Robin Simpson
What really sad news to hear that Robin is no longer with us. Anyone who flew around Houston TX through the 80's to a couple of years ago will have known Robin. I went to Hooks Airport in 1982 and learned to fly with Simpson Aviation (it went through a number of name changes for various reasons !) and ended up working with and for Robin and we became very close friends. He was a great pilot and instructor as well as a loveable rogue who started me on my helicopter career. Robin had a massive brain aneurism a couple of years back, after which his health and business never really recovered.
We were a little gang of Brits flying and playing in Texas, and what great times we had - Me, Calum, Gus, Pete, Pat and Ron the Dutchman. Robin was generous to everyone and very adept at finding investors to keep his little company going, but it was like one big family and always fun plus he would help us all to get on in the helicopter world.
I was back in Houston in early 2010 but didn't manage to see Robin - something I will now always regret.
Rest well my old friend. Jo Jo's, Mittlestaedts and Stracks will never be the same.
You will be sorely missed.
My sympathies to all family and friends
Tony Gilson