks here. It will be hard to think about seeing the guy climbing out of that little racer and not get a bit misty eyed. Dang.

God Speed Gary!

Tom P.
"Wendovertom"

I am glad and blessed, because I met the man, shook his hand, talked with him and shared a few occasions while in Midland or at Austin Acres.

Always the nice guy, always generous with his time and knowledge.

Somewhat though, all of this does not make it easier to digest the sad news.

Requiescat in pacem, Gary....


Tulio

_________________
Why take the best part of life out of your life, when you can have life with the best part of your life in your life?

I am one of them 'futbol' people.

Will the previous owner has pics of this double cabin sample

GOOD MORNING, WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Press "1" for English.
Press "2" to disconnect until you have learned to speak English.

Sooooo, how am I going to know to press 1 or 2, if I do not speak English????

In my years of online banter, I have read of the passing of members of communities like WIX that I am or have been a part of. In all of these years I have only felt that deep sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach three times. The first time was the tragic death of the child of the community founder. The second was a good friend. A man that at times I had been right down the road from, but never had the chance to shake his hand. Like so many here who speak of Gary, our paths never could seem to cross.

I never met or even talked to Gary directly. But he brought his own special blend of joy and wisdom to those here who knew him. And its at times like these that we reflect. We are only certain of one thing and thats right now. If it's worth saying, say it. If it's worth doing, do it. Don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today. For there may be no tomorrow.

Gary fought his demons, and they got the better of him. I say, like so many others, to those who fight those same demons, find someone to talk to. Realize that not for one second can you fight them alone. I don't think any of us would have not spent hours on the phone, or even jumped on a plane if he had said, "Hey, I just need someone to talk to."

Rest in Peace Gary.

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Robert "JP" Spivey

I am short on words- the best I can make of the muddle in my mind is this:

Gary-
I know we've chatted along in some of these threads... I have always enjoyed your postings from "Austin's Acres", and had a few thoughts of visiting, should I ever make it out there... I have always enjoyed your postings, and though we've never met, I'm sure we could have enjoyed a beer and a long talk on warbirds.

I'm sorry we'll not have the chance in this life, but will look forward to the chance in the next.

Clear Prop!
Pull Chocks!

You Will Be Missed!

Robbie (aka Scott A. Roberts)

Rest In Peace

Robbie

Gary, you were, and still are an important WIX member. I met you only via PMs here and you were always great to chat with. The Stratalina is a great sense of humor. In my brief contact with you I will remember you for our conversations within this forum. I really feel like I missed out on meeting a great guy and only know him from a very narrow perspective. You made an impact on a lot of people who would otherwise be random strangers. You will be missed more than you know by many people here. You will be remembered by me with happy thoughts.

_________________
F-84F Simulator Project
www.f-84f.org

I just got home from work to this. I will need some time to figure out what to say.

I told Jack in an email that if there is a heaven (and I believe that there is) Gary is in a fast Sea Fury at Reno with his grandfather in the back seat.

Godspeed, my friend. We will miss you more than you could know.
Scott and Ellen

I only met Gary once out here in Cali, and he defenitly had alot of talent and skill combined with his love of the aircraft. He definitly will be missed. I am skill shocked at this. I just got a PM and havent been on the board until just now.

Best Wishes for his family....

Will be missed around here.

_________________
California Air Heritage Foundation
B-25J / C-47B / And the list goes on....
"Never start a fight with 7 men when all your packin' is a 6-Gun! "

Proud Supporter of....American Aeronautical Foundation 501(c)(3)
http://www.aafgroup.org