Champ Pilot "Gone West".

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 16:23

My old friend and flying buddy passed away yesterday from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was almost 79 years old and kind of like my big brother when I was growing up. There wasn't much we didn't do over the years: went hunting, rode cycles, flying, etc. He was in his late 50's when he finally got his private license and put lots of hours on the yellow club Champ (he loved that Champ). When I had my Cherokee we flew it all over the midwest and to Montana once. Parkinson's started to take it's toll a few years ago. It was difficult for him to get in and out of my Champ and finally got to the point when it was impossible. Eventually he wound up in a nursing home. I'd stop to see him every few days and talk flying but it even got to the point where he couldn't hardly answer back.

A sad case but he's "soaring with the eagles" now.

Mike Berg

Post by **joea** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 23:43

Mike,

Sorry to hear about it.

Hope he has good weather and tailwinds on his journey.

Will say a toast to him tonight!

Joe A

james gevay · Post by **james gevay** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 05:19

Sorry to hear about your friend Mike. Sounds like you had many good times together and the memories to keep him alive in your heart.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 09:00

Thanks for your kind thoughts. When I'd take him flying in his later years, after landing he's always say "now I feel better" or "that felt good".
As I've been a church choir member for 40 + years, I was asked to sing at his funeral "On Eagles Wings". Quite fitting and might not be easy but I'm going to do it.
Mike