Just thought I'd pass along some tragic news to the modeling world... Mr. Bill Bennett, long time modeler and the man responsible for the TOC, passed away yesterday after a long illness.

May the good Lord bless his family and friends. Godspeed Bill.

The story located at

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/st...514427061.html

Godspeed Bill Bennett

It was a nice obituary, but there was no mention of his support to R/C modeling. This may mark the end of the "golden age" of R/C aerobatic competition. Anyone know if his children shared his interest in model planes?

I had the pleasure of knowing Bill because of the TOC. I was a member of Team Stricker. Bill was a great and humble man who we as modelers owe a great deal to. Many of you probably do not know that he was a silent partner in K+B for a while trying to make a good American engine for the sport flier. He also brought JR radio's to the US in the 80's and with his support of the TOC gave all of us a new direction with the giant scale models. I will always remember how he went out of his way to make my elderly mother feel at ease when he spent a few minutes speaking to her in 94 when she went to the TOC for her first and only time. She spoke of how nice he was and how if you didn't know you would never suspect his wealth. We have lost a great man with his passing and I wish his family comfort in this time of mourning.

For those of you near Las Vegas, Nv. There will be a memorial on Jan 10, 2003 at 10 am at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I'll post the exact building name sometime tommorow. If you can not make it to the memorial, in stead of flowers please consider a donation to the Bennett Foundation. Bill was a very generous man to many charities thru this foundation. Send the donations Attention:Bennett Foundation
Sahara Hotel and Casino
2535 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas Nv.

Till tommorow.

Steve Rojecki

I just started watching some TOC tapes, an old club member gave me, and the minute I saw them flying, I wanted SOMEDAY to be in that very event, now it wont ever happen, since Mr. Bennett has passed away

My understanding is that Bennet had set aside enough money to have the TOC for many years after his passing. His family, or someone, felt otherwise and took that money, hence, no more TOC. It appears that it died when he did, although I know he didn't want it that way[]

All together now!! Bennett!! Bennett!! Bennett!!

come on!!

Geeez Barcc,He has been gone for over two years now.There will not be another TOC.If you want to see something close to what it use to be go to the Tuscon Shootout.Many of the same pilots and the same great flying.What Mr Bennett did was one of a kind and I doubt will ever be done again.