Riggie,
Sorry for your loss, however welcome to RCU. I went through a similar experience several weeks ago. I bought an electric RTF on the recommendation of the "hobby store guy", before finding a club or this site. I had 5 unsuccessful "first flight" attempts before I broke a wing. I'm now waiting to coordinate schedules with a trainer from my (new) local AMA club.

I'll echo Missleman, in the suggesting that you find a local club. The first day at a local field I had no less than 3 guys offering to help me out and offering to help me maiden my bird. I've found that the guys in the hobby are very helpful to us "new-uns".