Bill Smith died suddenly at his home in Enderby, Leicester, on 19 January 2012, aged 61 years.
Bill started aeromodelling as a teenager, his main interest being in control line aerobatics, in particular vintage stunt, where he was well known both as competitor and judge. He took an interest in all forms of the hobby, and could often be seen relaxing with a free flight rubber powered sport model. Bill was also active in the organisation of aeromodelling, being competitions secretary and webmaster for both his home club, Nuneaton MAS, and for CLAPA.
A serious illness in 2008 curtailed Bill's flying activities but his enthusiasm remained, continuing his duties with his club and CLAPA, and also co-ordinating the control line aerobatic scores for the 2011 National Championships.
Personally, my most enduring memory of Bill is when, several years ago, we decided to re-live our youth with a spot of control line combat. Needless to say that after a hectic couple of minutes, amid a tangle of lines, arms, and legs, both models made vertical landings and both Bill and I lay in the centre groaning in unison "I'm too old for this!".
Bill's friendship and enthusiasm will be sadly missed by all at Nuneaton Club.
He leaves his brother Ivan and sister-in-law Jean, to whom we extend our condolences.
Norman Hall
Hon Secretary
Nuneaton MAS
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