Vale Sam Todhunter
 

Heard the sad news today.

Will write more later but I owe my career to Sam and to this day when uncertain always ask myself "What would Sam do?"

RIP Sam, the best boss I ever had.

A fine gentleman and pilot.

I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but he certainly had an excellent reputation based on what I'd heard from others over the years...

Sam Todhunter
 

Sam was one of the old school instructors and examiners . Always the consummate gentleman.

Any relation to Reg Todhunter? He was a member of the Australian Gliding fraternity way back in the 50's and early 60's.

A good summary of Sam's life: https://lismoreapp.com.au/NewsStory/...002b481f32#top

Well remembered during his time in PNG with DCA.

Sam was the kind of boss where you always knew exactly what was expected of you, ie the highest standards of safety and a strong emphasis on teaching and learning. My goodness if you messed up he would give you a "rocket" that you would never forget, but then you would learn and move on and he would be back to his normal kind and fair self who always had time to give you some guidance and wisdom when you needed it, as all junior instructors do. I had a very difficult period early in my career back in the day where things like honesty and safety were scarce in the industry in WA and in CAA as it was then. Sam stood up for me against some very vicious people. He just said "This is not acceptable, I will sort this out" and I never had any problems again. He commanded a huge amount of respect and would always stand up for what was right. Always impeccably dressed, a military man with a heart of gold and a great sense of humour, they don't make them like Sam any more. RIP.

I only discovered yesterday that he did a degree in his seventies!
Fitting honour for man of the skies (murdoch.edu.au)