Charlie Terry

[Raceair]

I am very sad to report that my long time Friend and Sonerai promoter, Charlie Terry, passed away Thursday night. This information came to me from FV champion Dave Patterson.
Charlie was larger than life, a true competitor, and a true supporter and sparkplug for the FV racing class. Charlie is probably responsiible for a lot of the initial growth of the popularity of the Sonerai 1.
Charlie built and raced the #14 Sonerai 'Beetlebomb', helped rebuild and Raced #77 'Blueberry', and raced in the Formula one, and biplane classes as well.
His devotion to FV racing was unmatched. He often made personal sacrifices so that a competitor could make it to a race...(ask me how).... He was a record setting FV champion in 1985, and with the help of Rick Leonard and Jim Vliet, brought FV and the Sonerai into the TV sets of millions of viewers nationwide, as FV gained national TV sports coverage.
My sincere condolences go out to Charlie's family....Ed Fisher

 

[splischke]

I extend my sincerest condolences for the family and friends of Charlie.

-Scott

 

[n3480h1]

Very sorry to learn of this loss. Prayers and condolences to friends and family.

Tom

 

[mhflyit]

I extend my condolences Ed. Sound like a Gentleman has left us - a man of good family, friends and distinction.

 

[JoeB]

Thanks for sharing this Sonerai legend with us, he sounds like he was a good friend. My prayers for comfort to his family and friends during this time of loss.

 

[Raceair]

Thanks, Guys. Yes, Charlie was a good friend, and a mentor. I talked with his son, Bob, last evening. Charlie put in his usual 12 hr. workday at the hangar thursday (He was an IA and a Commanche specialist), came home, and had a massive heart attack while walking thru a doorway. Probably gone before he hit the floor.
I may drive up to Long Island for the service on Thursday evening, if the Hurricane gets out of the way in time.
Charlie and I talked a few years ago about having me pick up his Sonerai 1 'Beetlebomb', to bring home and restore....Many years ago the airplane burned, and the remains are in storage. The airplane needs to be properly restored, and put in a museum. It was a record setter, and the first very fast Sonerai.......Maybe I will now be able to do that, as a tribute for him....Ed

 

[phzabriskie]

My condolences are with you and Charlie's Family too Ed. I am sad that I am coming so late to flying and did not make more of an effort to meet people like Charlie that led the way. Better take a boat rather than an airplane if you are headed to Long Island, the tides will be running very high.
-Pete