Steve Wilkins
Dear Gary, I remember when we met in the Navy at Saufly Field in June 1966. I love to fly, it puts me in a different dimension. I found out there were two other pilots in my barracks, I got really excited.
I think by then you already had your Commercial License and were working on an Instrument rating. You introduced me to Jeff Criswell, I was so entertained listening to you and Jeff talk about the places you would go, sharing flying experiences, people you met, thunder storms you flew through, you were the one that convinced me to pass the private pilot written test. I did, and by the time I did, you had your Instructor's license and were working on your Airline Transport rating. You left the Navy and became my flight instructor. You were a great instructor, Gary.
I remember when you, Jeffy "Auto Pilot" and me would load up a plane in the evening after work and fly over to Bates Field in Mobile, Alabama, just to have tea at the airport café. Those are some of he best days of my life. I love you and will miss you Gary, Thanks for being my friend.