District X - 2006/01

January 2006 169
The 2005 Electric Toys for Kids Fly-in was
held October 29 at the Katella High School in
Anaheim, California. The Orange Coast
Radio Control Club (OCRCC), Scale
Squadron of Southern California, and the
Orange County Modeler’s Association
(OCMA) sponsor this annual event to help the
City of Santa Ana Community Services with
their children’s Winter Holiday Party held
each year on the first Saturday in December.
The 2005 event was organized and directed by
OCRCC president and CD, Steven Penn.
Steven Penn gave the kids a hands-on
experience in RC flight at the electric fun-fly.
Hobby People, one of Southern California’s
largest retail hobby distributors, was again a
major sponsor of the annual Toys for Kids
Fly-in.
The OCRCC, an AMA Gold Leader Club
and recipient of the AMA Award of
Excellence, says goodbye to OCRCC club
member and one of aeromodeling’s most
distinguished gentlemen: Mr. Fred Browns.
Betty Bliss, OCRCC newsletter editor,
wrote the following:
“Fred Browns, past president of OCRCC,
took the high flight on Thursday, September
8, 2005. His memorial service was held on
Friday, September 23, 2005.
“What can be said about a man who was a
part of so many activities? He gave his whole
self to anything he attempted. Not only did he
serve as president of OCRCC for two years,
but he also was the Scale Squadron
Commander and treasurer. He played a big
part in the Mile Square Park Air Shows by
helping to secure the performers and fly-bys.
“Fred was instrumental in placing the
blacktop at El Toro and securing the
accommodations at that field. He promoted
the purchase of the trailer held jointly by
OCRCC and Scale Squadron for storage of
our properties, but his most important effort
and the one nearest and dearest to his heart
was the Toys for Kids project. Fred and
Jackie, his wife, personally donated time,
money and many toys to this program each
year. He will be sorely missed.”
Fred and Jackie Browns at the 2004 OCRCC
annual Christmas Banquet. This was the last
photo I took of Fred and unfortunately the last
time I saw him. Fly high, my friend.
From friend and fellow modeler, John
Elliot:
“I met Fred many years ago at an RC club
meeting. It was the RC Bees, I believe.
“He had a love of aviation and a passion
for Scale RC airplanes. His strong interest in
making things happen led to him being
elected president several times in such clubs
as the infamous F-Troop, the Scale Squadron
of Southern California, and the OCRCC.
“Fred was was heavily involved in putting
together the well-known RC Air Show in
Miniature. He was a life-long member of
AMA and actively involved in the Orange
County Modelers Association and the US
Scalemasters. The Toys for Kids program was
Fred’s favorite and closest to his heart.
“Fred was his own man. His deep, dry,
gruff voice always had a smile in it, if you just
listened. Just a touch more up-trim my
friend!”
From his loving wife, Jackie Browns:
“Fred left us to answer our Lord’s call in
Garden Grove, California. He fought a long
and valiant battle.
“Fred served in the United States Marines
and in the Marine Reserves for 30 years. He
was a devout and ardent believer in the United
States of America, and ironically left us just
three days before September 11, 2005.
“His love of RC airplanes took him to
many places as a pilot, builder, and as a judge.
He never knew a stranger; he was so happy to
mentor those who were new to the sport. One
of the things we looked forward to each year
was the Toys for Kids. We had so much fun
choosing toys for the disadvantaged—that one
toy might be a child’s only toy.
“Fred will be deeply missed by all who
had the honor of knowing him. He was a kind
and gentle soul. Until we meet again, goodbye
for now.”
Photos of the Toys for Kids Fly-in
courtesy of the Southern California Flyers
Forum, www.socalflyers.com.
Till next time ... Keep ’em safe and Keep ’em
fly’n.
District X
Rich Hanson, District X Vice President; [email protected]
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Associate Vice Presidents
Glenn Carter, Walnut Creek
CA; (925) 933-2086
Don Goeschl, Lancaster CA;
(661) 940-6066
Don Gulihur, Santee CA;
(619) 449-8397
Marc Karpowich, Logan UT;
(435) 752-3639
Dave Pinjuv, Las Vegas NV;
(702) 656-1772
Bob Reynolds, Tucson AZ;
(520) 296-8183
Frequency Coordinators
George Steiner, Sacramento
CA; (916) 362-1962
(Please see last month's column
for additional AVPs and
Coordinators.)
District X Volunteers