There was a great representation of West Orange Chiefs at Claybars this morning for Eddie Johnsons service. Way to go Chiefs! Im proud of you. A couple of years ago Eddie asked me if I would say something at his funeral when the time came. I said I would. With his grandson Joels permission, I am posting my comments here, for those who were unable to attend. Eddie Johnson We all remember Eddie as a teacher, but I also remember him as a fellow pilot and a wonderful friend. Eddie was always fascinated that one of his students was spending his spare time learning how to fly airplanes, and we discussed it a lot. My favorite memory of Eddie was the day I flew home from Austin, where I was going to college. When I was over Vidor, I called Ed Feuge, at Brown Airport, and asked him if the traffic pattern was clear. Ed said, “No Mike, we have a first solo out shooting landings right now!” I asked him who it was, and he replied, “It’s Eddie Johnson!” I exclaimed, “Eddie Johnson! That’s my old teacher! I better stay up here and give him all the room he needs!” There we were, Eddie going round and round in the traffic pattern, making touch-and-go landings, and me circling the airport a thousand feet above him, watching the whole thing! When he came in for his last landing, I dropped down into the pattern behind him and landed shortly after he did. I wish you could have seen the elation and surprise on his face when I walked up. He was thrilled that he had just done something, he always wanted to do, and he was happy that I could be there to witness it! I could identify with how he felt, because I remember my first solo like it was yesterday. It still remains the most memorable event in my entire flying career. I was one of the first people to congratulate him, and then we ceremoniously cut the back out of his shirt and dunked him under the water faucet. That was the traditional way pilots welcomed new pilots into the “Flying Fraternity.” The shirttail would have his name, the date of his solo, and his instructor’s name written on it, and it would proudly hang on the wall, with the other shirttails of those who had soloed out of Brown Airport. Oh, and the dunking under the faucet? Well, that was to keep him from getting the big head! When we talked after the ceremony, I asked Eddie what inspired him to start taking flying lessons. He surprised me when he answered, “You Mike! Then he continued, “I have always wanted to fly, and I figured, if one of my students could do it, so could I.” Eddie was one of those special teachers who cared deeply for ALL his students, the good and the bad. I was not his star pupil by along shot, but I knew he was vitally interested in my academic success. Every time I think back about the great teachers and mentors I’ve had, his name is always at the top of the list. The last time Sheila and I saw Eddie and Gladys, was a few years ago, when they came by to visit. They were in town to attend one of our Chief Reunion picnics. We spent about an hour sitting on the deck and reminiscing about the old days at West Orange High. I’ve had many pleasant visits with my friend Eddie Johnson, but the day he soloed was the most memorable of all. I flew “Top Cover” for him that day, watching over him as he flew, and now he is flying “Top Cover” for all of us. And he will continue to watch over us, until we are with him in Heaven. Rest in Peace Eddie
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:29:54 +0000
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