Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

[Danimal1]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

My heart hurts....

[48tad]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

RG,

If there is anything we can do let us know.

Russ, Tad, and Bob
Bob's Flying Service

[vodkaandsoda]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

My body is numb... Sending my prayers and thoughts to Randy, Family, and friends. Blue Skies...

Jim Pera

[flyingjibus]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

This is a tough one. My thoughts are with everyone touched by this great loss.

This poem by Patrick J. Phillips always helps me.

When this life I'm in is done,
And at the gates I stand,
My hope is that I answer all
His questions on command.

I doubt He'll ask me of my fame,
Or all the things I knew, Instead,
He'll ask of rainbows sent
On rainy days I flew.

The hours logged, the status reached,
The ratings will not matter.
He'll ask me if I saw the rays
And how He made them scatter.

Or what about the droplets clear,
I spread across your screen?
And did you see the twinkling eyes.
If student pilots keen?

The way your heart jumped in your chest,
That special solo day-
Did you take time to thank the one
Who fell along the way?

Remember how the runway lights
Looked one night long ago
When you were lost and found your way,
And how-you still dont know?

How fast, how far, how much, how high?
He'll ask me not these things
But did I take the time to watch
The Moonbeams wash my wings?

And did you see the patchwork fields
And moutains I did mould;
The mirrored lakes and velvet hills,
Of these did I behold?

The wind he flung along my wings,
On final almost stalled.
And did I know I it was His name,
That I so fearfully called?

And when the goals are reached at last,
When all the flyings done,
I'll answer Him with no regret-
Indeed, I had some fun.

So when these things are asked of me,
And I can reach no higher,
My prayer this day - His hand extends
To welcome home a Flyer.

[sierra fox]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

Very fitting tribute here.....

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/Pilot-was-beloved-brother-mentor-fun-loving-flyboy/dlOJ6hW-tEK4JpCGGMjzZA.cspx

[Mike Cupp]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Goss & Ballard Families and the entire Warlock Crew.........and for that matter the entire Reno T-6 family. This is a loss beyond words!

The Reno Air Races will never be the same......the smile, the words, the
example.......He always had time to be friendly.

Mike & Pat Cupp
Salem Oregon

[Dave65882]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

My prayers are with the family today. I met a gentleman last Sunday in Carson and was talking T-6 racing, he pulled out his phone and called Al, left him a message saying he found yet another fan of his plane and the annual party. Al always took the time for myself and my kids and i have been going to Reno since i was eight. The Murray family will miss him deeply.

[spinner]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

My God I dont believe it. Al gone west. Have known him since the late 70's when he was crop dusting out of Woodland. What a nice guy and a great pilot. Sorry for your loss Randy. Condolences to your family. Steve Seghetti

[beachboss]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

Today, I am still trying to catch my breath after Wayne's phone call. Not sleeping well didn't help. I was very moved by the conversations I had with a few of you who were Very close to Al. My memories are of a man who, even after an eight year absence from Reno knew my name when I walked into the 'Pit Party'. This impression will always be with me. I have had a hard time reading more than a few tributes at a time before my sight is blurred but wanted to post something memorable. I am at a loss for words as many are at a time like this. I do not want to take anything away from the other great pilots and planes that race at Reno, but know that a Large Void will be felt on the ramp at Reno this year. I must give my condolences to the Goss Family before the screen blurs again.

Mike

[FlyKidChris]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

This is shocking and horrible news.

My prayers are with him and the Goss family.

[budgranley]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

God Speed to Al. He lived his life with charcter and enthusiasm with a friendly greeting to all.

A great pilot who wasn't afraid to sing and dance.

Bud

[p51fan]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

I think I'm gonna be sick. I don't cry much but today is the day,
I've been coming to Reno since 1986, I'm not part of any team, I'm just a long time fan of team Warlock. Dang it, I'm very sad right now.

[Big_Jim]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

Just for the record....Al wasn't a Captain. Nor was he a Commander. Those titles were for some unknown reason bestowed upon him by Jim Mitchell (anyone say Ram Francis?) on a Skyfire video many moons ago.

Randy G and I always shared a laugh over that.

Anyhow...until the 'extended family' can convene next Saturday down at Fast Eddie's hangar, maybe I can share a little love of Steve....


"Uh, Steve....you're doing it wrong......"

[WASP-kid]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

That is just classic. Great image.

Anyhow...until the 'extended family' can convene next Saturday down at Fast Eddie's hangar, maybe I can share a little love of Steve....


"Uh, Steve....you're doing it wrong......"

[dvddude]

Re: Sad news: Blue Skies Al Goss - Steve Ballard

My heart is heavy with sadness. My condolences go out to the families, friends and acquaintances of both fine men.