The man in the photo is Dave Sclair. To me… he’s Dad! Well, Dad passed away on Tuesday night, July 26. Mom and I were with him, reading stories from Dad’s work-in-progress book, “A somewhat lighthearted look at the life and times of Mary Lou & Dave”. We laughed, cried and remembered. If such an event can be peaceful, this was.
We talked Dad into checking himself into the hospital on February 27. We feared a stroke as the right side of his face wore a slight droop. Doctors told us the visual symptom was the result of brain tumors, not a stroke. A whirlwind five months later, Dad took his last breath.
For the tremendous support from friends near and far, thank you. There is so much more to say, but that will have to wait for another day.
Godspeed Dad. I love you!
Mary Lou/Robyn and Ben–
I just heard about Dave’s passing and am so sad that such an upbeat and positive man was taken from us. Together the Sclair family and I spanned a couple generations of aviation pros. And, he was a pro even while unashamedly promoting General Aviation. I am sorry I am responding so late. I was in the midst of closing my office and literally out of touch. Just heard today. My deepest condolences to the Sclair family. As others have said, “You’ll be missed, Dave!”
We are so sorry to hear about Dave’s death. He was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.
You and your family will always be in my prayers.
Ben, Sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a great person. I never got to meet him, but I’ve been lucky to have read about him. God Speed!
Mike
On behalf of LAMA (Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association) and so many in the Light-Sport Aircraft industry, we send our sincerest condolences to the Sclair family and the GA News team. You have a lost a valuable mentor and leader… and a friend. The aviation industry has lost one of its great proponents. Dave’s steady smile, personal warmth, keen humor, and unceasing work for the betterment of aviation as a whole were valuable assets that cannot be replaced. We will miss his presence at many airshows but we’ve also lost a personal friend and a really terrific fellow. While we all feel the loss, our thoughts are primarily with the family at this time.
A true and gentle man, who consistently practiced what he preached, Dave set a high standard to me in how to live life by demonstrating an utterly faithful, generous, and dedicated support of family and aviation.
Dave, you will be missed, and no doubt your “block altitude” requests will be granted with priority handling.
To Mary Lou, Robyn, Ben and family– my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news of Dave. I was glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him. My prayers to you Dave and your family! God Bless. Bob R.
My Dear Lou, Robyn & Ben,
Words just cannot express how sorry we are at the loss of your husband & dad. Dave was such a support & inspiration to me in my early years in business and way beyond. I have so many fond memories of him and I will hold those dear.
Sounds like he left with his dignity & a smile. I know how proud he was of all of you.
Dave, thanks for your positive impact on our community.
Our love, thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Deb & Donn
My dear Ben – PLease allow me to join the many who knew your Dad in relating to you what a good (aka great) journalist he was.
Dave and I go back to 1969 when I was at Robertson Aircraft, then at Bellevue Airport. He covered our efforts there with a beautiful flair that I still remember well. And, there’s no doubt that his editorials played an important and vital role in the success of Robertson’s STOL products and systems. ANd now you are left to carry on the lagacy he worked so hard to generate. We love him and respect you for all the right reasons.
Dear Sclair family,
On behalf of the staff at In Flight USA, please accept our sympathies and condolences. We had the pleasure of working with Dave from time to time and certainly admired and respected his work in aviation journalism. He leaves a legacy of great accomplishments for the general aviation community.
Godspeed Dave
I bumped into Dave at all of the industry trade shows – anywhere I found him, particularly at our AOPA Aviation Summit, he was always down to earth, kind and upbeat. You will be missed Dave.
Ben,
Dave did much to increase awareness within our GA Community. Please accept my condolences.
Cheers from the Alamo,
Dave
My condolences.
Dave will be missed by many.
Dave Sclair was one of GA’s greats, gave me my first writing gig in the 1980s. Please accept my condolences.
–Paul
So sorry to hear of your loss. Monumental for you and your family and friends, I’m sure. And monumental for those of us that love Living With Our Planes. Godspeed, Dave, and thank you and to your loved ones for all of your efforts in promoting the airpark idea!!