A pause to remember the second anniversary of Des Delatorre's death

[Dave W]

This is a sombre time of the year as we mark the second anniversary of the death of our Forum founder Des Delatorre, who passed away in February 2018.



One of his last wishes was that his Forum, created in 2012, continue as an encouragement and motivator to fellow modellers. This is being done. Since Des died the Forum membership has grown steadily with another 400 members registering as we now pass the 3400 mark and continue to grow.

The large increase in Membership is a good reminder of the fact that not only has the Forum survived Des' loss, it's also honouring his wish for an expanded coverage of WW1 subjects. Also his Website which is linked via the Forum banner, is preserved as a permanent reference source and legacy to the Hobby. Des' inspired collection of models, many of them unique scratchbuilt works of art, are preserved with the Vintage Aviator in NZ and of course are shown on his website and throughout the forum on his posts here.

Dave Wilson
Gold Coast
Australia

[Vickers]

Des was a truly gifted modeler who, through his own master works and this very forum, both rekindled enthusiasm for the craft among his peers and inspired a whole new generation of Great War modelers. So sorry that he was taken from us too soon, but also grateful to you, Dave, for picking up the torch and running with it. This forum is more robust and better than ever and I'm sure that Des would be proud to see how many of the old hands remain along with the newer faces who've joined up since.

[bobs_buckles]

We will never forget you, Des.
Be at peace my friend.

Bob

[Thumbs up]

Des has given us more pleasure and Comradeship than he ever dreamt possible! I visit this forum every day with a smile on my face...Thank's Des!

[dr 1 ace]

Des, rest well in God's present.

Ed

[rolanddvi]

Doesn't seem like two years! A great legacy he has left all of us.

Mike

[Alexis]

Before I joined the forum I was not in a good place within my like . A lot of unpleasant events were unfolding and at the time I had no one to confide in . Expect for Des , I would shoot him an email every now and then . He never turned me away , would give me his view and the encouragement to better myself . He was the one who got me to join the forum and I'm very grateful that he did , that encouragement still excels today not just in my model skills .

Blau Himmel  Des



Terri

[PrzemoL]

Des is and will be remembered...
Blue skies!

[Mike Norris]

A great modeller and a great forum - respect 

[ermeio]

A great man and a friend, beyond the distance, now also beyond the time
His legacy will endure

[Europapete]

Seemed like I joined only shortly before he passed, so I never got to talk to him directly. This site is a superb memorial to him though and having his collection at TVAL  is, well, I guess our version of St Pauls Cathedral. He will always live long in our thoughts. Regards,Pete in RI.

[bobs_buckles]

A great man and a friend, beyond the distance, now also beyond the time
His legacy will endure

Lovely words and ones I can only echo.
Bob

[RAGIII]

I will always remember the kindness and helpful attitude that Des displayed and the inspiration of his Models. This site continues to Honor that attitude!
RAGIII

[Borsos]

Rest In Peace, Des. It was an honor to meet you (by e-mail) and a pleasure learn from you here.
Andreas

[Manni]

Yes to all above. I hope you stay some where with your loved Adrienne.
Bye,
Manni