Walter Soplata

Small obituary here.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-herald/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=146441944

RIP Walter.

Peter–

Thanks; went onto WIX afterward and saw the news obituary there. (The hint of doubt was due to the fact I’d heard about Walt’s passing at least twice before…when it had not in fact happened!)

Couple reminders of why it is we owe Walt a vote of thanks…

NAA TB-25K, now flying with Jerry Yagen in Virginia

Goodyear FG-1D, now with Ken McBride in California

NAA EF-82E, now with C&P Aviation in Minnesota

Goodyear F2G-2, 1947 Thompson Trophy champion, now being restored to fly for owner in Ohio

That, of course, is the tip of the iceberg.

Thank you again, Mr Soplata.

S.

Steve, it is confirmed he passed away on Friday RIP Walter!

Wow. If verified, this is sad even if not entirely surprising (Walt would now be in his late eighties). I had the pleasure of conversing in person with Walt on several occasions…he was an utterly unique gentleman. Would that there were many more with his foresight.

Godspeed Mr Soplata, and many thanks from a fellow enthusiast.

S.

The last great collector has gone to that great collector in the sky. Will we ever see his like again? RIP and thanks.:)

Sad news indeed. A few examples of his collection are shown in this thread;

http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=101989&highlight=walter+soplata

Sad news.
You often hear of his collection referred to as a “junkyard”, when in fact it was nothing of the sort. His aircraft went on to be restored for flight and I wonder how many he actually saved in all?

Pete