Foil: 3 Panel: 2 Column: 2 Line: 48

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Sally M. Sinks

My father was a dreamer and flying was part of that dream. He started flying small planes in the 1930s and flew his family and friends around the country for more than 25 years. He flew all kinds of planes, even a “water plow” with pontoons which allowed him to explore many of Michigan’s beautiful lakes. He was instrumental in the establishment of the first and only local airport for private planes in Birmingham, Michigan and was an inspiration to many young aspiring pilots. Although “overage” , he joined the USAF after war was declared in 1941 in hopes of flying for his country, he couldn’t be a pilot because of his age. But did work in aerial photography, photography being his second love. He served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and in London, England.
In the days of far fewer small plane flyers, he was a “star aviator” in the eyes of his family, friends and community.