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n41va(at)blazemail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.





Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought about having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory of my dad. Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would anybody be up to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought. 





THANKS!





Kelby L Alexander



Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com

sbuc(at)hiwaay.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:15 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

kelby alexander wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 

 

 Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He

 died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July

 of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really

 LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember

 him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you

 had a chance to see it.

<snip>
	




Hi Kelby,



I remember with fondness your Dad's enthusiasm for his RV-8 and his 

eagerness to associate with this list. I was building my RV-6 while your 

-8 was coming together and recall many of the construction issues we all 

worked through at that time. I never had an opportunity to see your 

plane since we live on opposite sides of the country, but the RV-8 photo 

was on my website for several years.



I hope the years since the accident have enhanced the great memories you 

have of your father and the project you shared. I wish you and your 

family the very best.



Sam Buchanan

Painless

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 40
Location: Peshtigo, Wisconsin

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:16 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby:



I remember Von.  I offered to pick him up in Green Bay and get him to 

Oshkosh one year....obviously before he had the 8 done.



He was always very helpful on the RV list, which was much appreciated.



A flyin in his memory sure sounds like a great idea.  I am sure the guys out 

on the left coast will be interested.



Regards,



Jeff Orear

RV6A  N782P

Peshtigo, WI

---

_________________
Jeff Orear
RV6A N782P
Peshtigo, WI

Vanremog(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:27 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

In a message dated 2/21/2006 7:55:18 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  

n41va(at)blazemail.com writes:



Hey  guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died 

in the  Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its 

way  home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and 

the help  that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear 

your  thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see  it.



=======================================

 

Kelby-

 

I didn't know your dad personally, but knew of him and also  his tragic 

misfortune.  I think of him when I run over the few RV mishaps  in my mind from 

time to time.  The loss of every RV pilot hits very close  to home.

 

Flying RV's is so much fun that we often forget that it can also be  

dangerous when something goes wrong.  I won't be in you area in July, but  send all of 

my good wishes to you and your family.

 

 

 

 

 

Gary  VanRemortel (RV-6A N1GV O-360-A1A, C/S, Flying 774hrs, Silicon Valley, 

CA)

Terry Watson

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 290
Location: Seattle, WA USA

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 8:40 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Hello Kelby,



Of course I remember your Dad, although I had just met him at the Scappoose

fly-in a month or so before his accident. I also remember him well from this

RV list. If you haven't already, to the Matronics website (see the bottom of

any RV list message, including this one) and search with your Dad's name. It

will bring back memories of the questions and thoughts he had while you and

he were building. And it reminds me, at least, of the fine man that he was.

Of course you know that, but you should know that many of us who knew him or

only or primarily through the list know that too. 



Your idea of a fly-in lunch sounds like a good one, but I STILL won't be

flying by then.



Thanks for checking back in on the RV list.



Terry

RV-8A #80729 baffles

Seattle



--

stein(at)steinair.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:22 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

This one will bring out the graybeards!  I too was building my old slow RV6

at the time.  Von was a super asset to this list and many of us communicated

with him regularly.  Terrible tragedy that anyone who was around then soon

won't forget.  Never had the good fortune to meet him in person, but then

like a lot of people on this list you get to know them.  I still remember

the post from your sister (I think?) posting on the list with Von's email

keeping us all as informed as possible.



I'm too far away, but wish I could make it.  I know your -8 was a nice one.

Won a trophy or two right?



Stein.



do not archive



--

jsflyrv

Joined: 03 Jan 2006
Posts: 22

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:35 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

kelby alexander wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.



  




	


Hi Kelby,

I met your dad at the Twin Oaks flyin breakfast and had some good 

conversations with him. He was a fine person and

I think of him often and the great loss we all experienced. The day he 

left Arlington he came over to where my wife and

I were camped with our RV-6 to say good bye, little did we realize it 

would be the last good bye. It is hard to believe

that  happened in 1999 it still seems like yesterday. If  a fly in event 

in your dads memory becomes a reality I would love to attend.

I see that July 10th is a Monday so would probably be difficult for 

working people to attend and the week before that is the

Arlington fly in. Maybe you could contact the local EAA 105 and builders 

group and do something at the Arlington flyin.

I know the local builders group always has some type of get together there.



Jerry Springer

n41va(at)blazemail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:17 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Wow thats hard to think about isnt it? You know that was pretty much the only time in 16 years I didnt fly with my dad. I woke up that morning with an invitation to go surfing or go with my dad to Arlignton. I decided without a doubt to go to the airshow but my dad wouldnt let me, he told me I would be too hot in the back of the -8. So he made me go surfing but he promised on his way home he would do a couple fly by's at the beach we were at. When he never came over, I knew something was wrong. 





Having something for him at Arlington is a great idea, or even a "fly in" in June would be great. I just want to make sure that we can have a good turn out. Im am going to be starting an RV-8 of my own (as soon as I save up the money, hopefully this summer) in his memory. So if anybody has any old tools they would like to donate or sell me or a portion of a hanger to work in ( I will be in the Salem Oregon area) Please drop me an email. I hope to be able to start on the tail kit in a few months. I am 23 so money isnt easy to come by, but I think I can do it over time. So be prepared for a TON of questions. I am going to dedicate it to my Father and every other RV pilot that we have lost over the years. I will keep in touch with you guys about a fly in, if you all would be up to it!?





Thanks for your time and kind words, its so nice to know my Dad had a good reputation with you guys and I hope I can follow in his footsteps and be friends with you guys as well. He ALWAYS had only good things to say about this list. And when it was midnight and we were totally stuck on something, he would always say, forget it tonight, Ill just ask the guys on the RV list, they will know the answer. I look forward to meeting as many of you guys as possible over the years.



--- Jerry Springer jsflyrv(at)comcast.net wrote:



From: Jerry Springer jsflyrv(at)comcast.net

Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 21:33:44 -0800

To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Remember Von Alexander?



-- RV-List message posted by: Jerry Springer jsflyrv(at)comcast.net



kelby alexander wrote:



-- RV-List message posted by: kelby alexander n41va(at)blazemail.com



Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.



 

Hi Kelby,

I met your dad at the Twin Oaks flyin breakfast and had some good 

conversations with him. He was a fine person and

I think of him often and the great loss we all experienced. The day he 

left Arlington he came over to where my wife and

I were camped with our RV-6 to say good bye, little did we realize it 

would be the last good bye. It is hard to believe

that happened in 1999 it still seems like yesterday. If a fly in event 

in your dads memory becomes a reality I would love to attend.

I see that July 10th is a Monday so would probably be difficult for 

working people to attend and the week before that is the

Arlington fly in. Maybe you could contact the local EAA 105 and builders 

group and do something at the Arlington flyin.

I know the local builders group always has some type of get together there.



Jerry Springer





Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com

Gary.A.Sobek

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 217
Location: SoCAL USA

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 12:06 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby:



I remember seeing your father's airplane at Arlingtion but never met him.



I remember his post and all the help he offered.



I think it would be great to have a get together.   It may be possible to 

have a "Missing Man" formation at Arllington or Independence.  If I can make 

it, I am willing to take part as flight lead or wingman.



Gary A. Sobek

"My Sanity" RV-6 N157GS O-320 Hartzell,

1,839 + Flying Hours So. CA, USA

http://SoCAL_WVAF.rvproject.com



----Original Message Follows----

From: kelby alexander <n41va(at)blazemail.com>

Reply-To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:51:27 -0800 (PST)






Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died 

in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on 

its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list 

and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to 

hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.





Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought 

about having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory 

of my dad. Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would 

anybody be up to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought.





THANKS!





Kelby L Alexander



Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com

gert.v(at)sbcglobal.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:08 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Yes, I remember Von. I remember cheering him on when he was building. 

When he won the award, His questions and insights on the list here.

He was one of the very first to suggest removable pins to hold the 

canopee on, this and some other ideas i shamelessly copied into my RV-8.



Happy to hear his memory is kept alive, I for one remember staring at my 

kit for a long time after he passed away, asking myself some serious 

questions, i decided to built the darn thing, still at it for that matter.



Gert



kelby alexander wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.





Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought about having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory of my dad. Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would anybody be up to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought. 





THANKS!





Kelby L Alexander



Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com



 

 

 





  




	


-- 



is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500

rveighta(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:22 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Hi Kelby. I began construction on my RV-8A empennage in late '98 and many

of the guys on this list - Sam Buchanan, Bill Pagan, Kevin Horton, to mention

a few, really inspired me with their direct or indirect help with the many problems

confronting a novice builder.  During those days, your father was also one of my

sources of inspiration; I felt some of the same frustrations he did; we were kindred

spirits and I was deeply saddened when I heard he was gone. 



I still miss him............



Walt Shipley

Greeneville, TN



--

brucerv84us(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:04 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Hi Kelby,



I spoke with your dad a couple times on the 8 project you both were working 

on at the time. I had an abandon RV4 tail kit I purchased and that's where 

it sat until I was inspired by a few folks, to include your dad.



Everyone proclaimed if you like the 4, you'll love the 8. So the 4 tail kit 

was sold and the 8 tail kit was ordered. I unfortunately didn't get to share 

my excitement with some due to there passing. In a sport that this large 

community we know of the dangers, love and excitement all in the same token 

that we share. You my friend are among the finest people that share a 

passion of creation and completion of dreams.



Please keep us posted on your events and progress of your new 8.



Bruce Gray

RV8 Fuse

#81745

 	  Quote: 	
		  From: kelby alexander <n41va(at)blazemail.com>

Reply-To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

To: rv-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 19:51:27 -0800 (PST)






Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died 

in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on 

its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list 

and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to 

hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.





Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought 

about having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory 

of my dad. Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would 

anybody be up to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought.





THANKS!





Kelby L Alexander



Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com

Jerry Cochran

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 111
Location: Wilsonville, OR

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:46 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby,

 

I didn't know your Dad, but would be happy to attend a fly-in at  

Independence, I'm just up the road at Aurora. I am sure many from the local EAA  

chapters, Twin Oaks, Independence, Molalla would have guys who knew  him. He was 

fortunate to have a son such as yourself.

 

Jerry Cochran

Wilsonville, OR



From:  kelby alexander <n41va(at)blazemail.com>

Subject: Remember Von  Alexander?






Hey guys, I was just wondering if  you guys remember Von Alexander. He died 

in the

Rv-8 that me (his son) and  him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way

home from the Arlington  Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the 

help

that everybody gave  him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your 

thoughts

about him and  our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.

december29(at)bellsouth.n
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 10:20 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby,

  I remember both your Dad and your airplane. His positive attitude was

neat.  We only talked for a few minutes (you know fly-ins) but I remember

him being real "get it finished, you'll love it".  I think yours had the

chromed canopy bow and the quality of the airplane was unreal.  I saw it at

the Scappoose flyin.  Can't believe it's been that long.  I actually

firesleeved all my hoses in my -8 thinking about your dad.  I have an

inverted oil tank so making all those hoses fit was a chore.  We lived in

Newberg, but moved to Atlanta a year ago.

  Our son is your age and I remember thinking that I wished he was as

interested in the work as you are.  You can be sure lots of guys remember

your dad.  Be sensitive to your mom's wishes as you pursue your flying

dream.  Put the dates for the flyin on the list.  If mine is finished (still

in Newberg) we will be there.  Gunning for this Oshkosh.



Good Wishes,



John Porter

#80002

jjessen(at)rcn.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 10:37 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby:



I did not know your Father, but I have a son who I fly with occasionally,

and who is an avid fan of experimental aircraft and flying in general.  I've

often thought about the dangers of flying and how hard it would be to lose

someone to this passionate sport of ours.  I cannot imagine what you have

been through, and I admire you for coming forth publicly to gain some

insight about your Father and to help the community grieve through a

gathering.  I live in West Linn and am building in a hanger at Lenhardt,

just 10 miles from Aurora, so count me in on supporting the July get

together.  



Thanks for you courage,



John Jessen

  40328 



--

HCRV6(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:29 am Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

Kelby



I never had the opportunity to meet your dad personally but I could tell what a fine person he was from his many helpful postings to this list.  I was just getting started with the fuselage of my RV-6 slow build in 1999 and poured over the list every evening to look for helpful hints and ideas, many of which came from your dad. 



Your dad's accident prompted many builders, myself included, to be doubly careful with our firewall forward installations and in protecting fuel and oil lines in our projects.  I would make every effort to attend a fly in honoring your dad.  Keep in mind that July 10 is Monday and that could cause problems for some people.



All my best to you and to your family.



--

Harry Crosby

RV-6 N16CX, 181 hours



 -------------- Original message ----------------------

From: kelby alexander <n41va(at)blazemail.com>

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 

 

 Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in 

 the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way 

 home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help 

 that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts 

 about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.

 

 

 

 

 Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought about 

 having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory of my dad. 

 Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would anybody be up 

 to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought. 

 

 

 

 

 THANKS!

 

 

 

 

 Kelby L Alexander

 

 

 

 Fight the power!  BlazeMail.com

rv6fly(at)bresnan.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 1:47 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

kelby alexander wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander. He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.

Also I had another idea that I wanted your guy's feedback on. I thought about having a "Fly in Lunch" at the Independence Oregon Airport in memory of my dad. Maybe around the 10th of July (when the accident occured). Would anybody be up to flying their rv's and join in on it? Just a thought. 

THANKS!



Kelby L Alexander



Kelby,
	




  I joined the list around 1995-96 after I had my RV6 flying and 

participated for around 4 years trying to help other builders and just 

visiting about all things RV.    I remember when your dad first joined, 

he was so enthused, and when he announced that he was ready to fly.  It 

didn't seem like it took you and your dad very long to build the 8.  I 

interacted with a lot of RV guys in the years I was involved with the 

list and RVs n general.  Almost everyone was a great guy but I think 

your dad stood out among them all for me.  I think it was his contagious 

excitement about everything RV that really stuck in my mind.  I never 

met your dad but I think his online persona was probably just like he 

was in real life.  In this case, that would be a very good thing.  I 

remember thinking back in those days that "here's a guy I'd really like 

to meet.  What a nice guy and nice airplane."  I, like a lot of those 

guys who "met" your dad through the list were devastated when he was 

killed.  It pretty much broke our hearts.  I'm tearing up now just 

thinking about it.



  My best to you and your family.



Bob Skinner



Buffalo, WY

--

jeffpoint

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 72
Location: MKE

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

I was just beginning my RV-6 project at the time, but had been a long 

time lurker and knew your father from the RV List.  Like many others, 

after the accident I had some serious second thoughts about this whole 

business, but plowed ahead, and I'm glad I did.  There were a lot of 

discussions on this list at the time, and I believe that an awfully lot 

of good things came about as a result.  I picked the engine for my plane 

based in large part on some very frank discussions regarding the engine 

in your dad's plane and it's possible role in the accident.



I'd love to attend the fly-in but I'm in the midwest.  Oshkosh is just a 

couple weeks after this- if you're coming you might think about a 

gathering there.  You'd certainly have no trouble getting people to attend.



Jeff Point

RV-6

Milwaukee



kelby alexander wrote:



 	  Quote:

_________________
Jeff Point
RV-6
Milwaukee WI

khorton01(at)rogers.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 6:45 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

On 21 Feb 2006, at 22:51, kelby alexander wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Hey guys, I was just wondering if you guys remember Von Alexander.  

 He died in the Rv-8 that me (his son) and him built. It crashed in  

 July of 1999 on its way home from the Arlington Airshow. I know he  

 really LOVED this list and the help that everybody gave him. If you  

 remember him, I would love to hear your thoughts about him and our  

 RV-8 if you had a chance to see it.




	


Hi Kelby,



It's good to find you here.  I've been building my RV-8 for what  

seems like forever, and I well remember Von.  He was a great guy.  We  

all helped each other via the list - he helped many people, and he  

got a lot of ideas and assistance from the other people here.  It was  

a terrible shock when we learned about the accident, but not nearly  

as bad as for you.  It felt like we had lost a family member, and in  

such a strange way too.



If you learned anything from your dad, you'll do just fine.  Good  

luck with your project.  You can check out the RV-8 Yahoo Group too,  

if you like:



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RV-8/



Take care,



Kevin Horton         RV-8 (finishing kit)

Ottawa, Canada

http://www.kilohotel.com/rv8

matt(at)n559rv.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 6:53 pm Post subject: Remember Von Alexander?

So what caused the crash? I think some of us new guys would like to learn from this tragedy as well...



- Matt



--

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