Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I received some terrible news from Bev Giffin this evening, and she asked me to inform the T-18 community. Walt Giffin was killed yesterday in a rollover of his truck on his way to Canon airport. The cause is still unknown. They're waiting on autopsy reports as well as vehicle examination before they can make any plans. The family is all there to help. The 4th of July 3 day weekend has slowed things down, unfortunately. Those who knew Walt know what a good man he was, and that he built one of the nicest T-18s I've ever seen, N78WG. He had bravely gone through some terrible medical problems in recent years. Bev is also a T-18 pilot. I am really heartbroken... he was a good friend.

I will pass on further information as it becomes available.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

We have lost "A True Southern Gentleman"

What a loss! To Bev and family, we will truly miss him.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Very sad. The best of caring for his plane was that it also came with getting to know Walt. A true gentleman.

Sad news. He seemed a very nice man.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Oh maaaan. What a great guy. That's very sad. Condolences to all.
Cubes

Sad, tragic. Awful news, the Thorp community lost another pioneer. My thoughts and condolences go out to Bev and Walts family.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Never knew Walt, guess that's my loss. When the pioneers pass on it is a loss the the Aviation world. My condolences to the Family and to all who knew him as a friend and fellow Thorper.....Dan

Terrible news. Just from talking to Scott and getting to fly Walt's near-perfect N78WG I feel like I got some sense of how talented and dedicated he was (not to mention how many times I heard about what a great guy he was personally). All the more incentive to keep her in good shape like I know he did and still would if he could. My deepest condolences to the family.

I flew down to Fremont County airport (1V6) this morning to attend Walt's memorial service, held in the Giffin's hangar. It was well attended. He was a very accomplished engineer and College professor. Bev told me that there were no medical reasons found for the accident. Walt was on the way to the airport with his border collie, Murphy, and may have swerved to avoid something. The cab of his truck was crushed when it rolled, and he was killed. Murphy is fine. Driving is dangerous... be careful.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE