Richard King

Scott · 25 June 2007, 05:31 AM

From this morning's mailbag:

Quote:

My father Richard King passed away yesterday, 24 June, succumbing to a long term illness. I would like to thank all of you who have supported him over the years and also those of you who were fortunate enough to share in his experiences at ORA. He was very passionate about antique aviation, and I know the Aerodrome held a special place in his heart. Raise your glass to another aviator "gone west"!
Sincere thanks,
Geoff King

airknocker · 25 June 2007, 05:59 AM

Truly a great gentleman. Words fail to honor a man such as he. Deepest sympathies to his family and his ORA compatriots.

Jim Bruton · 25 June 2007, 08:23 AM

It would be great if someone can post some photos of Dick during the good times...

Jim

Der Grüne Flieger · 25 June 2007, 09:01 AM

So sorry to learn of his passing.

His book The Skies Over Rhinebeck: A Pilot's Story was really fun to read. It gave me a lot of behind the scenes information on the original group that ran the shows at Old Rhinebeck. I found it fascinating to read of his sometimes harrowing exploits in some of the planes. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in aviation.

Phil

Lyle · 25 June 2007, 09:59 AM

My condolences to his family--he was an exceptional man. I always thought of him as Cole's right hand man during the good years, with him flying his Pup at every airshow.

NexStar7 · 25 June 2007, 06:13 PM

I met DK several times in my years at Old Rhinebeck, it was an honor and a priviledge. His book is truly a classic. When I ordered my copy, he was gracious enough to deliver it to me one Sunday at the aerodrome, and as it is autographed by him to me, it will always be cherished by this pilot! It's too bad that he had to see how the aerodrome ended up, but the good times for him there DEFINITELY outweighed the bad. My thoughts & prayers are with him and his family in this time of sorrow. I'm sure that he and Cole are chasing each other around the sky, just as they did in the Tripe & Pup all those years ago - and having a ball doing it. Another chapter of Old Rhinebeck closes, but the memories of DK by us will continue to go on. Every time that we take to the sky, remember that DK & CP are "Flying High Cover" for us all. Mr. King, may you have Clear Skies, Strong Tailwinds & Happy Landings!

Butch · 25 June 2007, 07:03 PM

Just want you all to know that Richard King was the Baldeagle's uncle.
Pete

AAC Cadet Leader · 25 June 2007, 10:20 PM

In 2003, Richard King was very generous to send me a copy of his beautiful and very interesting book, The Skies Over Rhinebeck as well as a set of his aviation coloring books with his detailed drawings of many historic aircraft and his artful aviation notecards. He was an inspiration to so many people, young and old, alike, and he was a true advocate for (Cole Palen's) Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome right to the end. His writings and artworks will continue to inspire new aviation history enthusiasts. My sympathy to his family at this sad time.

baldeagle · 25 June 2007, 10:23 PM

And my favorite photo of us, taken by Earl Hall from dad's Tiger Moth, June 1985 I think. I reminded him of it Saturday night, hopefully he could hear me.

SL DIII · 26 June 2007, 12:24 AM

In 1997 I helped Mr. King promote his book, "The Skies over Rhinebeck" through a few different model aircraft publications. He sent me what will likely be the nicest thank-you note that I’ll ever receive. I remember my reaction when I first read it. When I read the note today...ten full years later, it still has the same impact. It was very obvious that he had a genuine love for the Aerodrome, and I only wish that his last few years there could have been happier.

When I was a little kid I looked up to Cole, Dick, Dave Fox and Stan the way kids today look up to the top ball players and rock stars…I feel very privileged to have met, and shared a friendship with Mr. King.

My condolences go out to the King family.

Tom Polapink