REMEMBERING BOB KAY

A highlight of the successful Northwest Aviation Conference weekend was the posthumous recognition given to the late Bob Kay, former RAF Washington State Liaison.  He was lovingly remembered at three different ceremonies with plaques and kind words.

The first award was presented by Tristan Atkins, Washington State Dep’t of Transportation Aviation Director; Paul Wolf, State Airport Manager and Les Smith, WPA President.

AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker honored Bob with a beautiful plaque stating, in part,  “The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association gratefully acknowledges his efforts on behalf of recreational flying and commends his outstanding advocacy for general aviation.”

The final award was presented at the Saturday evening banquet by the Washington Pilot’s Assoc. Rachel Hansen, Trade Show Coordinator. The Washington Aviation Association “Spirit of Aviation” went to Bob  “For his extraordinary passion and commitment to the aviation industry.”

Bob’s wife, Jo Schumacher, accepted all three awards. RAF co-founder Dan Prill added a few words at the banquet in Bob’s memory. All were very grateful for the work Bob accomplished, adding aviation to Recreational Use Statutes now in place in 25 states.

For some groups, a gathering of volunteers at a regional conference is merely another day’s work, but for RAF volunteers the weekend was a ‘family reunion” and a great time was had by all.

Submitted March 5, 2015.