Dorothy Feris

[paulnuss]

Re: Dorothy Feris

In the market for an airplane, I flew out to Alliiance in 1975, meeting Dorothy and touring the factory. As I remember, a new F-19 would have cost $7,500.00 then; I didn't buy one, instead went and bought a Cessna 172 (!) Dorothy was gracious and knowledgeable then, and through subsequent years, as I bought numerous parts to rebuild a couple BC12-D's. It was an honor to have known her, and she will be missed by me and the entire Taylorcraft community.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Dorothy Feris

My Dad called on her when he was selling in the metal business. He just told me last week how pleased he was he had the chance to meet and spend some time with her up in Alliance. This is very ironic to now learn she has passed on just days later after he made a point of mentioning this. Dad is 84 and is the one who hooked me on Taylorcrafts. He will be sad as I am to hear this news. When you hear from all who came in contact with her and read Chets book,mere words do not do justice for who she was and what she did and stood for. Jim Herpst

[captjon]

Re: Dorothy Feris

Dorothy was very special and I will always remember the kind things she did for me and others. She and Charlie brought Taylorcraft back and supported it for almost twenty years. Most of those ships are still around today and will be for many years due to her dedication to quality construction.

Forrest, please give her family our condolences and comfort them with the knowledge that she had so many friends who truely cared about her. May her final flight be a smooth one.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Dorothy Feris

Thank you Jon your message will be read at the Funeral service today. WE need to all stop and reflect at at 10AM CST as the service begins.
Saw your post on the www.chicagotribune.com guest book too! Anyone who wishes to add to this thread can do so & Tim, Herb & families can read it.
I send a special message to Mike for all he did over the years..... God Bless you for all the help to Dorothy....

The Alliance Review did a nice news story which I will clip and add here.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Dorothy Feris

Alliance-Review did a news story on the front page: I put it into a text file , no picture , lets see if it will run. I will have the original stuff here at the Foundation:

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Dorothy Feris

Well we did the best we could, the Foundation and the Barber Airport sent flowers. I found the poem "If you have flown" that Dorothy had on her 50th Year Anniversary message , she always wanted it read at her Funeral, son Tim did that. I just could not be in two places at once but I read the same poem here at 11:30AM EST that day of the Funeral Tues.
There was a lot of reflection and tears. Here is Tim & Herbs reply from the family. attached will be the poem. The snow is starting, I got all the ships inside; LET WINTER COME, WE ARE READY.

email from Tim Feris & Herb on Wed 12-12-04::

Forrest.. Well my friend it's over. Mom has been laid to rest. We tried to give her a Taylorcraft send off. I will e-mail you pictures of the funeral home soon. I gave the euology in place of you and actually made it through before I lost it. I prepared a short History about Mom, read the e-mails and finished with the poem you sent us, not a dry eye in the place. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for your assistance in putting the word out. Mom dearly loved anyone or any thing associated with Taylorcraft. Please thank all those who responded. Herb and I need to decide where to display the memorabilia we have, any suggestions would be appreciated. God Bless you and all of Taylorcraft. Tim

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Dorothy Feris

On line tribute to Dorothy Feris: if you have not done so please offer your final tribute to the Guestbook at the Chicago-Tribune: thanks Forrest

http://www.legacy.com/ChicagoTribune/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBookOrder&PersonId=2940426