I am noting the sad news that my early pattern mentor and inspiration to fly pattern, Mr. Leo Jong Pian Ki, known as oom (uncle) Leo passed away on May 5th at the age of 81.

Like Leo, I was born and raised in Suriname and Leo had the only hobby shop in the country in the capital Paramaribo, Hobby Inn. Leo was one of my initial flight instructors, and later huge inspiration and mentor into flying pattern. He also was a mentor to my best childhood RC friend John Bainathsah, who grew well in the sport and flew in several F3A world championships. We thank our inspiration to Leo. In those days 1970s/1980s Leo was one of the top fliers in the Caribbean region which Suriname was part of. Especially his Blue Angel comes to mind and he had painted it in the same colors as the F3A world champ Yoshioka! I have fond memories of traveling with Leo and our Aero Modellers Suriname team to competitions in French Guiana, Brazil, and Curacao. Leo competed in the 1999 F3A world championships in Pensacola, Florida.

Leo had not been active in our great hobby/sport in recent years though I wanted to post this tribute as he had a lot to do with my entrance and passion for the hobby. I am glad John and I got to see Leo in January 2023 refer to my other RCU thread, we had a great time taking him to the local field. Godspeed Leo you are flying high above us all now! Thanks for helping establishing the RC hobby in Suriname. RIP my friend.

Freddy Hagens
AMA 127205
BRA 13302