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Nice story Hello Bill, I just read the article about Mr. Dick Reade in your March 2021 magazine. I want to tell you what I know about Dick. When Sun Air Parts started in 1971, MidContinent was one of our first customers. I met Dick at several NAAA Conventions when they were held in Las Vegas in the 70’s and 80’s, and we became friends. Dick helped us to become engine suppliers to the Grumman Factory, Thrush and Air Tractor. This helped Sun Air Parts grow and prosper. One time, Dick told me a story about August 6, 1945 (a month before I was born). That morning the U.S. Navy P-38’s were out protecting the fleet at Okinawa from the kamikazes. They were instructed to majntain ‘”radio silence” prior to taking off. Well, Dick noticed the “BIG ONE” dropped on Hiroshima that morning. He told me they all said, “what the ---was that” when they saw the flash! One final thing. Monday January 17, 1994 at 4:31 am we had the “BIG ONE” in California. Sun Air Parts was one big pile of shelves, stock boxes, engines and parts. The next day we got an overnight check for $50,000.00 from Dick with a note saying, “Just send me a credit memo against future orders.” I will never forget that. We still try to help people affected by natural disasters. Sincerely, and thank you Dick for your friendship, Dennis P. Nobile President, Sun Air Parts, Inc. P.S. I must also mention the three other friends who sent us checks after the Earthquake: Paul Abbott (Covington Aircraft), Chester Roberts (Chester Roberts Supply), and Ed Wilk (Dixie Air Parts). Dennis; Good to hear from you friend! That story pretty much sums up Dick Reade. He sure was a legend within our industry. Thank you for sharing.—Bill
A 10 | agairupdate.com
Award I wanted you, my friends to know how much I appreciate your story on my award. What an honor! Thank all of you very much! Gaylon Stamps Panhandle, TX P.S. Sad about Dick Reade. He certainly had a long, fruitful life! His life blessed so many! And that’s what our lives are about... service. May he Rest In Peace with his maker. Gaylon; Very well deserved award! I hope all is well in your part of the state. Dick had a long and fruitful life indeed. His visions carry on today. Hope to see you around soon.—Bill
Mrs. Kimmel I hope this e-mail finds you well. I was just reading thru the digital AAU and sadly found out the Mrs. Kimmel has left us. It was sad news to read…I wanted to share a special moment with you, so maybe you can share this with others. Way back in 1997 or thereabouts, when I was new in the industry, I attended the SEAF convention in Florida. I always enjoyed that convention because of the great change in weather coming from our cold Canadian winters to nice warm Florida ones. The shrimp cookout and free beer that Bruce Andrews and crew put together was great, plus I got to see the many great people the SEAF has as members. As always, there was the farewell banquet, but this time it that was held at a local airport close to the convention hotel. The event happened after