Warbird Information Exchange

Such a horrible thing.

If anyone wants to see what Mr. Beck has done for the warbird community, there is a really good DVD called THE RESTORERS. I just watched it again about a month ago. He is featured in the movie quite a bit.

Godspeed Mr. Beck.

Just seen the video footage on Aero News TV.net.

My condolences to Gerry Beck's friends and family and all those that knew him.

Cheers

Paul

Very sad news. I just talked with Gerry on Sunday when he flew into Mankato MN enroute to Oshkosh. My condolences to friends and family. I know exactly how it feels....lost a great friend 2 years ago at OSH in Donna-Mite.

I met Gerry about 20 years ago when I was just a random visitor to his shop. He had no reason to let me in or talk to me but we had a great afternoon together.

What a tragedy! I have learned to cherish every day that I can be part of or close to my warbird friends. One never knows when fate will cross paths with circumstance.

My thoughts and prayers to the families and our warbird community.

_________________
"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family
Gerry was the first Corsair to the Gathering in 2002 and we washed his -4 that monday evening. Just talked with him a couple of weeks ago.

_________________
FLY SAFE--FLY FAST
F4U Corsair Historian
Mint Moore III

My condolences to everyone involved. Sounds like a great guy he was and above all a great airman.
But this is our risk we take for enjoying so many more things than an average human being can enjoy in his life span, roaming the free skies, entertain ourselves and others and trying to preserve these birds for the future generations.
Godspeed to Gerry and I believe he was enjoying every moment he was up there!

I agree with you that the risk is there, and unfortunately accidents happen. Like I said before, I hope that someone learns something from this very unfortunate accident. I wish I had met the man, sounds like a great guy. Have there been any official (ie: not speculation) about what happened?

I am a relative new member of the "warbird community," and even a newer member of WIX. Obviously, my focus is on our PBJ project. However, as I read more and more postings on WIX, my appreciation for other warbirds and the dedication of you members continues to grow.

This is a tragic incident, which follows so close to the one that happened in my own “backyard.” To lose the lives of two fine gentlemen and the loss of three P-51 aircraft in a short period of time is also very hard for a newbie like me. As I read these postings of those of you who personally knew, or knew of Mr. Beck, I can begin to understand your grief as well.

God-Speed to Mr. Beck and his family and my condolences to those of you who knew him.

Dave

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In Honor and Memory of Marine Bombing Squadron VMB 611 "Black Seahorse" 1943-1945
Remembering 1st Lt Doit L Fish, MIA May 30, 1945 in PBJ-1J "MB 11"
Cherry Point - Parris Island - Emirau - Zamboanga

Here's more articles on Gerry & His amazing scratch-built P-51A:

http://www.airventure.org/2006/thurjuly27/51.html

http://www.airventure.org/2006/news/060719_warbird.html

Digger

Hi all,

I’m feeling totally empty right now and am trying to hold the tears back as I type this to you all. I just got back to the Twin Cities from Oshkosh and it was without question the longest trip home from that airshow I’ve ever made. I decided to stop at the office to give you all an update as best I can before making the last 40 minute drive home (no e-mail at home).

God called a wonderful human being home yesterday, the full extent of which (unfortunately) will be known to only a relatively small handful of people in this world. Without question he changed my life in many ways and I feel very privileged that I was able to be part of his world for the past five years. Those who have already mentioned that he was one of the finest ambassadors the Warbird world and aviation in general ever had are right on the mark. He was unwavering in his passion for aviation and aviation history and constantly gave selflessly to it. He was also one the finest, practically minded engineers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with He leaves behind a wonderful wife and daughter.

Before the news reports and rumors get out of hand, I will head off a few of them that I have already heard. Number one, there were NO medical issues involved with this crash. I spoke with Gerry less than an hour before his flight and he was feeling fine and was, as usual very upbeat about flying the mission. Number two, the pilot of the second aircraft was completely uninjured. He was taken to the hospital strictly as a routine precautionary measure whenever something like this occurs.

Based on the first hand accounts from some of the participating pilots and other credible observers, we now have a pretty clear picture of what happened. All I will offer is that per usual, this accident was a combination of events that all came together at just the wrong time and the wrong place with very tragic results for all involved. I’m not going to divulge any details so please don’t ask. Please be patient and wait for the FAA/NTSB report to answer any questions you may have. Above all else, as noted multiple times in this thread, please do not speculate or spread rumors. It will not, and does not help anybody and could end up tarnishing the fine reputation of any one of the pilots participating in the mock race. Please direct positive thoughts, gestures and prayers towards the Beck and Odegaard families and all of the folks close to them.

A public memorial service is planned for either Tuesday or Wednesday at the Fargo Air Museum. I will let you know more as get the details. All are invited, and encouraged to attend this celebration of Gerry’s life.

You’re free Gerry…now everyday is life behind an Allison.

John
CC CAF P-51C

Gerry was a great guy and tremendous engineer. I'm glad I met him. He got me involved in the A model from day one.Working on the project was a lot of fun, even though it was just sending files to his e-mail address.
Before he took off yesterday, we talked about Reno and the premier of the movie and how much fun it would be. And he talked of bringing a second A model to Oshkosh next year. From the beginning it was apparent to me that if anybody could build a P-51 from scratch, Gerry could.
It's nice to hear from people that never met him that say they wish they had. I wish they had, too. He was genuine.

Gary Henry

Does anyone know when Gerry first got involved with warbird restoration, and what his first projects were? I know his F4U-4 Corsair project dates all the way back to 1982. Any insight into any other projects that he might have been involved in before that?

_________________
Rob Mears
'Surviving Corsairs' Historian
robcmears@yahoo.com
http://www.robmears.com

I'm posting this from Peter Guyton. He's the son of former Vought Test Pilot Boone Guyton and though not a WIX member, he has posted some nice pics of Gerry on his website.
Jerry

To all,
What a shock to hear the news! I dug up my photos from the '05 Corsairs Over CT event and culled out the shots with Gerry.


http://www.pbase.com/corsairvelo/tribute_to_gerry_beck


Regards,
Peter Guyton

_________________
"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."

This is the absolute worst.
I've lost many friends in this 'business' but I was never an eyewitness to a fatal accident until yesterday.

I spoke to Gerry shortly before John yesterday, and he was as I've always known him to be.

Gerry was a standout amongst standouts and I will miss him very much.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The Memorial is on Tuesday at the Fargo Air Museum.
I will post the details when I get them.

Well dog gone it. Sad Sad news.

In our interviews with Gerry back in 2002, he stated that he loved to do these shows for the people and veterans, "to see the look on their faces."

He has given his gift freely to so many and has flown his warbirds in honor of those who have served.

Thanks for the ride Gerry.
You will be missed.

_________________
Greg Schneider
E Fighter Productions
"There is a big difference if you are in actual war or if you are playing war." Hartmann, Jagdgeschwader 52