Many of us received word this morning that Bill is missing and
presumed dead in a body surfing accident in Mexico (Thanks, Roy). Was
not sure how it would affect me, but I have been pretty subdued all
day. Hard to think Bill won't be there to call when I need advice on
flying the Ventus and which way to go for my next glider. Bill had
this infectious sense of humour that I always enjoyed. Glider.com had
a great joke section.

Still remember the first time I met him. I was crewing at Minden in
the late 80's and he arrived from Southern Ca for a contest in usual
Bill style. They (I think it was Bill and Roy) flew up from Cal City
and he climbs out of the glider wearing a tee shirt and basketball
shorts (back when they were short). 300 miles of some of the worst
country to cross and it was just a casual flight.

At Uvalde many years later I remember watching Oscar Fox flying past
me at warp speed down on the deck on a run toward Hondo. He was never
afraid to push hard during a contest.

Godspeed Bill, we will miss you.

http://billbartell.com/