RIP Ron Bertram President of AOPA; Funeral and Wake details
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I met Ron about 5 years ago - although we very quickly became good friends.
We had a common background, both having been AAL cadets in our youth in western Sydney - although we never met during this time. I ran into him when we were both adult leaders with the AAL and immediately hit it off.
Ron encouraged me to get back into flying, I'd stopped after getting married and having kids - and for that I'll always be greatful.
Some of my fondest memories are the good times spent with Ron flying, taking our kids on joyflights, good times spinning yarns and drinking way too much.
His passing has left a hole in my life - it hasn't sunk in yet. I've lost one of my best friends.
My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends. To those who never met him, he was an absolutely great bloke. Let's not forget him.
We had a common background, both having been AAL cadets in our youth in western Sydney - although we never met during this time. I ran into him when we were both adult leaders with the AAL and immediately hit it off.
Ron encouraged me to get back into flying, I'd stopped after getting married and having kids - and for that I'll always be greatful.
Some of my fondest memories are the good times spent with Ron flying, taking our kids on joyflights, good times spinning yarns and drinking way too much.
His passing has left a hole in my life - it hasn't sunk in yet. I've lost one of my best friends.
My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends. To those who never met him, he was an absolutely great bloke. Let's not forget him.
God Bless
Knew Ron back at Basair where he did his Instructor Rating. Enjoyed his humerous anecdotes and engaging personality.
I think we should ALL be a little sensitive and hold the theorising till the report, it is their job after all.
This hits a little too close, been in the industry less than 5 yrs and already lost too many good souls...
Whatever your affiliation most of us choose this career because we enjoy it, lets cut the basckstabbing asnd acknowledge a fallen comrade.
God Bless and be safe out there folks.
I think we should ALL be a little sensitive and hold the theorising till the report, it is their job after all.
This hits a little too close, been in the industry less than 5 yrs and already lost too many good souls...
Whatever your affiliation most of us choose this career because we enjoy it, lets cut the basckstabbing asnd acknowledge a fallen comrade.
God Bless and be safe out there folks.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive only done Cpl Theory with Ron, just last year. Only knew him for a short while. Great and fun guy to be with. Im sure everybody in the aviation industry will miss him nearly. God bless you Ron and thanks for your help. RIP mate. And deepest regrets to the family.
Don Quixote Impersonator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Australia
Age: 77
Posts: 3,403
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
He was a good man, on the square and lived his life such, that when he was summoned from this sublunary abode there was no doubt of his ultimate destination. ** *.
RIP Bro. Ron
RIP Bro. Ron
RIP Mate
Ron was one of GA's best - always putting the politics behind him and giving his all to our cause.
I have never met anyone so generous with his time and his enthusiasm.
RIP Ron.
I have never met anyone so generous with his time and his enthusiasm.
RIP Ron.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Nasaltown
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A sad day indeed, and almost certainly the memories and lessons ("this aircraft needs speed to fly") of last week's Lancair crash must have been in the forefront of his mind prior to making this flight.
Does anyone know what his PPRuNe handle was?
RIP, Ron Bertram.
Condolences to his family.
Does anyone know what his PPRuNe handle was?
RIP, Ron Bertram.
Condolences to his family.
Sunfish, you state:
I’m sure you don’t intend it, but this can read as a bit of a put down. I found Ron to be open, non-secretive and genuine. I saw no “politics” at all in his mission to bettering the aviation industry.
It amazed me that he had time not only to run his successful commercial business, but to put so much time into AOPA and other important aviation issues.
His death will definitely be a terrible loss to Australian aviation – especially general aviation.
Whatever the politics, his heart was obviously in the right place.
It amazed me that he had time not only to run his successful commercial business, but to put so much time into AOPA and other important aviation issues.
His death will definitely be a terrible loss to Australian aviation – especially general aviation.
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ron trained with my late husband Paul at Basair and the last time I saw him was at Paul's memorial.
I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to Ron's family during this terrible time.
To Ron's wife if I can offer you any assistance, comfort or just someone to talk to please contact me.
Fiona Norris
I am so shocked and sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to Ron's family during this terrible time.
To Ron's wife if I can offer you any assistance, comfort or just someone to talk to please contact me.
Fiona Norris
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Oz
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I knew Ron via AOPA. He was a thoroughly nice guy and always took an interest in what you had to say, and was a passionate advocate of flying. My heart goes out to his family.
RIP Ron, we'll miss you.
RIP Ron, we'll miss you.
I saw the crash on the news last night and thought to myself....not another one
And then to find out today it is Ron. I am heartbroken. I met Ron for the first time at the AGM last year. I only know him from my contact with AOPA. I know that he suffered from the simple addiction of his career. He loved flying, no question about it. He gave everything to his position as president of the AOPA even to the point of using his honeymoon to visit some flying clubs and spread the word. Although I have never met his wife I am very saddened and send my deepest sympathy to her.
Politics was clearly never his intention with his presidency of AOPA. His ambition was to unite the group and turn it around, heal the bad blood that still festers even today and bring aviation back to a more positive outlook within the community in general. He was steadily achieving this goal. His position was never challenged.
For I have slipped the surely bonds of earth and touched the face of God
Farewell Mr President
Mark
And then to find out today it is Ron. I am heartbroken. I met Ron for the first time at the AGM last year. I only know him from my contact with AOPA. I know that he suffered from the simple addiction of his career. He loved flying, no question about it. He gave everything to his position as president of the AOPA even to the point of using his honeymoon to visit some flying clubs and spread the word. Although I have never met his wife I am very saddened and send my deepest sympathy to her.Politics was clearly never his intention with his presidency of AOPA. His ambition was to unite the group and turn it around, heal the bad blood that still festers even today and bring aviation back to a more positive outlook within the community in general. He was steadily achieving this goal. His position was never challenged.
For I have slipped the surely bonds of earth and touched the face of God
Farewell Mr President
Mark
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: AUSTRALIA
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had only one involvement with Ron when he assisted me with my analysis of the three parallel runway operations and procedures at BK. I instantly liked and respected the man for his friendly, balanced and professional interest and energetic input. A shock and a very sad loss. My thoughts are with all of those people who were far closer to him than me.
I knew Ron for when I worked with him at AFTS for a short period of time. Ron and the CFI gave me a chance for which I will be forever greatful. You were a top bloke mate always willing to lend a hand. You will be a character and good bloke well missed. RIP mate.
Like others, my knowledge of Ron has been through his work with AOPA. He appeared to be tireless in his efforts to make the organisation an effective voice for the GA community once again.
My deepest regrets to his family. May he soar with the angels forever.
My deepest regrets to his family. May he soar with the angels forever.