On Monday, 10 July 2017 08:25:18 UTC-4, Robert Fidler wrote:
Gene Rinke has passed away after a year-long fight with brain cancer. I visited him a week ago and he remained in good spirits even though he was aware his time was near. Gene was a great friend, an outstanding individual and a great soaring pilot. I flew with him for almost 20 years on countless cross-country flights in Michigan and Florida. The funeral will be private. A Memorial service is being planned by the family and will be announced.
Bob Fidler

That is sad news indeed! I followed Gene around central Florida for many seasons. He was the most practical guy, - maybe it comes from being a farmer. I remember his CG calculation solution. Make a paint stirrer into a gauge for when the elevator is in perfect alignment with the Horizontal Stab by putting the padded end ion the instrument panel, and the PTT into a notch cut in the stick. Battens around the elevator held it in place for Gene to measure where to put the notch. Then adjust the ballast until the glider held 70 knots with the PTT in the notch. Ingenious.

I haven't seen Gene for several years, but am saddened to know I never will again.

CP