Roost Air Lounge => Aviation related topics => Topic started by: airtac on May 17, 2008, 03:58:33 PM
Title: Another pioneer heads West
Post by: airtac on May 17, 2008, 03:58:33 PM
Got word this morning that a friend, Dick Probert, died in his sleep last night at age 101.
Dick founded Avalon Air Transport/ Catalina Airlines in the 1950s with one Grumman Goose. At different times he had as many as 5 Gooses (Geese?) and a couple of Sikorsky 4 engine S43 flying boats. He and his little airline had supporting roles in several movies and several of Lloyd Bridges "Sea Hunt" television shows. Dick palled around with such people as Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and other movie greats and had much memorabilia from that era. In his estate is a 1937 Fleet biplane powered by an inline 4 cylinder engine--the only flyable example of that particular model in existence--the last flight he made in it was a trip to OshKosh 15 years ago (he was 86). In retirement, Dick and his wife Nancy, raised thoroughbred horses on their ranch in Annapolis Ca where they still maintain a grass runway.
I wish you blue skies and tailwinds old friend |:)\
Title: Re: Another pioneer heads West
Post by: Oddball on May 17, 2008, 09:34:14 PM
|:)\ ::drinking::
Title: Re: Another pioneer heads West
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on May 17, 2008, 11:06:33 PM
Man, I remember from my childhood being at the San Pedro ferry terminal and watching the Grummans alite on the water of the harbor, then water taxi in, drop their gear, and taxi onto dry land to drop off their passengers from Avalon and pick up the next bunch going to Catalina Island. I'm very sorry I never got a chance to ride in one of them. What a way to arrive at Avalon!
Sorry to hear of his passing, Airtac. |:)\ |:)\ |:)\
Title: Re: Another pioneer heads West
Post by: TheSoccerMom on May 18, 2008, 02:41:23 AM
Here's to your friend, Jim. |:)\
It's amazing to think about what people like him accomplished.... it'll never be that way again.
