Just saw this posted on another av forum, apparently Bob Hoover has passed away at 94 years old.

RIP Bob Hoover, you inspired millions of us.

I had the pleasure of shaking his hand at OSH several years ago, after listening to his talk. In that soft Tennessee drawl of his, he made it sound as if I (a true nobody) was someone important, "I'm SO glad to meet you!"

We've lost a true aviator. Blue skies and tailwinds, Bob.

Cary

Yes, he will be missed. As many others on here, I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Hoover. What a great man and what a life he lived. RIP sir.

I had the privilege of a minutes conversation with him at the Arlington fly-in years ago. I've told this story before here, it'll be the last time I tell it.....I didn't know who he was, just some old codger standing in one of the tents. Turns out he was taking a break from manning his booth, but he STILL couldn't avoid striking up a conversation about flying with a total stranger, I mean he asked me, "did you fly here", what you flying?" A super nice guy, and though I of course knew who Hoover was, I didn't know he was him until I walked away and glanced back and saw his booth with him now in it, wow, I'll never forget it.

It kinda hurt that none of the national news shows on TV or radio, had any mention of his passing, not that I heard or saw. That kind of pisses me off for some reason. Like when my 94 year old friend who flew Corsairs (2000 hrs of COMBAT time) died last year, no obit at all, no recognition, I only found out weeks later. One of my most rewarding off airport landings ever was when, after he gave me permission but expressed his doubts I could pull it off, I landed on his steep, narrow, curvy driveway, he got a hell of a kick out of that. Those dudes were totally bad ass, we're just playing around compared to what they did

With his age, I dreaded this day. I wanted him to be around forever, but of course it's not possible. May he rest in peace. He was one of the most kind, humble and gentlemanly people I ever met. The greatest pilot I've ever heard of, but above all else, a magnificent human being.

Fundamental lessons on life and flying, listening to this man talk and watching him fly. Tailwinds and blue skies.

Ya, Its sad that the typical wastes of skin, like the carcrashions, Justass Bumbler and those sorts get constant recognition over someone like Hoover that actually did something worthwhile with their life and served their Country. It speaks volumes of how far most of the citizens in our nations, have their heads stuffed firmly up their arse. I bet if people were asked who Bob Hoover was, most would respond that he invented a vacuum cleaner. It only gets worse from here out.

First time I saw him perform was at the old Reading, Pa airshow in the very early 70's. He finished his famous dead stick landing in the Shrike and had to taxi up a slight hill then make a 90deg turn to stop at the spectator area. I watched very closely as he rolled to a stop in the center of the area and the nose never bobbled once.....he never used the brakes and rolled to a perfect stop exactly in the center.
I became a fan and had the pleasure of seeing him again many times and talking with him on several occasions.
He was truly an inspiration to all of us.

We lost a great man and a great aviator. He will be missed. I never got the pleasure of meeting him, but I still appreciate him for not just his accomplishments, but the person he is. Blue skies and forever peace, Bob Hoover.

Youtube just put up these two videos of the impressive flyover during the memorial service for Bob Hoover.

Amazing amazing guy ....

I don't know that era well enough but two of those look like Super Sabers. If that's the case that's so appropiate because that was Bob Hoover's signature aircraft.