Bill Gawthrop(F8)

[[email protected]]

"Bill Gawthrop (F8) died August 23rd at his home in Northern California.. Bill was an avid student, a generous teacher and a gracious competitor. Bill began his love affair with fight, flying hang gliders in Colorado where he established several still-used soaring sites. Bill took up gliding in 2001 and he was quickly addicted. He won seven regionals, an open class national and went to the worlds in Benalla, Australia in 2017. He also holds several speed records, the most recent in 2016, a 1000 km speed record out of Ely, Nevada. He was happiest when he was gliding long distances over unfamiliar territory.
Bill loved the soaring community. After a long flight or a well-fought race he enjoyed sharing the stories of the day across the dinner table. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Diane and his fellow glider pilots."

A memorial service for Bill is being planned for sometime late October or early November and details will be posted when finalized.

[Luke Szczepaniak]

Very sad news, a true gentleman

[Steve Leonard[_2_]]

So sad to hear this, Leigh. Bill was a wonderful guy. Loved everything about this place we all call home. Heartfelt condolences to Diane, his family, and all his close friends.

Steve Leonard

[[email protected]]

Sad to hear, we enjoyed their company when he and Diane came out to Australia to fly the Benalla pre-worlds in our ASW28.
He was a true gentleman, he will be missed.
Tom

[Dave Springford]

Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I always enjoyed racing against Bill, he was a true competitor. My condolences to Diane.

[[email protected]]

Very Sorry to hear this sad news. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner with
Bill at the Seniors one night talk about Australia.

Indeed a gentleman. Condolences to his wife, family and close friends

AE

[Andrzej Kobus]

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 9:22:52 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> "Bill Gawthrop (F8) died August 23rd at his home in Northern California. Bill was an avid student, a generous teacher and a gracious competitor. Bill began his love affair with fight, flying hang gliders in Colorado where he established several still-used soaring sites. Bill took up gliding in 2001 and he was quickly addicted. He won seven regionals, an open class national and went to the worlds in Benalla, Australia in 2017. He also holds several speed records, the most recent in 2016, a 1000 km speed record out of Ely, Nevada. He was happiest when he was gliding long distances over unfamiliar territory.
> Bill loved the soaring community. After a long flight or a well-fought race he enjoyed sharing the stories of the day across the dinner table. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Diane and his fellow glider pilots."
>
> A memorial service for Bill is being planned for sometime late October or early November and details will be posted when finalized.

Bill was a great pilot. Once I flew with him for 40 miles into dead air with hope of making it to the other side. We ended up on the sunny side at 1,500 feet. I chose to land and Bill kept going. He then found the only thermal around and finished the task very well. Bill was very focused and competitive while at the same time true gentleman on the ground.

You will be missed my friend, way too soon! Condolences to Diane.

[Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot)]

I know the name, can't say I met him.
Condolences to his family and friends.
May he find thermals from now on.

[Andy Blackburn[_3_]]

I've shared many happy flights, hangar conversations and dinners with Bill and Diane. I most recall a day at Montague when I was hopelessly low with limited landout possibilities, trying to make a weak thermal work. Bill rolled in below me like it was no problem at all. Up we went.

Up you go, my friend. It's been a pleasure to share the sky with a gentle soul and fierce competitor.

Condolences to all who cared about him.

Andy Blackburn
9B


On Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 8:22:52 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> "Bill Gawthrop (F8) died August 23rd at his home in Northern California. Bill was an avid student, a generous teacher and a gracious competitor. Bill began his love affair with fight, flying hang gliders in Colorado where he established several still-used soaring sites. Bill took up gliding in 2001 and he was quickly addicted. He won seven regionals, an open class national and went to the worlds in Benalla, Australia in 2017. He also holds several speed records, the most recent in 2016, a 1000 km speed record out of Ely, Nevada. He was happiest when he was gliding long distances over unfamiliar territory.
> Bill loved the soaring community. After a long flight or a well-fought race he enjoyed sharing the stories of the day across the dinner table. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife Diane and his fellow glider pilots."
>
> A memorial service for Bill is being planned for sometime late October or early November and details will be posted when finalized.

[[email protected]]

On Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 6:22:52 AM UTC-7, wrote:
> "Bill Gawthrop (F8) died August 23rd at his home in Northern California.

Met him at Return To Kitty Hawk. Nice guy.

5Z

[Nick Kennedy[_3_]]

I'll remember this day forever
July 10 2006 Ely Nevada
Were all hanging out and trying for 1000 Km flights. Good weather period.
Bill Gawthrop, Carl Herold and my self are out to breakfast and Bill says he is going to declare a 1000 Km out and return to the Sun Valley Ski Area in Idaho.
Carl says you can't cross the Columbia river basin, it is to far across and too dead due to the low elevation and farm land. Bil with his huge smile says hes going to try in his ASH 26E, which he flew a ton of 1000's and records.
Off we go on one on THE days of that summer. I do a easy 1000 km yoyo and late in the day I raise Bill on the radio. He has made Sun Valley and has recrossed the Columbia River Basin southbound but is low and it does not look good. He ends up starting his engine, gets a thermal and comes home to Ely..
At dinner he had a huge grin as he told us of his exploits of the day. That was Bill; always positive, always REALLY going for it, I looked up to him as the Man out there.
His passing makes me sad, but I'm glad I got to know him and fly with him and learn alot about big time XC in the Great Basin.
My sincere Condolences to his wife Diane and all his friends, which are many.