KRNetHeads, As Larry Flesner mentioned, Willie Wilson passed away last Thursday. In the seven months of 2009 that I lived in England, he was one of the first KR guys that I looked up when I got there. I'd already met him and Margaret at several Gatherings over the years, and I was immediately extended an invitation to come visit near Manchester. That was the first of several visits and great experiences with Willie....what a character! They even invited and entertained my entire family, treating us to the grand tour of the nearby ancient "walled city".
As a 747-400 "long haul pilot" for British Airways for many years, he had an unending repertoire of interesting and humorous tales of his adventures all over the world. Above all else, he had a great knack for story telling that would leave you laughing your lungs out. We made several early morning bike rides together through the countryside near their home, and those will always be some of the best highlights of my life. For those who've attended the Gatherings, he was obviously the guy with the great Scottish accent and all the laughing people around him. See http://www.n56ml.com/england/090531109.jpg for a photo of him in front of his gorgeous KR2, shown at http://www.n56ml.com/england/090531088.jpg . See http://www.krnet.org/krs/wwilson/ for some construction photos and examples of Willie's typical humor. After retirement, he did an amazing restoration of what was a pile of rust into a perfect "tracktor" that his father bought in 1956, and turned into the thing of beauty that you see at http://www.n56ml.com/england/090711074.jpg . He had many talents, including playing the piano and organ. Last time we spoke, he said they'd be at the Gathering this year. He's not just a KR builder, but did many test flights of newly minted KRs around the UK, and gained much respect with the PFA (Popular Flying Association) authorities that administer the "Light Aircraft" rules in the UK. He's had cancer for the last couple of years, and suffered silently while still entertaining those around him. Last time I visited, he wasn't even up for a bike ride, so I knew it wasn't good. I have a Post-IT on my computer to call him, because I was afraid I would get the call someday that he was gone. I should have called. He will be missed by the KR community, and me in particular... Mark Langford ML at N56ML.com website at http://www.N56ML.com --------------------------------------------------------
