No matter how hard the day has been or how tough the task that preceded it, we always make sure to invest a little extra effort and "heart" whenever we announce the passing of a treasured member of our flying world. In many ways, what ANN writes of their passing may be the only thing that thousands of people will know about a valued aviator, so we want to make sure that we give that member of our unique community the proper, respectful send-off.

But this one is tougher than most. It is with profound sadness that the ANN staff must report on the loss of one of our own.

Derrick Vogt, 63, a retired Cessna worker who selflessly contributed to our annual coverage of Oshkosh for the past several years, passed away Friday... and left those of us at ANN shocked and somewhat traumatized. Death takes us all sooner or later, but it seemed way too soon for ANN to write about one of our own ranks who has "Gone West."

Derrick was a unique fellow... a guy who took great pride in being a member of the aviation world, a quiet man most knowledgeable about the real-world of general aviation and one who had become a great fan of ANN... so great a fan, he decided that he had to make part of it his own... and he did.

Derrick would show up for each Oshkosh, prepared to do whatever he could to make a contribution to the annual insanity that ANN undergoes at Wittman Field each summer. He was a tireless friend, a willing gopher, a ready photographer, a timely Chauffeur/Golf-Cart Pilot... you name it. When you needed a spare hand, it usually belonged to Derrick -- and that hand always had a grin attached.

ANN is so many wonderful things... stories, news, insight, photos, technology... the works... but its greatest resource -- and its greatest value -- has always come from those who have made a part of it their own and given generously of themselves so that aviators the world over might stay informed, entertained and educated. If ANN ever did any of that for YOU, please take a moment and offer a quiet thank you, in part, to an uncommon gentleman flyer by the name of Derrick Vogt.

Derrick has gone west... and we remember him with gratitude, grins and great thanks. God bless you, pal... we will never forget you. -- Jim Campbell, ANN Editor-In-Chief

FMI: www.aero-news.net