Another loss to the helicopter world

[maxtork]

The helicopter industry has suffered yet another loss tonight. Many won’t recognize his name but his accomplishments, no doubt, have paved the way for many of us today. Barney Stutesman passed this evening after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Barney was involved the helicopter industry for over 50 years. He was a pilot in the US Army where he flew H-19's, H21’s and H34’s for many hours. He started his own helicopter company in Detroit after the military where he had the distinction of becoming the first civil air ambulance service in the country using a Bell J-2A. Hi-Lift Helicopters went on to many years of success in the helicopter business doing all different kinds of work with the help of his three sons and even some of his grandchildren. He went on to become involved in the ill fated HeliStat program with Frank Piasecki where he was the chief test pilot. Barney often talked about all the wonderful people he was able to work with over the years in this industry. I’m sure many of them have already passed on but there are likely a few still out there that may know his name and for this reason I am sharing this sad news today. For those of us in the rotorcraft world today I ask you, please take a moment to pay your respects to those who have worked hard to make the helicopter world what it is now and passed on to fly in another way.
Godspeed Grandpa Barney
I'm very proud of you!
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[heli1]

Having had the privilege of meeting Barney ...oh...about 10-15 years ago and listening to some of his tales,it is indeed a sad loss.Condolences to his family,especially Dale and Dave who are continuing the helicopter tradition.

[22clipper]

It always hurts when you loose a mentor but at least they live on in our memory. Sounds like your grandfather had a full & interesting life, I bet he had some great tales?

[B Sousa]

I knew some who were in his crowd. they flew the H-19s,21s, 34s, Birddogs, Beavers etc etc. Same time frame anyway. Great bunch who made the rule book on how Army Aviators should enjoy the Officers Club.
There will never again be days like that, either as a kid watching or later as an Army Pilot.

[maxtork]

Thanks for the kind words. He was a pretty great guy all the way around.and had some great tales indeed. If I can live to be half the man he was I think I will have done OK!

Thanks
Max

[hihover]

What a sad day is the day that such a fine old man passes away. I kick myself hard on the ar$e for not going to see him in the past few months when I should have done, but was just too pre-occupied with what is now trivia.

What a fine man and he leaves some fine sons to our industry.

Goodnight my old friend.

Tom Macklin