forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
WW1 Aircraft Modeling => What's New => Topic started by: Dave W on March 22, 2024, 01:29:06 PM
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It is with a heavy heart I must write to say farewell to all the wonderful members of the WWI Aircraft Models forum.
As some of you may know, I have been battling serious health issues for the past year, and a few days ago I was advised by my doctors that the treatments had stopped working and my remaining time was now extremely limited; likely a week or two at the outside.
Due to the nature of my illness, it is unlikely I will be in a position to communicate effectively for more than a few more days, and that means now is the best opportunity I will have to say goodbye and thank you for all your support over the years.
As some of our longer-term members may recall, the forum was started by the late Des Delatorre in 2012; after his death in 2018 I inherited it and have been manning the ops desk since. In that time, we have grown considerably, welcomed a large number of new members, and built a lot of fantastic models together too.
With my own sortie in the great unknown imminent, I have passed control of the forum to Brad Cancian, and I know the flight yoke will be in capable hands under his piloting.
I am proud to say this is, without a doubt, the premier WWI aviation modelling forum on the internet, and it has been a pleasure to share the joy of WWI aircraft modelling with you all.
Thank you all for your support and involvement over the years; this wouldn’t be the forum it is without you all; there are some world-class kitbuilders here and it has been a privilege to share your modelling journeys.
I wish you all clear skies and good hunting – and know I will be sure to raise a glass in that great celestial squadron mess hall when I arrive.
Dave Wilson
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😢
/F
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Dave,
I am so sorry...
I am speechless....
Edo
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Thanks for taking the time to let us know Dave. Devastating news, but I'm sure we all feel the same in wishing you thanks for your years of hard work keeping this wonderful forum going and growing into the resource and community it has become. For me personally it has been a beacon leading the way back into scale modelling and in itself has given me hours of pleasure.
Thank you and farewell my friend
Paul
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Thank you so much, Dave, for everything you have done to continue the growth of this most excellent forum. You have fostered a spirit of mutual respect and support amongst like-minded enthusiasts from around the world. Your wonderful contribution to our cherished hobby will be long remembered.
With admiration and gratitude.
Farewell and clear skies.
Syd
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So sad news :'( :'(
You can - and should - be proud of your work keeping this wonderful forum alive. I have not contributed much, but I have enjoyed it immensely.
I wish you a blue sky
Henning
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Devastating news, Dave. Difficult to know what to say, apart from thanking you for all the years of hard work and dedication making this place what it is.
I don't think it's necessary to say in what high regard and affection we all hold you, but I will anyway.
Blue skies, my friend.
Sandy
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Thanks for letting us know Dave. Very sad news but if it's any small consolation, you have kept Des's site alive and steered it to greater strengths. You have have kept enthusiasm for WWI modelling alive and engendered huge respect from those of us that find this site such an enjoyable and inspiring place. And you've made many virtual friends who will always remember you very fondly. I also really enjoyed your sleuthing and articles about the demise of WNW. I think you had a background in journalism and your approach to all of that showed you were clearly a person of high intellect and principles.
Thanks again for all your hard work. You will not be forgotten. Clear skies.......
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I have no words :'(
Fly straight, fly high,
Mike
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:'( :-\
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God bless you sir.
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I'm gutted. When I received Sally's message to the FFM, I was at a loss for words and it has taken awhile for me to digest and accept this heartbreaking news. Our prayers are with you and your family, Dave. I will be forever grateful for your friendship and my cherished memories of our visit in Las Vegas. Through our personal correspondence over the past (I don't even know how many) years, you've become very much the brother that I never had. I also wish to express my gratitude for your encouragement, which inspired me to get back to the bench and resume the hobby after my years-long hiatus during which I was beginning to wonder whether I'd ever build another model. Rest assured that I will continue to support this forum- your work in preserving it has ensured that it'll remain a robust community resource for Great War modelers and enthusiasts the world over for many years to come.
With my loving best regards,
Erik
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Thank you for picking up the baton Dave, and doing such a great job.
I know you have left us in safe hands.
Rest easy,
David
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I feel devastated.
I can only say, thank you for everything and may God bless you, Dave... :'(
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Thank you so much for the thoughtful message, Dave, in this unimaginable trying time. I add my personal appreciation for all you've done over the years to bring so much joy and inspiration to us.
Peace.
Gene K
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It’s hard to know what to say Dave… I can only echo the sentiments expressed by everyone else. You should be incredibly proud of how you kept this community of ours going forward. I know Des would be thrilled.
Blue skies….
Matt
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Sorry to see this Dave, as we reach the end of the road, know that trusting and faith in the Living Chrise will assure a safe journey into his kingdom. You have done well with the forum, God Bless.
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Oh Dave, so sorry.
So many well spoken words above.
I can only add my heartfelt appreciation of the vital continuity you gave the forum, a model of how to do it.
And my admiration for the smart and thoughtful way you handled any little niggles and problems which came along.
Lots of love to you and yours.
Thank you.
Mark
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Terrible news Dave -
Thank you for keeping the forum going and I send my best wishes to your family.
Regards
Dave
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Not good news, not at all.
It's also difficult to find the right words.
I wish you lots of strength and all the best for your journey.
Best regards
Bertl
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:'( I am a recent member and did not have the opportunity to know you, but I have enjoyed my stay and thank you for that time.
Blue skies onwards
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God bless you Dave.
My heart goes out to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for everything.
Bob :-\
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I had to gather myself to respond to this sad news.
When I read your post I felt a knot forming in my stomach, and it is still there.
I want to thank you for your dedication and for keeping this extraordinary league of gentlemen together. You gave us the opportunity to become friends and share our common interest.
So long Dave
Willem
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It is hard to come up with the "right" words, if there are such things. All I can say is that I'm sorry to hear about your condition. I hope you have peace and joy in your remaining days. I am still fairly new to the forum, but have enjoyed it very much, and now I realize how big a hand you had in keeping it going for many years. Thank you so much for all you have done. I know there are a lot of us here that are very saddened by your news and wish nothing but the best for you.
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Hats off to you sir for a splendid job. May peace be with you always.
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This is such sad news Dave.
I send you my thanks for your dedication, my best wishes and prayers to you.
Garfield Ingram
President
The Great War Flying Museum
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I’m at a loss for words and am so, so very sorry. I know there’s nothing I can say or do to help.
Thank you for carrying on for Des and making the forum into what it is today. Thank you for taking a chance and bringing me into the fold with the Reviews and Admin teams. Thank you for your encouragement and advice over the last few years. I wish we’d had the chance to meet in person.
I’m not a religious man but please know that I’m thinking of you and Sally, and wishing you all the comfort and peace you can find.
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It has been a pleasure and an honour Dave.
You kept us on a steady path after Des passed and built on his legacy.
I know Brad will continue this work and you can take comfort in knowing the forum's future is in safe hands.
Thankyou Dave.
Rest easy Sir, rest easy.
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It has, and remains, a privilege an an honour to have been part of what you created here Dave.
Your commitment to our slice of the modelling world is second to none, and you have magnificently carried the flame lit by Des and made it burn brighter than ever. Those that follow you can only hope to emulate your achievements.
I know you are strong, and will keep fighting the good fight, come what may.
Blue skies, my friend, you have done your part. Rest on arms, sir.
You and Sally are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your friend, for eternity,
Brad Cancian
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave! I really enjoyed how you managed this favourite forum of mine, your experienced words from time to time. Farewell. Blue skies.
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I had chosen to send my farewells through Sally earlier and now wish to thank each and everyone here for their kind words of thanks and faith to a very strong and inspiring man as he prepares for his final journey. Your compassion and genuine expressions of love and support are indicative of the friendly and positive nature of this unique community founded by Des and fostered so well by Dave over these years. Above all else Dave kept a high standard of kindness, understanding, and genuine open friendliness paramount here in our special "Happy Place" and that remains our driving principle. We are unique in our example of true fellowship despite our differences of culture and creed......
and Thank You again Dave for your friendship, fine example, inspiration and guidance these past years, we are a much better and treasured place for having had you here.
Blue Skies, my Friend, Blue Skies.
Lance
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There‘s an escort for you, Dave, gathering from all around the globe!
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Dave,
It is difficult to think of things to say. Just a big thank you for captaining the best modelling forum there is over the years, see you on the other side.
Alan.
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Very sad news, and what a courageus farewell post.
Thank you very much for your continuous work here Dave. You will be remembered.
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Dave - as has been mentioned by many it's tough to wrap words around the your situation. But if I can offer anything it's a heartfelt thanks to your presence and efforts here, and letting you know how much you're in my thoughts at this time. Lance and I chatted last year about things, and I know you've had quite a battle.
Sincerely,
Gary
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Dear Dave,
From a friend you've never met but will always have, thank you for carrying the torch and for leading everyone. We're all ultimately following you on the same mission... "Through Struggle to the Stars."
(https://i.postimg.cc/jS0QrNpV/ww1-royal-flying-corps-rfc-silk-embroidered-postcard-21903-main-size4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/svmZYBfK)
Blue skies,
Paul
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Thank you and best wishes to you and your family.
Rick in Seattle
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When my time to go West rolls around I can only hope I’m able to show the kind of grace you’ve shown here, Dave. Thank you for all you’ve done; I’ll stand you a gin and French in the mess when I get up there.
Maybe two.
Dutch
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I am so sorry to hear this. As others have said, I am gutted. I have, and will continue, to keep you and yours in my prayers.
Thank you so much for all that you have done.
I am so sorry.
We'll all be together up there.
Warren
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Dave that is such sad news. I am glad to have enjoyed the community you and Des have gathered together and inspired, with such sensibility and integrity. Life is so random. If there is an afterlife, am sure there will be modelling in it. Respect!
James, fellow Kiwi
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I’m very saddened for you Dave, and for your family. Deepest thanks for all you have done and achieved in your life.
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Dave,
I’m very sorry to hear of this, I have no words. Just a simple thank you for sharing your time and experience with us. Thank you for your leadership and providing us with the opportunity for fellowship in our common WWI interest.
Peace be with you!
Tim
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So sorry to hear that news.
I wish you and yours all the best, although that may sound a little hollow.
Thanks for your work here, I know Des would appreciate it as much as we all do.
Ian
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I am saddened to hear this news Dave! You have been a Great successor to Des and have kept the Initial Spirit of the Group alive and well. You certainly have been and will be Missed! Thank You for all you have done!
RAGIII
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Hello all,
I am deeply saddened to report that our forum owner and administrator, David Wilson, passed away on Sunday morning Australian time, 24 March 2024, with his wife Sally, his son Royce, and his family by his side.
Please see the full forum announcement, here -
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=14351.0
Sally and Dave's family have all been monitoring your comments here on this thread - please leave any messages of condolence here, so that Sally, Royce and Dave's family may receive them.
This truly is gut-wrenching news, and I thank you all for continuing to pull together as a modelling community; your overwhelming responses are the true testament to what Dave created, and it is what will remain Dave's legacy. Our thoughts, I am sure, are all with Sally, Royce, and Dave's family during these difficult times.
Per Ardua ad Astra,
Brad Cancian
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My deepest condolences to Dave's family - we all share your sadness. Let me assure you of my prayers for Dave, may he rest in peace.
We all here owe so much to Him, his dedication to keeping this place and maintaining it in the shape we cherish so much - they will never be forgotten.
Blue skies, Dave!!! :'( :'( :'(
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These are news that are hard to believe, my heart does not want to accept this loss.
By the way most of what I feel in my heart is written by our comrade members in the posts above, I just want to add my personal warm embrace and condolences to Dave's family...
May he share the blue skies with Des.
Antonio
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My deepest condolences to Sally, Royce and Dave's family. I am also dealing with the death of a close family member, so I know this is a time for both sadness and reflection. Those of us in our little community can look back and be so grateful for what Dave did for us. He put a lot of effort into keeping our community going and helping it thrive, always without complaint and in the most selfless way. If this is any measure of the man, I am sure you can all look back and think how lucky you were to have Dave in your lives. I know we were. He will not be forgotten.
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My deepest condolences to Dave's family. I do so hope they manage to see these response from all his modelling friends around the world - showing the respect, trust and affection in which he was held by so many people.
I'm on the opposite side of the planet, but through so many conversations and shared exchanges over the last decade, know that I could have walked into a room with Dave and it would just have been to catch up with an old friend.
He will be missed.
Sandy
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What horrible news these are. I am speechless.
Farewell, Sir.
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Damn!!!!!
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I would like to give my condolences to Dave's family too for their loss.
Alan.
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My condolences to Sally, Royce and the rest of Dave's family.
I know my words can do nothing to salve your pain and sorrow.
The strength of character Dave showed in his final message to us all was quite amazing, emotional and graceful.
He will be truly missed yet live on through his legacy here in our little community.
Blue skies David Wilson, thankyou and farewell.
Andrew
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I was away for five days and came back to this. It is stunning and devastating news. Dave picked up the baton when we lost Des and continued to make this the place where calm, informative entertainment lived. Brad, this is a void you have been tasked with filling. I already know you will succeed. Dave chose well.
Steve
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Sadly, as someone who never posted here on the forum until last year, I never had any direct contact with Dave, save for one act of kindness a few weeks ago which Brad relayed to my sons and I. But his last message spoke volumes—something like that could only have been written by a true gentleman, in that increasingly out-of-date phrase. All my best wishes to Sally, Royce, Miles, and the rest of his family and friends; he, and you all, have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Dave Vosburgh
AKA Dutch
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My heartfelt condolences go out to you, Sally, and Dave's whole family! The loss, which Dave's passing means to us forumites, naturally is not compareable to what it means to you. But we are missing Dave - for our reasons. May he rest in peace.
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Thank you for everything Dave.
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Heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers are with Sally, Royce, the rest of the Wilson family and those who were blessed with the honor and privilege to have been among Dave's friends in this most difficult time.
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Very sad news. Sincere condolences to Dave's family.
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So sad to hear of Dave's passing. Deepest condolences to his family.
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My deepest condolences to Sally and Dave's family. Dave was a kind, thoughtful, helpful man. I will always be grateful for his suggestions and tips he gave me. He and Des made this the BEST forum anywhere. My heart is broken.
Rest in peace my friend,
James Sontag
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My Heartfelt condolences go out to Dave's loved ones during this sad time.
God bless you Dave
Blue skies my friend.
Bob
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Very sad… my condolences to Sally and the rest of Dave’s family. A courageous man of great honesty and integrity.
Blue skies
Matt
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Oh my, I was afraid this would come all too soon. My sincerest prayers and condolences to Sally, Royce and Dave's family. Dave and Des created a wonderful place for us, and I'm sure Brad and rest of the team will carry on magnificently in the same spirit that this place has always had.
Godspeed and Blue Skies Dave!
Warren
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My sincerest condolences to Dave's family.
Fly with the angels Dave. :'(
Regards
Danny
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Hi everyone, please find details in the below link for Dave's funeral. The funeral will be live streamed for those who can't physically attend but who wish to be present virtually -
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=14351.0
Royce (Dave's son) also wishes to express the family's thanks for all of our kind words of support. In his words -
"Please thank all the forum members for their wonderful and heartfelt messages. Sally, myself and Miles (David's other son and my brother - please don't forget him) have been really touched by the kind words and support; it's been a great comfort in a difficult time."
Thanks again to you all, and please keep the messages of support coming.
Warmest regards,
Brad
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Our admin team is a closely-knit group and we are in communication often, so the news of Dave's condition - and the rate at which it deteriorated - was something we were all aware of and followed closely and, for me at least, dreaded to pass on to our fellow forumites. Given Dave's ability to bounce back so bravely early on I was optimistic for the future and for him to recover once more and return to the fold. Sadly this was not to be.
I am very thankful to Brad for allowing me to get in touch with Sally to pass on my sentiments, and it was bittersweet to receive Dave's responses (through Sally) in his final days, and to learn how much our relationship meant to him. I cannot thank her enough for taking the time during this awful period to relay these messages to us. It means more than I can put into words. Thank you Sally and I wish you and "the boys" nothing but the best.
I'm writing this post at Wellington Airport, New Zealand's capital city and I believe an old haunt of Dave's from his journalism days, and I'm not ashamed to say I'm in tears writing this.
We all owe Dave a great debt for what he did for the forum after Des' passing, and by extension for the hobby in general through the connections he fostered with kit manufacturers. I personally feel extremely grateful for the opportunities he gave me by taking me on as part of the admin team and our friendship - even though it was only ever via the forum and Facebook - is one I will always treasure.
Blue skies, tailwinds and a packed stash my friend. Kia kaha.
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Can only echo what has been said already, though words are sometimes not enough. Dave was such an honest, fair and thorough guy. Vale to a decent bloke. Condolences and best wishes to Dave’s family, friends and fellow forumites.
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Hi all,
Having just watched Dave's funeral service online it was obviously very moving.
It was also obvious how loved and respected a man he was.
I found it poignant that Dave's family had some of his models placed on his coffin.
An indication of just how much the forum meant to Dave.
Mike
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Hi all,
Having just watched Dave's funeral service online it was obviously very moving.
It was also obvious how loved and respected a man he was.
I found it poignant that Dave's family had one of his models placed on his coffin.
An indication of just much the forum meant to Dave.
Mike
Yes, I'm grateful that modern technology allowed those who couldn't attend in person to witness his services. It was nice to hear stories about him that we might not have heard otherwise. The slideshow was lovely, too. The models on the casket were his favorites among the two world wars: the Hurricane and SE5A.
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I have only just received this news via a fellow modeller as I too have been absent visiting family.
I cannot adequately express in words my feelings: the forum has lost not only an important member, but an exceptional modeller. I agree with all that has been contributed above - in words far more eloquent than I could ever find. My sincere condolences to Sally, Royce and family friends - such a loss is always difficult to bear.
The forum will be a permanent memorial to both Des and now Dave's memories: as a community we will maintain the honesty, integrity and respect that they brought to this the very best forum for modellers with our specialist interests. I hope that in doing so we will keep their spirits alive too.
Rest in peace.
Stephen.
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The livestream of the funeral is still available online in case anyone wants to take a look. It's here: https://www.somervillefunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals/past-funerals/z2tx/
Not sure how long it will be there but it was very touching to see those models on Dave's casket.
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My sincerest condolences to Dave's family and friends.
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Although I responded to Daves original post I feel I need to offer My Condolences to the Family. My thoughts are with you.
Rick Geisler/ AKA RAGIII
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Brad,
I hope we, as a community, can remember Dave by holding a group build in his honour, like we did for our friend Des.
Perhaps allow upwards of 9 months for completion or by end of year.
Enter my name into the ring.
God bless you David.
Blue skies my friend.
Bob
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Brad,
I hope we, as a community, can remember Dave by holding a group build in his honour, like we did for our friend Des.
Perhaps allow upwards of 9 months for completion or by end of year.
Enter my name into the ring.
There have been discussions :)
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My deepest condolences to Dave's family for their loss.
Blue Skies Dave, until we all meet again
Russ Niles
IPMS 4450
Sacramento Ca
"Too close for missiles....switching to guns"
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Very sad news, my condolences to Dave's family.
Giuseppe
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I'm so sorry to hear this and condolences to Dave's family and all who knew him. Despite what he must have been going through, he always seemed to be good-natured and generous in his encouragement and enthusiasm for the hobby and the people within it.
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Condolences to his family. Thank you and Blue Skies !!
Ed
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Thank you for everything and God bless you!