STILL BUILDING
AND FLYING AT
AGE 101
By Joe Hass | joehass@gmail.com
Photos by the author
JOE HASS (Rochester Hills, Michigan) submitted the following about Bill Brown Sr.’s 101st birthday celebration. He wrote:
July 9, 2022, was a beautiful Saturday afternoon when modelers from throughout the Midwest helped Bill Brown Sr. celebrate his 101st birthday during the 38th annual Mid-America Electric Flies event at the Midwest R/C Society field in Salem Township, Michigan. Bill even drove himself to the event!
Contest Directors Ken Myers and Keith Shaw made special arrangements for the occasion. Flying was stopped and a midday pilots’ meeting was called. Bill was recognized for his years of contributions to all types of aviation before an enthusiastic round of “Happy Birthday” was sung in his honor. Pictures were taken before cake was enjoyed by all.
In the photo, Bill holds a replica of the Piper Twin Comanche that he and his family have owned since 1969. During the event, Bill flew his plans-built Bolt Live Wire Champ, as well as a special enlarged camp e’Racer that was created for him by Mark Freeland of Retro RC.
A conversation with Bill included the history of both model and full-scale aviation. He seamlessly moved from the days of escapements to modern radios, remembering the heroes and pioneers of model aviation. When discussing full-scale flying, he spoke of the flight-planning strategies that he used for trips across the country and to South America, well before GPS. “Sharp as a tack” does not begin to describe his mental acuity. A true gentleman, Bill always has a smile and a kind word. When asked, his advice is always spot on.
We look forward to celebrating Bill’s 102nd birthday in 2023.
