Long Time Modeler Passes away
 

Very long time modeler Mike Kulczyk passed away last night after a lengthly illness. Mike was a heck of a modeler. He built all his aircraft from scratch, even the landing gears. One of the most memorable planes was a tail dragger Super Marine Attacker. Mike even built his first ducted fan unit out of wood.
He retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Col. He flew full scale 105's, F100's among a host of others. Mike really liked to tell stories of his career as a pilot and believe me he had his share to tell.
He will be missed in the jet community and at the Austin Radio Control club
Took this picture off FranK Tiano's facebook page. Picture was taken at Top Gun but I don't know when or where

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...91388564_o.jpg

Godspeed Mike. The original Polish Glider.

Semper Fi !

oh that is a loss. Very sorry to hear this.

clear skies and smooth landings, mike.
you are missed already.l

Very sorry to hear of his passing..glad I got to hear a few of his stories they certainly were wild.

Thanks for letting us know Bob-o. Mike was a great guy. Tom Sewell will be happy to have him.

Texas is a little smaller today. Godspeed Mike.

+1
absolute treasure trove of greatness

Mike sounds like one heck of a guy. RIP.

Que descanses en paz Mike.

RIP Mike! I'll miss you.
Bob

I talked to Mike a few times by e-mail on his scratch built FJ-1 Fury. He and I shared some photos of our FJ-1's. My condolences go out to his family.....

Larry / Instructor

Great guy!
RIP Mike
Paul

Mike was one of the greats. Designer, builder, pilot, writer and friend. Our little segment of the world is much emptier tonight. RIP my friend!
Greg

My thoughts exactly, Dantley. Wish I'd have had the privilege to know him. Godpseed.

Goodbye to the most humble man I believe I have ever met. He was the real deal. Loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a real pleasure to have known him. He is truly a person I will never forget.

Godspeed my friend,

Dan

Did not have the pleasure of knowing Mike, but I y know I would have loved to just how much he is missed, g

Out of range....but never forgoten

best wishes to his family from this side of the pond

We lost a warrior, gentleman and friend. Mike could take a complex task and design a simple fix. I learned a lot about modelling from Mike and always enjoyed spending time with him. RIP Mike, you will be sorely missed.

Well said Dan, Mike was an extraordinary individual and always willing to share his knowledge. I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him, and I will miss him.

Here are few pictures of a demo he gave at the club about his scratch built Fury.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2009467http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2009468http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2009469http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2009470

Dan, well said and I agree. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike (and many of the Austin RC gang back in about 1992 when I attended my first Southwest Fan Fly) and I have always treasured the memories of times spent with the entire group. When Dean Lassek, Ivan Munninghoff, Herb Heaton and I got our big A-10's flying I had a problem with the landing gear scissors. Mike asked for one of the scissor links, went off to a machine shop and a few weeks later I had replacement scissors that have continued to work 20 years later. Mike was a guy that was happy to share what he knew about the hobby and life and never asked for anything in return.

I, like others, will always treasure his stories of flying while in the Air Force. The world and our hobby was a better place because Mike was in our lives.

Godspeed and RIP Mike. I will truly miss you.

Ed

Blue Skies Mike. Sleep well.

Dick
England

My condolences to Mikes family. Mike was one of the first American RC jet pilots I met when I moved to the US in 1995.
Super nice guy, talented and friendly. Just like the rest of you Texas guys !