Terrible Loss

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Yesterday there was an accidents in Florida that took the life of two, both from Leeward Air Ranch. Sadly, Scott Bingham lost his life in the accident along with Joe Hutton, both glider pilots. The accident took place near Ocala, when the Pitts model 12 went out of control and crashed into Lake Weir.
For many of us who have know Scotty since the early days of Thermal Research, it comes as a shocking loss. Scotty was a glider pilot from the beginning of his flying career and still flew his gliders from Leeward Ranch.
Scotty was a welcome fixture around Treasure Coast Soaring, giving his time to help members of our club learn the basics of glider flight. Scotty was always there for the youth members that wanted an instructional ride.
Having flown with Scotty since the mid 70's his love of soaring and his devotion to helping others was a huge benefit to our club. Scotty, you will be missed and never forgotten, RIP my good friend! Bob

[RV 6 Driver]

I'm sorry to hear this.

Please accept my condolences Bob

[Mark Mocho]

Always sad to hear of the loss of one of the stalwarts of our sport.
Condolences, RIP.

[bluej...@gmail.com]

Scotty was one hell of a great guy. He gave my boy a lesson when I was busy giving rides for the club and was very complimentary of his stick skills. It was great encouragement from a well-respected pilot.

RIP Scotty. A true pilot's pilot.

[Burt Compton - Marfa Gliders, west Texas]

Known Scotty Bingham since we were teenagers at Thermal Research / Miami Glider club in the seventies..
Hard to understand.
Typical local news story . . . "Experienced pilots die doing what they loved."
I hate that cliche'.
I made the mistake of watching the video taken from shore of their long spin into Lake Weir.
Only watched it once. Wish I hadn't.
Horrible -- you put yourself in their place -- helpless.
Nightmares.

[2G]

Reminds of the immortal Gen. Patton quote: "No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country. He won it by making some other dumb bastard die for his country." Not quite the same, but close enough. I don't think any pilot, seeing that his life was about to end, thought "Gee, I will die doing what I love."

Tom

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Burt, I spoke with Scott just before that fatal flight, and yes, it hurts to see that video, even us old men cry!
Scott and I were best of friends, spent time together since the Thermal Research days and I will never forget the fond memories. Scott gave a lot to us here at Treasure Coast Soaring, devoted his time to helping the youth members and directed donations to our club. I could continue on, but your cliche comment says it all, IMHO you hit the nail on the head! I refuse to watch the video, like you, I saw it once and could not watch it again.
This one hurts, we lost a wonderful caring and giving person, I often think back of the good old days at Thermal Research, Alfonso, Scotty, Bennie, Pablo, the list goes on and on. I am just glad to have been around these glider guys. Old Bob, The Purist.

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Feb 26,2022 at Matheson Hammock Wading Beach, in Coral Gables. I want to make sure that all of those who knew Scotty were aware of the service. The service will begin at 11 am and there will be a gathering at Keg West, afterwards to share some great memories and stories from the past. Eileen and I hope to see many of our old glider friends at the memorial service. Old Bob, The Purist

[bluej...@gmail.com]

Thanks for the information on Scotty's memorial. That's the first of two glider friend's memorials in Coral Gables that week. I'll already heading down there for Bob Grandchamp's memorial on the 26th, as well.

Bob's Miami gliding days may have preceded yours, Bob. He and his wife Twila had a yellow 1-26A.

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

On Friday, February 11, 2022 at 6:26:46 PM UTC-5, bluej...@gmail.com wrote:
> Thanks for the information on Scotty's memorial. That's the first of two glider friend's memorials in Coral Gables that week. I'll already heading down there for Bob Grandchamp's memorial on the 26th, as well.
>
> Bob's Miami gliding days may have preceded yours, Bob. He and his wife Twila had a yellow 1-26A.

BlueJ, I do not recall Mr. Grandchamp, my memory is not what it was, the 1-26 guy was Harry Senn and Joe Buckley, both were avid 1-26 guys and Harry was notorious for crossing the everglades and going beyond. Harry was well known and respected within the 1-26 group and even Alfonso , Benny , and myself would look in amazement at what Harry did in his 1-26. If you get a chance come to the service or the Keg West gathering, as we all reflect on the great times with a wonderful guy. Old Bob, The Purist

[Tony]

Twila is about the size of a bear cub, she and Bob were flight attendants. I will be traveling back to FL on the 26th, will follow up in case I arrive in time.

[bluej...@gmail.com]

You should have seen how many cushions we pulled out of the 1-26 and the foot pedal extensions Bob made for her. We're working on restoring the 1-26 to it's former glory. The poor thing sat disassembled and buried in their garage for over two decades, but the bones are in good condition.

Bob Grandchamp's memorial is on the 22nd. (He passed in December.)

From Twila:
Celebration of Life for Bob Grandchamp will be held on 2/22/22 at Coral Gables Congressional Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd. Coral Gables. Service will began at 6:30pm with live steam open 5 mins before service. Reception to follow in fellowship hall. Dress casual. Live stream link: https://gablesucc.org/memorials/bob-grandchamp/

Scotty's memorial is on the 26th. I hope you had the pleasure of knowing him, as well.

[bluej...@gmail.com]

Will Scotty's Leeward Air Ranch buddies be able to attend all the way down in Coral Gables? (And, what is Keg West? I can't find a watering hole by that name.)

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Several people will be attending, Tom Clark will be flying his ashes and afterwards there will be a meeting of old friends at Keg West, near Tamiami Airport for a few beers and a burger. Eileen and myself along with Dr. Jon Fox will be there sending our true friend off to a better world. I know that some of the old Miami gang, what few of us that are left, will be joining in the services and a few beers afterwards. We will save you a spot at the bar. Old Bob, The Purist

[Rakel]

Will Scotty's Leeward Air Ranch buddies be able to attend all the way down in Coral Gables? (And, what is Keg West? I can't find a watering hole by that name.)
> Several people will be attending, Tom Clark will be flying his ashes and afterwards there will be a meeting of old friends at Keg West, near Tamiami Airport for a few beers and a burger. Eileen and myself along with Dr. Jon Fox will be there sending our true friend off to a better world. I know that some of the old Miami gang, what few of us that are left, will be joining in the services and a few beers afterwards. We will save you a spot at the bar. Old Bob, The Purist

Bob,

You might want to clarify where you want to meet afterwards. There is no Keg West in South Miami. We have Keg South in Kendall, Pinecrest and Homestead. The Keg South near Tamiami (Miami Executive) is the Kendall location.

Times have changed, Old Man and a number of restaurants have closed because of covid.

Rakel

[bluej...@gmail.com]

Keg West or Keg South? (I can only find a Keg South Bar and Grill just east of TMB.) Keg West is a much better name for a Florida Bar.

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Yes, the one just East of TMB, Where we all would go have a few beers and burger after flights. I think Alfonso Jr, and George Diaz and a few others will be there. Old Bob, The Purist.

[Burt Compton - Marfa Gliders, west Texas]

Bob, I wish I could be there. Toast Scotty for me at The Keg and please say hello from me to the folks attending.

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Burt, I will certainly toast one from you! This one really hurt, there was no better friend than Scotty, we spoke almost daily and we had our last laugh just minutes before that tragic flight. You and myself along with a few others from that era will always remember having been friends with one of the best persons ever associated with this sport. Just last evening I took a look at the old scrap book from our Thermal Research days, and those certainly were the days. Seeing pictures of people like your dad, Pablo, Lou Salvatore, Walter Cawby, Bennie Flowers, Paul Lowman, Alfonso, and many more, all of which you knew well. Well Burt, I guess you could say that there are only a few of us left from that club, but my memories are fond and everyone should have enjoyed what all of us enjoyed back in the good old days. I will send your regards and condolences to Judy and the family. Bob

[youngbl...@gmail.com]

Burt, we sent our friend off in style yesterday, the Cessna 180 flew over the Matheson Hammock shoreline and waved the wings as Scotty's ashes were spread over the beautiful blue sky overlooking the calm waters of Biscayne Bay. There were many of our friends there to say farewell, and then the group headed toward TMB for the celebration of live at, "The Keg". There was a video display that showed many old photographs from our days at TR, you would have gotten a few laughs out of those great pictures, I certainly did. I sent your message to Judy and the family, they were grateful for your thoughts, I for one can finally get a bit of closure from the loss of a great friend, take care and enjoy life. Old Bob, The Purist