Lee was an active member of the Cessna 120-140 group for many years. His love for aviation attracted me at a very young age and I remember reading through his manuals as a small child, falling in love with the thought of only air between me and the world. My Father was a great man, an inventor, an engineer, a mechanic, automotive enthusiast, fisherman, aviator, among many other things that he set his mind to. He was so many things to me, being his seventh and youngest son.
When I was maybe 12, he bought me an incomplete model airplane that he found at a garage sale, it was an Aeronca Champ and it was the beginning of a life long hobby, that I still enjoy today. Building model airplanes grew my love for aviation, understanding more of how they operate and the necessity to ensure even the smallest detail is adhered to. I joined the Marine Corps in 2005 as an aircraft mechanic and for the next 13 years of my life I maintained and gunned on the CH-53D and later CH-53E helicopters.
Throughout the years, he continued to feed my love for aviation and around 2015, he was unable to get his medical renewed so he gave me his 1947 Cessna 140, N1949V. While he had always supported my interests, this was the first time I would be able to gain my pilots license. I regrettably sold this plane a few years later due to needing to move to another state, a move that I will never forgive myself for, especially now that he is gone. I can only hope that I can be an impact on my children's lives the way he was on mine.
You may recall my Father from the door latch springs that he manufactured and advertised on this group website, but I wanted you all to know that we have lost an amazing man and aviator. Next time you are out flying your 120/140, please dip a wing for him. This world will not be the same without him.
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Brandon Chavez
Beattyville, KY
