On Thursday, 28 September 2017 14:48:51 UTC-7, Charlie Papa wrote:
I just got the sad news that Ray Temchus, former President of Freedom's Wings International, has passed away.

Ray was the first quadriplegic Commercial license glider pilot in the USA, and the first CFIG.

He generously brought his glider, a G 103 with hand controls, to my club in Canada to demonstrate his program to such a success that we received a grant from the government-funded Ontario Trillium Foundation to start what I believe 9is now the most successful such program in the world operating at several gliding clubs across Canada.

In recent years, Ray flew his beloved Grob out of Tampa Bay Soaring, continuing to offer Inspiration Flights to anyone with a handicap, and flight instruction for paraplegic student pilots.

He is a loss to our community. He embodied charity.

Charles

Ray described himself as a high-functioning quad, Cindy. He had some use of his arms and hands, but not full use. His right hand had a weak grasp, but enough t hold the stick. His left hand was stronger.

I first met him when I took a friend who had lost the use of her legs to MS down to fly with FWI on one of their outreach missions to Buffalo. I was so impressed! Marie flew while I talked with Ray on the ground. When I told him that Canada too should have a Freedom's Wings program, and asked him if he would consider bringing his glider and his team to my club the next season to demo0 the program. He didn't even hesitate, but simply asked when and for how long. Remarkable when you consider how some groan at the idea of a simple retrieve of a 103.

I have visited Ray in Tampa Zephyr Hills FL every year and flown with him, shared post flight beers and conversation. He was immensely pleased with the progress of our Canadian initiative.

I am so grateful to have been his friend.