Russ Hardy

[magman]

Russ Hardy passed away today ( 4/04/).

He had rebuilt 4 red, white & blue T-Crafts & number 5 was in

progress.

[jim cooper]

Re: Russ Hardy

Russ Hardy passed away today ( 4/04/).

He had rebuilt 4 red, white & blue T-Crafts & number 5 was in

progress.

Russ Hardy was a real gentleman and a wonderful aircraft rebuilder. I saw his own taylorcraft at Great Valley airport back in about 2004. It was a show stopper. He mentioned his son had one, he had one and he was finishing one. I later bought it sight unseen. It was a beautiful taylorcraft! His attention to detail was unreal. Russ was low key, unassuming and a master builder. Mine currently flys at Walkair aviation in Adrian Michigan. That means there are two in existence near Clarence N.Y. Which is where he flew and owned a hangar. his, a 65 HP and the 85 HP (no starter) that he had in progress. A total of four Taylorcrafts. I have a picture of all three together. Russ also flew his everywhere! He was either rebuilding or flying. It was a privilege to know him. Both his airplane and mine can be seen at Taylorcraft Aircraft photos, scroll to no. 6 red white and blue, taken at Mayville, NY right after I bought it. Best, JC

[barnstmr]

Re: Russ Hardy

I never met Russ in person, but spoke with him over the phone a few times. Everything Jim says about Russ's character and personality was evident over the phone. I found him to be very knowledgeable about airplanes and especially Taylorcrafts. I am sure he will be missed by many. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Jim, we would love to see the photo of Russ's 3 airplanes.

[jim cooper]

Re: Russ Hardy

Hi terry! The picture is with the current owner of the airplane skywalker aviation of Adrian, mich. you can also see it flying on their web site. To see two of them, Russ's and mine go to taylorcraft aircraft photos and scroll to no. 6 . Mine is shown just after he finished it and flew it to mayville N.Y., Dart airport.The spinner was off a piper that he modified. The inside of the plane was just as nice. Where ever I landed people would come up and say how nice it was which was fun. He made the wheel pants himself out of fiberglass. The paint was perfect! Lines were sharp, no overspray, perfect! Inside, Red leather bench seat, VERY nice headliner, finished baggage compartment ,red carpet, kickplates, etc. Blue seat belts. Panel, no dents, semi gloss black, everything worked perfectly. Russ was something! ( Russ's son has the third in central NY state.) Best, JC ( I liked the obit for the owner of Lamb aviation in Canada....."it was a nice day to fly.....so he went.)

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Russ Hardy

Too many of our friends are going West ; Russ was indeed a craftsman. Our condolences to friends and family. Forrest

[barnstmr]

Re: Russ Hardy

As recommended by Jim Cooper, I visited the Skywalker Aviation website. Very interesting. I watched the video on the homepage and found it has several flying scenes with the Taylorcraft N95916. I'm attempting to attach the video below in tribute to Russ.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Russ Hardy

Thank u Terry that was beautiful....