Thorp Air Command - T18.net

My copilot of 43 years, Diane, has taken her last flight and slipped the surly bonds of Earth. She left us Christmas afternoon with family present and resting comfortably. For the last 10 years Diane has been fighting Alzheimer's disease and it finally took it's toll. Her departure caught us totally by suprise, my daughter commented that "mom went out on her terms to a grand Christmas cellibration in the arms of Jesus".

Diane loved the Thorp gatherings and Oshkosh especially the airshow. She also liked the lunch and dinner flights with our NW Thorp buddies. She always said "If I don't have to cook I'm there".

She will be missed terribly and I feel like a big part of me has been rip away and my heart is aching. The saving grace is that she is no longer suffering and is at peace. She has gone into the company of her dad and brother, aunts and uncles and friends that have gone before her.

God's speed Diane may you have blue skies and tail winds.

Taken Dec 12, 2017 during happier times.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Our hearts go out to you, Bruce. We are glad and privileged to have known her. RIP, Diane.

Bob and Susan Highley

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Bruce,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Diane was such a sweet lady. Thankfully she went peacefully with family at her side. So many nowadays don’t get that chance. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family from the Ginn Clan.
RIP, Diane.

- Tony

Bruce,
Sorry for you loss.

Spanky

Tony G,
Please make sure your folks know, they were wonderful helping Diane and I when we had our "incident" at Sedona.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Bruce,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed meeting and visiting with Diane. She was a sweet lady. My condolences to you and your family.
Bernie Fried

Ah man! What a year! So sorry Bruce. What a great lady. We are thinking of you.
Cubes

Awe Bruce. Darc and I are so sorry for your loss. We both really enjoyed her company at the fly ins. She was such a beautiful person. Always friendly and smiling. Thinking of you Thorp brother.

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

Yes, so sorry to hear that. But to go peaceably is a blessing. I remember her too at the Sedona gatherings. It was obvious she enjoyed them. I’ll tell Linda and will be thinking of you. Thanks for letting us know.

Les

Always sad news when we lose a member of the Thorp family . Take care my friend .

RB

Bruce, I'm very sorry...

Question: Are you a Finney related to N467JF?

She was my ship for a short while in the early 2000s. I realize the airplane has gone to that great runway in the sky...

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Philip Mandel
N118BC
S/N 957
Beaverton OR

Philip, no I’m not but my POH is derived from that aircraft. I saw the airplane at Portville at a Thorp fly in one year. I believe it’s demise was takeoff stall spin in AZ. The owner had the airplane about 5 years and had never registered it.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

So sorry for your loss. May all the happy memories you shared together sustain you during your times of sorrow.

Oh Bruce... we’re so very sorry to hear this. Diane made such a wonderful impression on me and I can still see her quiet smile. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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

For those that are interested a memorial service for Diane will be held Sat 23rd at 1 PM PST 2100 Zulu, both in person and live streamed, info at the following web site
http://www.stlukes-church.com/event/1968461-2021-01-23-memorial-worship-service-for-diane-finney-livestream-and-onsite/

Thanks for all of your comments, they have meant a lot to my family and me.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA