Colonel Bob Overmyer was, is, and will be a hero.

Beth

To Bob. May his pioneering spirit never die.

Laura

Last Friday, I was tying my right sneaker, with plans to go out and tackle that garden, when I heard about Bob's crash on National Public Radio. I'll never forget how I froze, absolutely motionless, stunned by the news, my feelings, and the incredible irony that I should learn so recently of this man, and remember his name -- not for the litany of accomplishments I was hearing about over the radio -- but for Living and Loving Well.

You *all* are a part of that, and deserve -- as much as the world's deep sympathy -- our deeper respect, and our deepest thanks for letting us know that it can be done.

Thank you for renewing my faith. For mastering Life. And for loving each other.

Terri

I worked for Bob for many years at McDonnell Douglas on Space Station and found him to be a fair, honest and caring manager. He always had time for his employees and was concerned with their individual welfare. I worked with Carolyn over the years in Tower I and Tower II and at JSC. We feel an attachment to and involvement with your family that spans many years.

Ken, Laraine and Julie Eggers

I met your father very briefly a few years ago, and like anyone with whom you've had personal contact, feel the loss a little more strongly than someone who is just a name and face on television. All of us in the space community know the risks involved in flight test, but still, as John Glenn said after STS-51L, "Even though you know this would happen some day, you never think it will happen this day."

Rich

It is hard to find the right words right now, please accept my deepest regrets at this news. Bob touched the lives of so many people and to me he was ageless, as his zest for life had few limits. You will all be in my prayers.

Mary Marsh

I worked for Bob for several years on the Space Station program. The world is a poorer place in his absence.

Alan Holm

Bob helped create one of the fondest memories that I have. In 1990 I invited Bob to my home for a party in Huntington Beach. He flew up from Houston for the event. Bob was waiting at the house when Bob's long time friend Cosmonaut Djenibekov arrived. He had worked with Djenibekov at the time of the Apollo-Soyuz docking training, I believe as a backup crew. Djenibekov's face lit up like a Christmas tree as he had no idea that Bob would be there.

To break the ice with the Soviets, Bob had to put up with 7 young children from 2 to 6 years old that were there for the first hour. Djenibekov ended up having a three year old on his lap until the children left. The Soviets that I met later said that is was one of the highlights of their trip to America. Naturally photos were taken of the group and Bob and a signature board around the photo, a copy of which was given to Bob. This has adorned my home ever since. I will always remember with great fondness Bob's attendance at this event and the marvelous effect that his presence had.

Hank Babel

From this side of the Atlantic Ocean, we in The Netherlands would like to pay a final tribute to one of our heroes on the other side of it: the astronaut Colonel Robert F. Overmyer.

Although we never met Colonel Overmyer in person, the brave actions of the astronauts are an example to us all.

We shall miss him. We would like you to know that we care.

Andre Spaansen
... and the rest of the team from the
Zenit Space and Astronomy Club and the
Johannes Lipperhey Observatory in Den Helder,
a small town in the northwest of The Netherlands.

I first met Bob at McDonnell Douglas as we both joined the company in 1988 at about the same time. We found that we shared many common friends from our previous NASA careers, even though I had been out of the aerospace industry for nine years when I joined MDA. I was thrilled that such a famous person would find me interesting enough to spend time with. But, as you well know, that was Bob just being the caring, sincere, regular sort of guy he was.

We also shared a love for flying airplanes. I have been a private pilot for 36 years (since 1960, no military or professional flying experience) and Bob liked to share general aviation flying experiences with me as much as his flight test and Shuttle flying experiences. He was generous in his advice to me regarding many aspects of general aviation. I shared with him my fascination with my Garmin 55 GPS before he bought his, and compared notes with him after he used his in the Mooney for awhile.

I was overcome by his generosity when he offered to give me my BFR in your family Mooney. That flight, which included the best three landings of flying career, was the pinnacle of my flying experiences and helped prepare me to walk away from a forced landing in a rented Bonanza some months later. His signature in my logbook attesting to the fact that he thought I was a competent pilot, is the most treasured autograph I could ever have. As a general aviation pilot with limited flying abilities, I feel a large debt to professional test pilots like Bob, who risk their lives to test all aspects of the flight envelope on new aircraft before they are certified for general aviation use.

His recent articles in the AOPA Magazine spoke so intimately to me about many feelings and practicalities regarding general aviation experiences my wife Marilyn and I have had over the years. Marilyn isn't that interested in airplanes, but she has flown with me for 36 years and we laughed together when I showed her the article about food, drink, and bladder range. I don't think I ever shared with anyone my fascination with Pelicans, certainly not so eloquently as Bob did in his recent AOPA article. He spoke to my very soul, and it is hard to let him go.

Hal Doiron

I was very, very sorry to hear about Bob's accident when I returned to the office this morning....he was a great guy and it was a pleasure to work with him!! We will all miss him...

Pete Kurzhals

There are a few words I feel need to be written here to show that his memory and spirit are alive and well for the many lives he touched in his everyday interactions. A shining example of Bob's positive influence on others, and his willingness to lend a helping hand, was a project he helped me with at an elementary school in Omaha, NE.

Omaha, my hometown, is not very close to any aspect of the space program and news of manned space flight takes a back seat to the Nebraska Cornhusker football team in the local papers. I considered it part of my responsibility as a member of the JSC community to help educate the fourth graders in my mother's classroom about the exploration of space.

A couple of years ago, my mother's classroom got a new internet connection. Monthly, her students came up with a list of questions about the space program and sent them to me. One of the questions they asked is if I new any astronauts. At the time, Bob was my Division head at MDA. This gave me an idea...

I told Bob about my project. He immediately offered to help. He drafted an inspirational e-mail note and signed one of his flight suit pictures for the kids at Bryan Elementary, my mother's grade school. I sent the picture to my mom and transmitted the note to her e-mail account. My mother read the note to her students and passed his picture around the classroom, much to the delight of the students. Later that quarter at the school's science fair, she placed the autographed photo by a computer displaying the e-mail message. It was the most talked about exhibit at the fair. The framed picture now hangs in the main lobby of the school next to a print out of the upbeat message.

His message and spirit resides in the minds of these kids. Hopefully, some of those students will be encouraged to explore areas of science and math to continue furthering mankind in the same manner as Bob Overmyer.

Bob touched many lives in this positive manner. He will be missed, and remembered.

Jeff and Lisa Morrow

Had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful inhabitants of the astronaut office in 1983 when over in Houston, and Bob was more interested in our work, than us in his!

With all our thoughts from the Kettering Group ...

Max White & Geoff Perry
Cheltenham UK, Bude UK.

I worked for Bob for a number of years. He was a joy to work for, and very considerate of his employees. He had my utmost respect and loyalty. I will never forget the time he rewarded the CHeCS team for a job well done by taking us up on his biplane, including our spouses/significant other. What a treat! He will be well remembered.

Michael Stolle

Several members of the Artemis Society worked for Bob when he was Director of Flight Crew Systems at McDonnell Douglas in Houston. Much of my understanding of the internal politics and the decision-making process at NASA came from long discussions with Bob. He was the sort of boss you wish you had; always ready to stand up for his troops, ready to listen to what you have to say, able to give firm, clear direction and encourage you to levels of performance you didn't know were possible. Without Bob's support during the early years, there would not be an Artemis Project today.

He's gone now. The world will not be the same.

Greg Bennett
Artemis Society International
The Lunar Resources Company

Jill and I worked with Bob in different capacities. She, as Human Resources Manager for Space Station --always impressed with his "people skills" and his concern for the welfare of the people who worked for him.

I, as one of those people who worked for him and with him in Crew Systems--always impressed with his concern for our group and his commitment to excellence in what we produced for our customers.

He was a leader who earned our respect and treated all of us with respect. He will be missed, and he will be remembered well.

Steve and Jill Gray

I did my graduate work at Utah State University in Logan, UT. Utah State had a satellite which was deployed from a Get Away Special canister on the STS-51B mission, commanded by Col. Overmyer. The crew also included Dr. Don Lind, who subsequently became a faculty at Utah State University. That's my little connection with Col. Overmyer.

Raghu Tumkur
Omitron, Inc., Greenbelt, MD

The Space Shuttle/Space Station Hand Controller Team at Honeywell in Clearwater, Florida, sends its sincerest sympathy and deepest regrets to all of Bob's family. Please know that we held Bob in highest esteem as a knowledgeable and conscientious pilot and astronaut. His inputs and guidance in the design and functionality of Shuttle and Station controllers reflected masterful insight into safe and 'pilot-friendly' operational needs. A Clean Room smock embroidered with his name has always hung in the ready for his next welcome visit.

Our country needs more role models like Bob Overmyer. We shall miss him, too.

Marion P. Smith - Manager
Hand Controllers

What a tragedy. Judy read it in the paper early Sat morn and then we saw a short clip on NBC News a little while later.

He was a fine man. I really respected him for his openness and willingness to tell us what was going on during the rugged layoff period a few years ago.

Our prayers are with his family.

Bob Gibson

Today was one of the most moving days of my life. I met a man I'd never known through the love of his family and friends. It was a meaningful experience to be at the memorial services today and the reception following. The fly-by left a definite imprint on my heart. I really enjoyed meeting his son, Robert, and appreciated the courage it took to stand before us and share his love and memories of his father. I met Patty only a couple of years ago and I am proud to know her. I have spent many days at the pool photographing her and the team. Patty, you warm my heart and inspire my spirit. Thank you always and I will always feel it a privilege to be able to share the excitement of your sport through the photographs that we make together. Thanks also for providing this avenue of information about the accomplishments and endeavors of Col. Overmyer. It is absolutely fascinating.

Julianne Ziefle

We don't have many heroes to look up to these days. It's sad when we lose one the caliber of Col. Overmyer.

Chris in NYC

Bob was a true pilot and pioneer, and his work will never be forgotten. I worked with Deke Slayton on his autobiography, DEKE!, and believe I met you and Bob at Deke's memorial in 1993. Deke spoke highly of Bob.

Michael Cassutt

I am so very, very honored to have known Bob. He was a most unique man. Somehow he managed to always be there, always have an open door and advice when I needed it most. And he was able to do this for so many people. Somehow he found time from what I know must have been a hectic schedule to make everyone feel that they had a friend and advisor, and they were special.

Everyone I spoke to or looked at who knew him - every one, you could see memories on their faces that described a story of Bob taking time from his day to make them feel special or share his wisdom with them. The consideration, thoughtfulness and caring of someone who could do that for so many, I have never seen before, and probably never will again.

Your family was so incredibly fortunate to have had such an outstanding leader, father, husband, friend. Thank you so much for having shared him with so many.

Amy Ellison

Bob Overmyer was a mentor, a friend, and a role model for me. He has touched my life and the lives of everyone who knew him. He will be missed.

Jimmy Wilder

I will always be grateful for the interest he showed in my career during the time that we worked together, and consider it an honor to have known Bob.

Frank Eichstadt

Bob gave me a lot of practical knowledge and guidance that helped me in my job, and just this past August he wrote me a recommendation for the University of California Irvine's MBA program. I was just about to send him a note to thank him a let him know that I've been accepted to the program for this fall quarter. Bob was a good-natured, intelligent man, and he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Steve Gustavino

I had the great pleasure of working for Bob at McDonnell Douglas for several years. During much of that time I also worked with Carolyn. Bob was known around here as a very friendly, very accessible, very caring person. Here is an example of one of the great things he did for me: Several years ago, I asked Bob for a favor. I have a niece, Sarah, in California who was in 6th grade at the time. All of the kids in her class were doing reports on different kinds of careers they were interested in. Sarah wants to be an astronaut. She asked me if it would be possible to get some information about becoming an astronaut, since I worked at NASA. I mentioned this to Bob, and he offered to give Sarah an "interview" over the phone. She was thrilled! She was talking to a real live Shuttle astronaut! Bob even invited me to come to his office that day and listen in.

You can imagine that Sarah's report was a real hit, and she was the envy of her classmates. I'm sure she will never forget it. So you see, Bob's excitement about space and flying, his kindness, and his spirit of generosity will live on in the lives of so many people, those like myself who were privileged to know him, and those like my niece Sarah, who had one very special day because of Bob.

You as a family have been blessed to have Bob has a husband and father. Your sorrow in losing him is shared by many.

Dana Leonard-Hood

After reading of Bob Overmyer's passing last week, I want to express my deepest sympathy to his family and you, his friends. His articles for AOPA Pilot were one of the highlights of our great magazine, and were one of the first sections that I turned to.

He will be greatly missed by those of us who only knew him through his words and insights, and he will be remembered every time a pilot sees a pelican cruising the wavetops.

Very truly yours,
James Hammons
Milner, Georgia

I first met Bob several years ago when I helped coach the baseball team his son played on. I had just entered college to study Aerospace Engineering and had many inspiring discussions with Bob. These discussions only strengthened my desire to continue my studies and hope to come to work in the space program when I graduated, which I did.

It was always neat to be warming up with the team before a game and hear the roar of a jet. We would look up and see a T-38 in a slow, low circle over the field. I would tap his son Bucky on the shoulder and tell him to wave at his father. Sure enough Bob would come driving up about 15 minutes later after landing, still in his flight suit. When I asked him if that was him in the plane he responded, "Yes, I just wanted to see if we had started and what the score was." He really loved coaching his son and just being there for the games.

Bob took me for my first airplane ride in his red biplane, even letting me take the stick. I remembered the day he offered to do this, I was so excited. When I got home from practice I told my mother, she did not know what Bob did for a living. My mom turned to my Dad and said, "You mean you would let your son fly with just anybody?" My Dad responded, "Well, he is qualified to fly the space shuttle. I don't think he is just anybody."

My Dad was right, he is not just anybody. He is indeed someone special to me. That 30 minute flight will always be very special. He even took me out to the NASA hanger and let me try on his parachute pack and sit in a T-38. I was so thrilled. Even though I only had close contact with him those 2 years coaching ball, he touched my life in a way that I will never forget. I learned so much from him in those 2 short years. Even as I write this note, I still shed a tear knowing he is gone.

Bob is a shining example of what we should all strive to be. He was a loving father and husband and a devoted family man. Even though he had a high profile job, he seemed like just a regular guy. My prayers go out to you, his family and I, too, feel the pain of your loss. Even though he is gone now, he shall never be forgotten. I shall NEVER forget him. Goodbye Bob, Semper Fi.

Michael Kalinowski and Family
mkalinow@concentric.net

To the Overmyer Family, my deepest condolences:

I only learned today of Col. Overmyer's untimely passing. Although I only had the opportunity to read a few of his articles in AOPA, I feel as if I have lost a personal friend. If any solace be found, I think it would be in the fact that he died doing something he loved -- a love of flying expressed so eloquently in his writings.

It is with deepest & sincerest sympathies that I would like to offer this passage from the Cadet Hymn of the US Air Force Academy:

"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair."

And to you, Col. Overmyer, trodding the high untrespassed sanctity of space, I simply want to say "Semper Fi" and thank you from one of many whom you have touched.

Patrick V. Reyes
Captain, USAFR

We wish to join the many others who mourn Bob's loss.

Although, regretably I didn't know him, I shared many similiar military flight experiences with him.

Thank God he was with us for as long as he was.

(A small part of the aviation community in Madison, Wisconsin)

I never met your father but, as many others, I learned from his writings, and his life.

Anyone with interest in things that fly has lost a friend.

Doug Force
Memphis, Tennessee

To the family of the Col. Overmyer:

I just wanted to take a brief opportunity to let you know there are many of us out here who share your grief over your recent loss. I know words can never express true emotions in times of sadness, but I wanted to let you know there are those of us whose thoughts and prayers are with you. I am a low time private pilot and a member of the AOPA, and I read with great interest the first column that the Col. wrote. Following that, each month when AOPA Pilot arrived, his was the first column I turned to.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, It was with great sadness that I read of his passing. I feel as though I knew a great deal about him through his words, and I have been inspired in the cockpit myself by some of the things he tought me through his column.

With my sincerest sympathy,
Jeff Skelton
103242.3317@compuserve.com

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Bob Overmyer. I have always had an interest in aviation and space. Having followed the space program since I was a little boy I've always been awed by the accomplishments made by people like Bob Overmyer. I was inspired by spirits like his so much that I gained my pilot's license three years ago. I greatly appreciated seeing him writing articles for AOPA Magazine. It showed that even with a schedule like his he still cared and participated in general aviation as well as working with his current career. Looking at his bio on the internet, I was surprised to see so much more how active a life he led. He touched so many people in so many ways.

The last time I received AOPA Magazine I looked for his article first, having enjoyed the past previous few ones. I will miss the insight he gave to pilots like myself. Few people have such an impact in life, his death is truly a tragic loss.

My condolences to your family. Bob Overmyer will be missed by you and so many more.

Jeff Bassett
Toledo Ohio USA

Dear Overmyer Family,

I Picked up my copy of "Pilot" and was shocked to read of Col. Overmyer's tragic accident. After reading Col. Overmyers' first story, "Time in Type" became the first thing that I turned to each month. I really enjoyed reading the stories and thoughts of a very impressive pilot. Every time I watch a Pelican float across the water I'm sure that I will think of Bob, even though I have never met him.

Life happens so fast, it appears that Bob seized every moment, had an awful lot of fun, and achieved incredible heights as well as having the love of his family. May God ease your pain and smile on each of you the rest of your lives.

Intruder61@AOL.COM

To the Overmyer family:

I just wanted to extend my deepest condolences to you all. I was deeply saddened to learn of Colonel Overmyer's death in AOPA Pilot last night. I had been very impressed with his new column and was especially moved by his description of flying with his family. The closeness and affection within your family were apparent. Colonel Overmyer's professional excellence, artistic sensitivity, and vision have made a deep impression and serve as a example for all of us.

I wish there was some way for me to shoulder some of the deep sense of loss that you are enduring. Please know that you are in my family's thoughts. We are at least grateful that a man of Colonel Overmyer's stature has walked the Earth and been an intimate part of your lives.

Bill Bain & family
Beaverton, Oregon

To the Family,

I miss him too, as I was just getting to know him via his column in the "AOPA Pilot." I was looking forward to many years of his insightful sharing.

Please know that there are millions of us sharing in your loss, if only in a very small way.

John Peck, CFI

I was grief-stricken to learn of Bob's loss today. I worked with Bob on the MOL program at LA AF Station; I a young engineer and he an astronaut. I can only add to the numerous examples of yet another who Bob flew with privately, which sums up so much about him: he was above all human, in the finest sense of that word. I will always be grateful for the times that he touched my life. May your sadness soon turn to joy in celebrating a life fully lived.

Bill Harvey, M.D.

I wish to take this opportunity to extend my condolences and prayers to your family. It was with great joy and occasional watered eye that I read your father's articles in AOPA Pilot.

Sincerely,
Greg Neu

Thank you for sharing Bob with us through AOPA. I enjoyed reading his articles and always looked forward to the next one. We have truly suffered a tremendous loss as an industry; and our condolences go out to you, his family.

He truly was an American Hero.

Thank you.

Brian Schermerhorn
AOPA 010114896

I just wanted to drop a line with my greatest regards for your & the world's loss. I only read his articles a few times in AOPA but I loved them. Especially the one with the Marine Corps. Semper Fi, and please keep the faith.

Cpl. Joseph J. Lavati USMCR.
May the Colonel be flying west.

My condolences on your recent loss. I read the tribute in AOPA Pilot. And while nothing can bring him back, having this site on the Web means that Bob will, in a sense, live forever.

"Stanley F. Quayle"

I did not ever have the privilege of meeting Col. Overmyer, but I feel I got a small insight into his soul through his writing. I can only envy the many years you spent with an incredible man.

My Great Condolences,
Chris Hill

The world is a little bit worse off than it was before Col Overmyer's death. He was a genuine hero to a lot of us and personified the spirit that pushed me to get involved in aviation, a decision I've never regretted.

If it's any consolation at all, remember that he died doing the very thing that gave his life purpose and meaning. We should all be so lucky!

Thanks for sharing him with us!
Bill Thalmann

As a sailor as well as a pilot, I have for many years been fascinated by the antics of pelicans as they glide over the water. Thanks to Colonel Overmyer's vivid writing in AOPA Pilot, now I can understand as well as appreciate the antics of these beautiful creatures. From now on, whenever I see a bird in "ground effect", I will always think of Bob.

Roger Jackson
Marina Del Rey, Ca

Dear Overmyer Family,

Please accept my condolences on the tragic passing of Bob. I had wanted to write you when I first read about the accident in our local paper but was at a loss as to how to make contact. I read in the AOPA magazine how to correspond and wrote a letter to the editor and would like you to know how Robert was an influence in my life when we were both a lot younger and just starting out in 214. I imagine many of the people in the squadron have contacted you with similar stories about their contact with Bob. The following is part of that letter.

I first met Marine Lt. Overmyer in 1958, when he came to Marine Squadron VMA 214, the famous Blacksheep. We were stationed at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii. I was a young PFC, assigned to the flight line as a plane captain. A lot of our new pilots, just out of flight school, had that god's gift to aviation attitude and those 2nd Lt. bars on the collar were very heavy. Not Bob. He would ask for help before check flights and since he was assigned to my aircraft for the most part, we spent lots of time together. He would sit in the cockpit of the FJ4B jet and I would stand on the wing and call out instruments and switches and he would locate them without looking. I remember one time we towed the aircraft to a park in downtown Honolulu for an armed services show and had great fun with the Air Force, since we could fold the wings. Bob chose to be up all night while we towed the aircraft into position. As an officer he didn't have to be there, he just wanted to be. He arranged a flight for me in a F9F trainer and it was my first and only jet fighter ride. One lonely holiday he invited me to go to a football game with him and his wife. I can't remember which of us transferred first or how we parted but I always remembered that he was the perfect gentlemen and officer. Never belittling the enlisted men and respecting our knowledge that I was more than happy to share and help.

I contacted him only once over the years and wrote to him when he was with the Space Program. I received a warm letter back and was surprised that he remembered me. I sincerely regret that I never answered that letter. I just got busy. When I read of the crash in our local paper and each article thereafter, I felt guilty that I had not taken time to answer. That is why it's important for people to know what Bob was like before he was famous. He was destined to be a great aviator because he was a fine and caring man.

My sincere condolences.

Lloyd Needham

I read about Bob's untimely passing in AOPA recently. What a tragedy for your family and the rest of us who were just learning about him and enjoying hearing all his adventures he wrote about in AOPA. I will miss his entertaining yet educating stories.

My father passed away when I was 11, so I didn't get to share his experiences in the Air Force and Navy with him. I still dream of the stories he could have shared with me.

Again, my sympathies for you.

Sincerely,
Rod Burns

Remembering Col. Overmyer on his 60th birthday, a gallant man, a gentle warrior; the world is a poorer, colder place without him.

<< So long as they still speak of us, we are not really dead.*>>

*(from the works of Jorge Ibarrguengoitia, Mexican writer, killed in a plane crash in Las Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain.

Sincerely,
Andara
14 July 1996

Dear Overmyers (Kit, Carolyn, Patty and Robert):

I know that a number of months have now passed since Robert's accident, but just wanted to send you some word to let you know that you are all still in our thoughts. I know that the letters and outpourings of sympathy have probably diminished over the past months, and understand that your loss and grief last so much longer, so hope these words will be of some comfort for all of you.

While I cannot claim having had a personal friendship with Col. Overmyer, I am a pilot and an ex-McDonnell Douglas employee on the Space Station program. As a pilot I react deeply to the thought of his accident and mourn for him. Flying is a risk and a joy and I believe that all of us who manage to get our feet off of the ground share some mysterious and imponderable connection with each other. Flying is for me a draught of wonderful separation from the land and I smile knowing that he had this in his life, too. From 1988 through 1993 I participated in meetings with him. I read the tributes and epitaphs written for him by members of this same team and am reminded of how privileged I felt to have had the opportunity to work with people such as him. Carolyn, you and I worked together in Flight Crew Systems (remember the Space Station EVA scenarios?). Your flying stories were an inspiration to me as I returned to flying during those years.

More recently, I enjoyed reading his articles in the AOPA magazine and took pleasure in knowing that I was reading the words of someone whom I had known in some small direct way.

I tip my hat to your husband and father: his presence inspired awe and respect on the part of all of us who worked with him. We mourn his passing alongside each of you.

May God's peace and love comfort all of you.

Jeff Bartels