Today is going to be a very, very hard day for the large family of aviators, kids, friends and co-workers that gravitated to Ron Alexander and the boundless enthusiasm and generosity he displayed.
Ron, and an as yet unnamed passenger, perished when the Curtiss Jenny they were flying went down shortly after take off yesterday at the Peach State airport in the US state of Georgia. A witness is reported as saying that flames were seen coming from the aircraft shortly after lift off.
Ron was a major benefactor of the Peach State airport community, building or sponsoring many projects there: The Candler Field museum, the Barnstormer's restaurant, the aviation youth program and so much more.
Ron founded Alexander Aeroplane Company, which was later sold to Aircraft Spruce. He was an ex-military pilot who retired as a captain with Delta in 2002 after 33 years with the company.
AOPA has more details of Ron's life and accomplishments here.
Ron and Brian Karli were partners in the Jenny.
Still in shock from the news, it is hard to know what more to say. Two weeks ago I had the privilege of watching Ron give rides in the Jenny, something he clearly loved doing. Just watching how he handled he aircraft, you could tell the joy he was feeling.
Sincere condolences to Ron's immediate family, his family of aviator friends throughout the country, and particularly to Brian, who is feeling this loss so acutely.
Ron Alexander and the Jenny - Doing what he loved best
Some content from AvWeb