fsxar177
March 5th, 2013, 14:03
Good-day to all!
Some of you folks have been following the status of my Dad, who was diagnosed with a terminal Cancer, back in May. Thank-you to those who have offered support, and the kind words!
My Dad, Lowell Thompson, with heavens ticket in hand, took flight to the eternal realms of Glory, Saturday evening, March 2nd.
Dad was a huge Warbird, and Air-race fan.
Attending Reno for the first time in 1972. As a high-school senior, Dad took a few precious pennies, best friend, and rattle-trap vehicle, and headed to Reno. Spending the nights in the car, the local police on guard had to ask them to relocate numerous times, and Dad had to fence-hop to get in the gates each day. But he was there! Having special interest in Slovak's Cobra "Mr. Mennen", he was most disappointed that Mira wasn't allowed to compete, upon his late arrival.
He continued to attend the races as often as possible, and took me first at the age of 3, in 1990. The trip south to Reno has been a long-standing tradition, that will continue in our family. Usually on a shoe-string budget, my best memories of Dad come during those weeks in September. His photos and videos from "Cheapskate hill", the "Valley of Speed", and other places remain treasured. He leaves behind stacks of slides, photos, and still yet undeveloped 35mm film, dating back decades. Between my brother and I, we hope to un-cover some gems, and we'll post the best of what we find in due time, for you guys!
Many folks would testify that Dad's knowledge in post-war air racing was nearly un-surpassed, and particularly of racing Mustangs and Cobras. His mind of air racing history will be greatly missed.
Working on the PAPA 51 Ltd. "Thunder Mustang" project from day one, he became very well acquainted with the investors, and builders of the many kits that were produced. He was always over-joyed when some of these would make there way to the air racing scene at Reno.
He made no enemies, and held no grudges. Dad would spend countless hours, with notebook in hand, with any other air race buff, sharing stories, legends, here-say's, and rumors. We shared his pain when personal friends like Tommy Rose, Gary Hubler, and Jimmy Leeward took their eternal flights.
Dad passed without the least bit of fear of his eternal destiny. He would want all here to know of his trust in Jesus Christ, and his confidence in that free gift of God, which is eternal life. Dad took his ticked to heaven in 1968, freely, by trusting in Jesus alone.
I would like to hold a live stream, in the coming weeks, sharing some stories, and photos, and discussing Dad life. This will be tailored to all of his friends in the aviation community, and I hope you all can join me. Will post details in due time.
Thank-you all for being such great friends over the years!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/102612_zpsd0bdb748.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/Oleanderdays_zps60b64e9c.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/b7622558-08aa-4060-8d7d-5d84aa6d278d_zpsbf049c8a.jpg
Joseph
Some of you folks have been following the status of my Dad, who was diagnosed with a terminal Cancer, back in May. Thank-you to those who have offered support, and the kind words!
My Dad, Lowell Thompson, with heavens ticket in hand, took flight to the eternal realms of Glory, Saturday evening, March 2nd.
Dad was a huge Warbird, and Air-race fan.
Attending Reno for the first time in 1972. As a high-school senior, Dad took a few precious pennies, best friend, and rattle-trap vehicle, and headed to Reno. Spending the nights in the car, the local police on guard had to ask them to relocate numerous times, and Dad had to fence-hop to get in the gates each day. But he was there! Having special interest in Slovak's Cobra "Mr. Mennen", he was most disappointed that Mira wasn't allowed to compete, upon his late arrival.
He continued to attend the races as often as possible, and took me first at the age of 3, in 1990. The trip south to Reno has been a long-standing tradition, that will continue in our family. Usually on a shoe-string budget, my best memories of Dad come during those weeks in September. His photos and videos from "Cheapskate hill", the "Valley of Speed", and other places remain treasured. He leaves behind stacks of slides, photos, and still yet undeveloped 35mm film, dating back decades. Between my brother and I, we hope to un-cover some gems, and we'll post the best of what we find in due time, for you guys!
Many folks would testify that Dad's knowledge in post-war air racing was nearly un-surpassed, and particularly of racing Mustangs and Cobras. His mind of air racing history will be greatly missed.
Working on the PAPA 51 Ltd. "Thunder Mustang" project from day one, he became very well acquainted with the investors, and builders of the many kits that were produced. He was always over-joyed when some of these would make there way to the air racing scene at Reno.
He made no enemies, and held no grudges. Dad would spend countless hours, with notebook in hand, with any other air race buff, sharing stories, legends, here-say's, and rumors. We shared his pain when personal friends like Tommy Rose, Gary Hubler, and Jimmy Leeward took their eternal flights.
Dad passed without the least bit of fear of his eternal destiny. He would want all here to know of his trust in Jesus Christ, and his confidence in that free gift of God, which is eternal life. Dad took his ticked to heaven in 1968, freely, by trusting in Jesus alone.
I would like to hold a live stream, in the coming weeks, sharing some stories, and photos, and discussing Dad life. This will be tailored to all of his friends in the aviation community, and I hope you all can join me. Will post details in due time.
Thank-you all for being such great friends over the years!
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/102612_zpsd0bdb748.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/Oleanderdays_zps60b64e9c.jpg
http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb331/fsxar177/b7622558-08aa-4060-8d7d-5d84aa6d278d_zpsbf049c8a.jpg
Joseph