P-51D wrote:
I cant say how great of a guy Dick is. He basically took me under his wing the day I was old enough to drive myself to the airport. I will never forget the airshows or the times we would take the plane somewhere just for lunch together. Dick will be greatly missed not only by friends and family, but in the warbird community as well.
Eric if that's you, along with the entire "James Gang", you have my heartfelt condolences. I met Dick 11 years ago at Planes of Fame East during one of our open house airshows. I knew then he was a person I wanted to stay in contact with. Through the years Roger Christgau, Dick and I had some great times together. The pinnacle of our summer airshow season together was going to Offutt AFB for their big show in August. We would meet in Mason City Iowa for "lunch and lies". When we took off and both Mustangs were in tight formation Dick would always crack the mic, "These are the best of times guys...lets enjoy every second of it....". So true Dick, so true. I wish everybody would have had the chance to meet Dick. He was one of the kindest and most giving people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He never expected or wanted anything in return for his generosity other than friendship and when offered compensation of any type, he would refuse. When the CAF Red Tail C model fly’s again, it will be in large part because of contributions made by him. In the future, when you see it at an airshow near you, think of him.
God speed Dick. You are already sorely missed.
John
CC Red Tail Mustang