Warbird Information Exchange

Mr. Wood is definitely in a better place now. He was a great man, a true gentleman and a great stick. I've had the pleasure of working in his hangar for about 3 years now, and have enjoyed every minute of his company. I consider myself very lucky to have the priveledge of being around him and the treasures he collected... Here's the Indy Star's bio...

http://www.indystar.com/article/2010020 ... ung-cancer

Tom fought a very brave four years of lung cancer, when the doctors said he'd make 6 months. I remember he would go cross-country skiing out at his place in Aspen about a year after his diagnosis. He wouldn't give up, fought every day, worked hard every day for his company. He was a great man.

Now, these aren't my pictures, so please let the credit go to the respective photogs, but I'd like to share pics of his warbird fleet he's collected over the years... Please don't anyone be upset that these aren't my pics, they're meant to remember Tom and what he loved.









Tailwinds and Blue Skies Mr. Wood, we'll miss you dearly.



T

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"There are two types of people here; airshow whores and airshow prostitutes. The whores, like you and I, do airshow stuff for free, whereas the prostitutes are paid" - Reg Urschler

Let me add my condolances along with all the others. I have known Tom for the 40 some years I've been involved with warbirds and WOA. I've had at least two flights in his mustang, but not with Tom flying, as Frank Strickler was doing the flying of the mustang, while Tom was flhying either the F8F or his F-86.
Tail winds forever, Tom.

Dick Phillips

My thoughts go to his family. RIP

Lynn

I hate it when I see someone's name posted. Just know it's not good news. But my thoughts are for the family.

I will miss Tom too, and I mean really. He was a truly gracious human being. Always had a word for you, even if he had met you only a couple minutes a year before. He arranged some wonderful photo opportunities for me, with his buddies of the Old Air Force (Strickler, Urschler, and the other warbird veterans). Always accomodated me the best he could. So glad that young Trey grew around him as Tom was an example.
That nose-on picture of the Bearcat, above, reminds me of a nice photo flight in OSH... Tailwinds, Tom.

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Paris, FRANCE

On behalf of Roger Christgau (No access to e-mail) and myself, this is very sad news. Roger has spun many "Mission stories" to me which included Mr. Woods. Roger never fails to mentioned what pioneer in the warbird movement and a true gentleman Mr. Woods was.

John Beyl

My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family. I saw Tom fly once and that was back at the Quad City Airshow in 03.

Here is a shot i took back at Quad Cities in 2000 or 01 of Tom and Vlado waking up the crowd. Tom was a great pilot

Aw crap! I'm so sorry to hear. I didn't know Mr. Wood, but loved seeing him fly his birds at midwest shows. R.I.P. Tom, you'll be missed.

Rich

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Rich Kolasa
www.crystalgraphix.com

Just got the word . . . Tom was most gracious every time we met . . . remember many shows with him flying wing on Reg Urschler . . . what an absolute joy to watch from in the air . . . or even better in awe from on the ground as they flew together overhead . . . Godspeed Tom . . .

Doug Jackson
TORA 101

Tom was a great stick and good man. I was fortunate to have a few chances to fly with him. I will always remember the sight of his Sabre, trailing smoke, closing on us over lake Winnebago for a textbook join-up. Tom made it look easy.

Blue Skies Tom Wood,

Ed Lindsay

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Ed L.