Loss of another D-7  Pilot,

On the first week of December 2009, Ron Saccardo died of cancer.

It was not unexpected, as he had been ill for several years, but the end was abrupt.  Ron passed with friends, and relatives at his side.  He was 55 years old, and had been an active member and supporter of the pattern community for over 20 years, being somewhat less active during the early part of his illness.

Over the years, Ron had been to two National pattern contests, and one year he was District-7 Regional Champion in his class. On this, his final year in flying pattern with us, he made it to the D-7 Regional Championships, where he had a wonderful time, as he had been making a competition comeback even though he was battling his illness.

Ron never married, and had no children. His remains and estate are being handled by his nephew, Jimmy Dilk, of Antioch California.

(Attached are some pictures of Ron, he with the distinctive mustache, and with some other easily recognizable pattern celebrities)