Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

[BellCobraIV]

Lyle is going around the last pylon on his lap in life. He is very sick and the doctors have told us he will not survive the next few days. Lyle was moved today to a facility that will keep him out of pains way as he lives out the final part of the lap. The family has followed Lyle’s wishes and requests to preserve his dignity so no visitors have been allowed other than immediate family. In the last couple of days he has become more relaxed but really has not been able to respond to stimuli with any reliability since Monday. The family will try to update this message as things develop. Thank you to everybody for your prayers and best wishes.

A saddle on a motor
burning dynamite for gas
with as little lifting surface
as will hike it off the grass.
4,000 leaping horses
With a feather for a girth
500 miles per hour
50 feet above the earth
The breed of man who rides her
is an optimistic guy
with magic in his fingers
and a telescopic eye.

This was one of the Rare Bear Team of the past’s favorite descriptions of Lyle.

[jetwaste]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

I don't know what to say but, I enjoyed working for him and he is one hell of a pilot. My thoughts are with you.

[SpinB]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

That particular pilot has been heavily imprinted in my psyche! I WILL treasure the memory as long as my synapses continue to fire. He's on my heart!
DHoT-P&Ms for an easy transition!

[BuckyD]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Thanks, John, for letting us know about Lyle's condition and for posting the awesome poem about him. Very sad news to hear, but glad it came from you. PLEASE tell him his Alaska friends- Bucky & Linda send their love & prayers, and that I'm still savin' that BIG King Salmon fish w/his name on it for him (& always will as long as I'm still here- on the 'sunny side of the sod'). AND- that we send our thanks for his long friendship & shared special adventures up in here in 'The Last Frontier' & at all the air races over the years.

Sincerely-

Don 'Bucky' Dawson

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Sorry John, thanks for letting us know, glad he's comfortable.... I actually ran across that poem earlier today thumbing through Dell's book. Sure does describe your dad very well!

[split-s]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Here's to a life less ordinary. We'll be thinking about him and his family.

$

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Here's to a life less ordinary. We'll be thinking about him and his family.

Well said! That Nurmi shot has to be one of the best Lyle Shelton photos ever taken!

[Cloudchaser427]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

John & Family, I know we've been talking on the phone all week but I wanted to tell you here also how very sorry I am that we are losing Lyle. He's always treated me well and I know he truly enjoyed our air time together flipping him around in my Pitts. Just wanted you to know that we will plan the biggest and best aerial send off here at Van Nuys that we can put together.

Sad Solo ( Cloudchaser427 )

[squirlee77]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

His life was full of wonder, surprises, joy and speed. He has got to be one of the most devoted pilots of Air Racing. His quirky smile, and his jolly laugh will be remembered the rest of my life. He was a man I admired for his talents and ambition. I believe he made Air Racing a better place, and set the stage for future racers to strive towards and conquer.

May his passing be peaceful, and the pylons in the sky be brilliant

Peace, Joy and love to him and the family.

[AirDOGGe]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Oh My. I will say a prayer for him and his loved ones. Lyle, we love ya man!

[Dave65882]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

All i have to say is i hope "the Bear" always runs fast where he is going. Lyle is the reason why I love the sport, and i will miss him deeply.

[flyingjibus]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Ughh.

Mr. Slack, Your dad means almost as much to all of us as he does to you.
His passing will leave a great big hole in the sky and all our hearts.
Dont know what else to say.

Lyle Shelton is, and will always be, a giant among men.

Blue Skies forever sir.

[laminar]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Its kind of wierd, Michael Parsons and I just finished this Wasabi postcard that features the bear, I mean I literally finalized with the print shop yesterday. They're are so few people that have given as much to this fantastic challenge (air racing). I guess maybe its wierd to be reminded that we're all human.

Tough stuff
Elliot

[Lockheed Bob]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

John my prayers are with you and your family. Lyle did so much for air racing over the years. I watched him many times put on quite a show between him & "Tiger", those were the days. Take care & thanks for posting.

[Strega Fan]

Re: Lyle Shelton - Pylon 9 lap 8

Thank you for letting us all know, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts.

Bill & Kathleen Rogers