On Feb 9, 4:24*pm, Tim Taylor wrote:
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/

Bill was a classic. He was easily the most competitive individual I
think I have ever met.
I remember at the 15M nationals a few years ago, we were in the top
couple places and ended up at the
local laundromat doing what pilots do.
We were both putting our stuff in dryers at the same time. He looked
over at me and said "wanna race?"

UH