Actually SS, he made his fnal take-off on the 30th July but even I didn't spot the correct date until I read it before posting an obit on the Yahoo Volksplane Forum and I'm amazed that no one picked up on his death until this month.
Like you say loathe them or love them (I'm on my second VP1) the simplicity of construction gave many homebuilders the experiences needed to go on to other more complex designs.
As for flying a "Veep", you'll find it docile, yet responsive and with an 1834VW up front, an aircraft capable of getting in and out of some very interesting short strips.
RIP Bud.