It is my unfortunate duty to inform the Bücker community of the passing of a Bücker icon, Bruce Kemper, 95, of Los Angeles, California on September 25, 2016.
Bruce imported 13 Jungmeisters into America in the 1960s and 1970s from Switzerland. He and partner Ken Williams were one of the first to convert their Swiss Jungmann to Lycoming power. Always helpful, Bruce was free with his stash of Bucker parts including rare Siemens engine parts and was eager to spread the Bücker doctrine. He helped check out numerous pilots in the Jungmann and would let qualified pilots fly his Jungmeister. Indeed, he checked my partner and me out when purchased our Jungmann and let me fly his treasured U-88 as well as U-72 which changed my life.
In the 1990’s, with the huge influx of eastern bloc aircraft arriving in the United States, the FAA tried to ground all exhibition experimental imported aircraft. At his own expense, Bruce flew to Washington D.C. and represented the Bücker community interests that allow us to fly these fabulous aircraft today.
Along with the passing of Earl Hickman earlier this year, this marks the end of an era in American Bücker history.
Services are pending.
Pat Quinn
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