Transcribed & Edited by SS (10/2002), Reformatted by JS (02/2010)
Career
- Won his first Radio Control Sailplane contest trophy in November 1974
- Had designs published in the modeling magazines
- Established Pro Model Products, Inc. and opened a hobby shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- A long-time active member of the Fort Wayne Flying Circuits
Bob was a tireless worker for the LOFT club and LSF and we can all be thankful for his efforts over the years. He won his first Radio Control Sailplane contest trophy in November 1974 and was hooked on soaring from that moment on. His flying interest was Cross Country soaring and he competed in the SOAR club's Great Races; he got his start in Radio Control in the very early days of reed radios and rubber band powered servos.
I think he was most proud of his designs that were published in model magazines and they included gas powered, electric and Sailplanes. He established Pro Model Products, Inc. and opened a hobby shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a long-time active member of the Fort Wayne Flying Circuits.
Bill Weesner and I will always remember the great times we had attending the SOAR Nationals (Nats) and other area Radio Control Sailplane contests with Bob in the 1970s. I definitely will remember riding with Bob in his black Cadillac, going 90 mph during our return from a SOAR Nats when the left rear tire blew out.
Bob's first Sailplane contest trophy was at a Flying Circuits contest in November 1974. This was my first time as a contest director and LOFT was formed in my home in January 1975. The club's first officers were Frank Wren, president, Bill Weesner, vice president, Eric Podzielinski, secretary and I was the treasurer. Bob was hesitant about a second Radio Control club in Fort Wayne, but he quickly saw the light and gave the club his support.
The LOFT club grew quickly and at its peak of membership was in the mid-40s. Among the members pictured still flying Sailplanes are Ray Holzhuere, Scott Prindle, Frank Wren and I (see accompanying photo file).
Bob will be missed at the flying fields, he loved to fly his gas jobs at the Flying Circuits field and he will live on in the memories of those that shared the air with him.
Part of the LOFT members in May 1979.
November 1974: Bob’s first sailplane contest trophy, Flying Circuits
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