Free Flighers around the world knew Warren Williams of Claremont, CA.
He participated in the US F1d Team Selection programs throughout the 70's-90's. He flew at Santa Ana beginning in the late 1940's. Along with conventional models, he'd built everything else, indoor and outdoor ornithopters, fly-powered models, twin-pusher Wakefields...
Warren was a member of the AMA Hall of Fame. He still holds the Cat I Limited Pennyplane record. His plan for a Rise-Off-Water microfilm model was published in a Zaic Yearbook.
His building room was a time capsule of free flight history. He was amazingly generous and taught me how to pour microfilm one evening using a tank constructed on his kitchen table.
"To all AMA friends of Warren J Williams Sr.
I need to notify you of his passing just a few days after Thanksgiving.
He reached the wonderful age of 97 years.
I am his oldest son Warren Williams Jr. and where do I begin.
I am not sure where to begin...
Here is a short Biography, and a reminder of all the things he has accomplished and witnessed.
Born in April 1914
Attended and graduated from Sacramento State University with a degree in Engineering 1930's.
Hired, and worked for Lockheed aircraft for 37 years. Lockheed sent him to work in London England from 1939 to 1945 to supervise, and to build aircraft for the war effort.
Worked with Paul McCready on the wing formation of the Gossamer Albatross.
Met Howard Hughes in the 1950's. On the weekends (3-4 years) he supervised the Engine Maintenance on Howard's personal aircraft.
He held many AMA indoor rubber power records over the years. Currently still has one record open on the books.
In 2006 he was voted into the AMA Hall of Fame.
Warren had three son's that he put through college. Each of them finished college with Master's Degree's.
One in Finance, One in Sociology, and One in Special Education.
Warren at the age of 14 to 15 met Charles Lindbergh at the Oakland airport after his historic Spirit of St. Louis flight.
Lindbergh asked him if he was interested in airplanes. My fathers reply, "Yes, sir.... That's all I can think about."
Those words stayed with him all his life."
Received on Sat Dec 03 2011 - 14:37:15 CET
This archive was generated by Yannick on Sat Dec 14 2019 - 19:13:46 CET