With great sadness, I report the loss of four of our members during the post Chicago fly around.  The accident happened on final approach to Groton Airport, Connecticut.  The four were Chip and Pat Rollins from Phoenix, Arizona; and Peter and Helen Walsh from Wagga Wagga, Australia. 

Chip and Pat were active Rotarians in their Club where Pat was secretary.  Chip and Pat had a special interest in the Angel Flight and Young Eagles programs.  Chip had recently retired as a dental surgeon to focus more on flying.  He held a full commercial pilot's license.  Pat also held a pilot's license.

Peter was the current secretary of IFFR (Australia).  A Past District Governor and PHF, he was highly respected in Rotary circles and did a power of work for Rotary Foundation.  He and Helen were tireless workers in their local community and in their Church.  Examples of this were in "Country Hope" - a charity concerned with the support of families with children with severe illness - they were leaders in the establishment of a Ronald McDonald home in their neighbourhood. 

I had met Peter and Helen on the post Brisbane fly around - and meeting up in Chicago was an opportunity to renew our friendship.  This fly around was the first time that I had met Chip and Pat - but even in less than a week I had felt I had know them as friends for much longer.  This was a feeling shared by everyone on the fly around.

The spirit of all of us was strengthened by a memorial meeting we held on the day following the accident.  Prayers were lead by the Rev. Tom Johnston, one of the fly around participants.  Passages of Scriptures were read by other members.  Those who knew the couples shared their reminiscences.  It was a very moving occasion which bound us together and helped us both to grieve and come to terms with our loss. 

The Fellowship's sympathy goes out to the relatives and friends of both couples.

Angus Clark, World President IFFR 2004-2006