Blue skies, Kerch!

[AAFO_WSagar]

I have to share this moment with Bill from Tuesday when he was first admitted to the hospital. He was ornery as ever and trying to rip the IV out of his arm. I looked at him, tapped the IV location and said something to the effect of: "Bill, that's your ADI. You need that to keep your systems happy. Remember, the systems are important. You've always said that". Then, when he was trying to rip a sensor off of his finger (he succeeded once) I said "Bill, that's your telemetry sensor. Telemetry is Green. Leave it alone". He looked at me, smirked and threw his head back.

Michael

Michael, thank you for sharing one of Kerch's last moments! I'm so glad that you were there for him!

No question, things up there are going to get a lot faster!

[AAFO_WSagar]

I know Jeff would not mind sharing this photo again here.. one of the best Kerch photos ever!

[FlyKidChris]

I'm not sure the impact that Kerch made on air racing can even be measured it was so great.

Blue skies to a true legend. R.I.P.

[Fence Sence]

I miss him already. One of the nicest people I've ever met. Always took the time to talk to a fan and always made that fan feel like friend. A genuine nice guy. Blue skies, Kerch. Heaven just got a new head wrench.

[Sneauxman]

Bill's telemetry was always green. We knew each other 40 years as friends with me as his student and gushing fan. It was always straight talk about relationships, milestones and current developments. We were to have dinner a couple of weeks ago but it rained. Then it was going to be this last week but moved to next Tuesday. Don't ever wait or let a little rain get in the way.

He cared for me, my family and even my health. Few other friends followed my health trials with such concern for my welfare. If that cranky old dude (younger than me) wasn't a full on friend, then who could have been?

Miss him? Yes. Like a brother.

ps thanks Michael

[Mluvara]

Mark your calendars! - Update on services for Bill:

There will not be any public funeral services for Bill. However, Kerch's family would like to invite all of the aviation community, race fans, and friends to a public memorial and celebration of his life on Saturday, December 10th at Hollister Airport between 11:00am and 5:00pm at the Elks Lodge (which is onsite). There will be some reflections and presentations on Bill's life, air race memorabilia, and a flyover (weather permitting). In short, we're going to celebrate Bill's life in a big way!

Hollister airport (KCVH) has two large runways and can accommodate most aircraft, including private jets. There are a number of other local airports (SJC and MRY) which have flights in and out. Hopefully a few warbirds and racers will show up Wink

More specific details will be released in the coming week and there will be a website to RSVP for planning purposes, so stay tuned for more updates. We'll also have a way to submit photos for possible inclusion in a slide show.

Michael

[AAFO_WSagar]

Thank you Michael, I will do my very best to be there.

[MustangFan]

Thought I'd put up this link as a reminder of what's possible when plane, pilot and crew come together. This is the record-setting race from 2003:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciLyyQw1hB8

"Dago, beginning lap 2, you are plus one. Telemetry is good.."

Blue skies Mr. Kerchenfaut. You were the best.

[Ron Lewark]

Heart breaking to hear, God Bless and R.I.P. Kerch. You were so much to so many over all those wonderful years.
Ron

[Mluvara]

Details for Kerch's memorial/celebration of life are finalized. Aptly named "Kerch's Last Crew Meeting", attendees are invited to wear their crew apparel from teams which Bill was a part of.

It will be held at the Elks Lodge at Hollister Municipal Airport (KCVH), 351 Astro Drive, Hollister, CA 95023 on Saturday, December 10th from 11am-5pm.

Further details are in the attached flyer and link. We're asking people to RSVP so that proper accommodations can be made for the number of attendees. We do believe the event will be well attended. Please spread the word about the event.

RSVP here: www.goo.gl/RuUDQ5

Any further information/updates will be posted as necessary.



Michael