The flying community has lost a very dear friend. Thomas C. Ostman (Tom), DDS, Age 91, passed away on February 17, 2022. He was a graduate of Whittier High School, a member of the Whittier Water Polo Swim Club and went on to win the National Senior A. A. U. Water Polo Championship in 1950. He attended College of the Pacific where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree and shortly after joined the U.S. Navy. He obtained his pilot's license and flew off several aircraft carriers while being stationed in the Pacific in the mid-1950's. He continued playing water polo on the U.S. Navy team with several of his colleagues and attended the Pan-American games in Mexico City in 1955 taking a 2nd place (Silver) metal. The team attended the US Olympics in 1956 but Tom was unable to attend due to his Navy commitment.

In 1957 he met and married his beautiful wife of 65 years, Donna C. Ostman. After marrying Donna, she influenced him to become a dentist. He went on to USC Dental School and graduated in 1963. They had two daughters, Tracey and Dayna. The family had several private airplanes and private aviation was a staple to the upbringing of his children.

Tom continued his aviation passion and in 1971 obtained his Commercial Pilot Certificate, with a single, multi engine, instrument rating. He joined Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in 1981. He purchased the Christen Eagle airplane kit in the mid-1980's built in the family garage and hanger then received his airworthiness certificate in 1992. He obtained his Repairman Experimental Aircraft Builder in 1993 and in 1997 he obtained his flight instructor certificate, single and multi-engine instrument rating. After completing the Christen Eagle project, he rebuilt a Taylor Craft in his hangar.

He was a member of EAA Chapter 1116 for several decades and was actively involved in the Chapter throughout the years, volunteering to assist Young Eagles flight days on the ground, and assisting other chapter events. His passion of aviation and EAA experience influenced his daughter Tracey who is a current and active EAA Chapter 512 (Placerville, CA) member to continue in his memory. She continues to use the statement that she 'grew up upside-down' in the Christen Eagle.

He is survived by his wife, Donna C. Ostman, daughters Tracey Ostman Fremd, Dayna (Ostman) Berman and son-in-law Ray Berman.