RIP Jack Fehling 10/14/2020

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We lost my father this morning in Jupiter, FL to a brain tumor. He was always a proud man. Proud of anything and everything in our lives that revolved around radio control and especially pylon racing. First racing in 1964 before pylon was even an official event and even on reeds before proportional controls. The reason like many racers, he flew mode 1. He was a founder of FMPRA (Florida Minature Pylon Racing Association) before later becoming SEMPRA. He eventually bowed out of pylon around 1981 when he made Captain at Delta Airlines focusing solely on his career and first homebuilt project, a Burt Rutan Varieze. Like Burt designed, he built it in a single car garage in the Orlando area during the early 80s. He would eventually build 3 aircraft in his life.

He was always a focused and hardworking person. His first aviation job at age 16, cleaning aircraft interiors at Minneapolis/St Paul Airport in his hometown while working on an A&P license. When he graduated High School, he started a job a National Airlines as an 18 year old A&P mechanic, while funding flying lessons in his spare time. Finally at 20, he started his first job as an aviator, flying C46's along Northern military base routes delivering cargo. Again, with an eye at even higher goals, building his time and experience. He would finally get his foot in the door with Northeast Airlines as a flight engineer on the Boeing 727. He would end his 36 year career as a Delta Airlines Captain on the Lockheed L1011 with over 32,000 total flying hours. Most know, but my parents met through the Airlines as she was a Delta Flight Attendant for over 30 years herself. Aviation always the thing binding us.

He loved all the friendships, memories and adrenaline pylon racing provided not only him, but our entire family. We are so sad to lose him, but I'm so glad to have shared him with so many of you that share this hobby.

Ready, turn!

[Sandbag Special]

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[G.Freeman Jr.]

So very sorry to hear this Matt. Prayers for you and your family. RIP in Jack.

[J Duda]

Matt - I can’t imagine the sadness you must be feeling from your loss. I trust you were you able to spend some time with Jack before he passed, and hopefully that eases some of the shock. Please know that I am thinking about you and praying for comfort for you and your family.

My deepest condolences,
Jason Duda

[fizzwater2]

Matt, I'm sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing the story and all the great pictures of you and your dad.

Hang in there, my friend -

Gordon McWilliams

[T.Doe]

Matt in sorry for your loss I only met you're dad a couple of times, and he help answer what questions I had he will be missed

[iamtom]

So sorry for your loss Matt and Joanie. Losing a parent and mate is so hard to accept. Stay strong. Memories and friends will help you through the pain.
Tom and family

[Laird]

Matt,

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Most of us all have our fathers to thank for what we know about this hobby. I know I do.

Focus on the great times together, and always remember the lessons in the shop and at the field, and he'll be with you forever. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship.

Deepest condolences to you and your family,

Laird

[cpaine]

my deepest condolences Matt.
To grow up with a dad that is also your friend in this hobby, is one of the greatest privileges that some of us are lucky to have.

Cory

[Dirk]

So sorry for your loss Matthew. He was a great man, always ready to help, anyone.
You and your mom are in our prayers.

[Bob_T]

Very sorry to hear this. May he rest in peace. It was a pleasure to meet you and your dad at the last couple races we attended this year (Cincinnati and Muncie).

With our condolences to you and your family,
Bob and Daniel Troup

[vonderhey]

The world has lost a first class citizen and a perfect gentleman. Rest In Peace Jack.

[GaryS]

Matt, So sorry to hear this news. Your dad was a great man that obviously was very proud of you. My prayers will go out to your family. RIP Jack.