Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Final Flight
My dear wife of 43 years, Linda Austin, suddenly was taken from me Tuesday, June 3rd. She was my best friend, companion, and co-pilot. Our sons, Hugh and Patrick, and I will miss her greatly. She had an incurable, debilitating and progressive neurological disease, but did not die from that. Her passing was near-instantaneous and she did not have any pain or suffering. God was merciful.
Some might question why I would post this here, but read further: Linda had flown with me in that right seat for most of my 2700 hrs, in good weather and bad, and never complained or was alarmed. In challenging conditions, she'd simply look at me, lay her hand on my arm, and say, "Is it going to be all right?" She knew I would not lie, I'd always tell her what was going-on and what to expect. Typically, I'd summarize: "Linda, it'll be all right."
Linda also occupied that right seat for the majority of the 235 hrs we had accumulated on the STOL CH750. This "low and slow" flight was a new experience for her, and she immediately loved cruising our beautiful Sequatchie Valley in East Tenneesse. She loved being able to actually look down and study the ever-changing beauty of the farms, forests, ridges, and lakes. Her neurologic disease, Frontotemporal Degeneration, was beginning to slow down her mobility as it was affecting her walking, but she had no problems in the 750's comfortable cabin. Once airborne, I could see all the tension lift and she would almost melt into the seat and relax.
Because of her love of flight and the sense of freedom it provided, especially in the 750, she would beg me to take her up at every possible opportunity. For me, think what a lovely problem that was! Monday afternoon, June 2nd, we flew the Valley. Once we had settled-down into a low and slow cruise, I looked over at her - she looked at me, smiled, and said, "I just love this!" The next day she suddenly collapsed and passed right in my arms - likely a massive embolus or coronary - but she felt no pain and did not suffer.
So, the toils and troubles of building that airplane seem pretty minor right now, the reward for Linda and me was priceless.
Linda, it'll be all right.
John
N750A
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dave Gardea on
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John,
My condolences to you and your family for your loss. What a beautiful story to share of your life-long partner of 43 years and her love of flying .. thank you.
Dave
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Permalink Reply by Sebastien Heintz on
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My sincere condolonces, John.
Thanks for sharing the beautiful story.
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Permalink Reply by Wayne Huk on
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John - a beautiful story about a very sad time in your life. Linda will be in your thoughts each time you fly the 750. Thanks for posting this for our benefit.
Best
Wayne Huk, Osoyoos BC Canada
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Permalink Reply by James R Depfer Sr. on
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John,
I'm extremely sorry to hear of your loss. I've been with my wife for 50 years, and can imagine the pain you're going through at this time. I've always considered the loss of a loved one, the most difficult thing we face in life. The only thing that seems to help a little at a time like this, is staying close to family.
Jim
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Permalink Reply by David J. Beaulieu on
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John,
Add my thoughts and prayers to you and your family - words cannot convey how your sharing of this has touched us all in some way. My deepest sympathy...
Dave
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Permalink Reply by Rusty King on
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John, thank you for sharing this with us. I offer the most sincere condolences on the passing of your precious wife and friend. Your message inspires me to make time with my own wife and family.
Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by joseph hanz on
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John,
God bless your wife and you.
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Permalink Reply by Richard Rost on
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John,
My condolences as well for your loss. You have priceless memories of your flying with your wife. As the pain fades may you have many more memorable flights. Thank you for sharing. God Bless.
Rich
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Permalink Reply by Allan / Zenair Australia on
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John
Linda is now soaring with the eagles and her skies are forever blue. Linda will be with you where ever you may be.
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Permalink Reply by Wayne Tyson Jr on
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John, I had already sent you an email, then read this (I had to effectively sign up again after my long absence), and I broke into tears. I'm so sorry to hear this. What can one do except consolation? You're welcome here any time, and you can call on us any time for anything. And thank you for all you have done for us, and for being your own true self.
Rose and Wayne Tyson
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Permalink Reply by Dan Dempsey on
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Thanks for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by Douglas Kupersmith on
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My thoughts go with you John. How wonderful you could share the skies with your best friend of 43 years.
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