When I was around 13 years old my mom dated Bud a few times.  Bud took me hunting and fishing occasionally.  One time he even took me to Dalton airport and paid for me to go on a 15 min plane ride.

I remember going to his apartment and seeing airplane wing ribs.  He was cutting the ribs with a hot wire, and he let me cut one.

I’m so glad to see he finished his ultralight.  I think that he probably inspired me to build and fly my own airplane in 2017.

Here I am 50 years old now.  The last time I saw Bud seems like a lifetime ago.  I wish I could have talked to him again, and shared stories about our first flights.

Thanks Bud for sharing your time and knowledge with a 13 year old kid.  I will never forget your kindness.