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Passing of Tony Buechler

Sun Oct 06, 2019 4:04 am

I had made mention of his passing in the 909 thread and DanK asked where I got my information. His daughter posted on facebook on the Vlado Lenoch page. From the little I have seen, he was not lost in Petie 2nd. Had not seen any mention here, so thought to pass this along. Personally, I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr Buechler display Petie 2nd several times and had the chance to talk with him briefly once. Seemed like a fine gentleman.

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Sun Oct 06, 2019 9:24 am

He had cancer -- it was not any sort of aviation accident.

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Sun Oct 06, 2019 10:21 am

Thank you, both.

It was at Crites Field where I first cut my teeth (hands, forehead, etc.) on a warbird project. Tony Buechler's hangar was four down the row, and my feet managed to find their way often in that direction whenever the door was open.

Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:33 pm

He had been diagnosed with cancer but passed away from an aneurysm. Great guy and great pilot.

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Sun Oct 06, 2019 9:27 pm

Blue Skies Sir...

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Mon Oct 07, 2019 8:01 pm

Years ago I did some 352nd Fighter Group patches and jackets for Tony, and he said if I ever saw him at an airshow to hit him up for a ride. I did just that at Sun N Fun in 1998...we went from SnF to Kissimmee, he was keeping Petie at Stallion. I didn't see or talk to him again until a few years ago. He was in Florida at the time the tour was starting and he had Petie at American Aero. I was getting ready to fly Betty Jane when he showed up and I reintroduced myself...and thanked him for being an inspiration to pursue warbirds, and Mustangs. We had a great conversation about Mustangs and flying in general...and he said he still had his jacket. In subsequent years we'd see each other and he was always gracious and great to talk to. The warbird community certainly has, and has had a great bunch of good people and Tony was one of those at the top of the list.

jim

Re: Passing of Tony Buechler

Tue Oct 08, 2019 11:30 am

I never met him, but had some small dealings with him and am very sad to hear about his passing. I had just spoken and corresponded with him earlier this year and he sent me some great photos of his aircraft and a really nice card. I had found a part he was missing, and he seemed genuinely grateful for me reaching out to him. While I didn't get to explore it too much with him, he seemed to have a great deal of knowledge about his aircraft and was very happy and excited talking about working on it and keeping it flying. When I found out he was a physician, we talked about medicine and had a great conversation on that topic. I am sorry I won't get to know him better, but the small contacts we had showed some really good character on his part. I cannot find any on-line record of his passing. If anybody could direct me to a place to send a tribute, I would appreciate it. PM would be best.
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