Phillip Riter

I got the blessing of a lifetime getting to know Phil over the last 20 years. Phil has bestowed much aviation, business and life wisdom to me over that time. His willingness to take time to teach many of the skills I've needed to know in my profession has allowed me to make a living, for that I am grateful. I know he has given his time and talents to many others in aviation as well, making him a great ambassador for the general aviation and antique aircraft community. KDFI sure won't be the...

I have so many wonderful memories of Phil. He was there in the early days of my introduction to flying. I so looked forward to the EAA monthly meetings. As much as I learned at the meetings I think I learned even more from Phil and the other 70knotters as we gathered for beer and pizza afterwards. Equally enjoyable were the years of sitting under the wing at the various fly-ins as he and Dee were such gracious and generous hosts. Will sure miss him but always be grateful for the times we...

My sincere condolences for my aunt DeAnn and cousin Michael and family. A photo of a photo at their home a year ago while visiting. My great grandfather and DeAnn`s grandfather, "Pappy" Floyd Bowren, with Uncle Phil, Scott and Michael. Year? I will cherish all the memories and times that uncle Phil took me up in all his different planes... Big Red, the Waco that he built, and the little red one with skis that we landed in the snow. With Love, Lori in North Carolina

So sorry to hear this. Phil was a great pilot, mechanic, and an amazing fabricator. Have spent hours at his hangar listening to all his stories. He will be greatly missed at the Defiance airport. Clear skies Phil.

Phil was a great mentor and story teller. While building my plane, Phil helped with my complicated metal forming by making me learn while we did it together. He would start it to show me how and then make me do the rest while he supervised. Everytime we were at the airport at the same time, I always loved listening to his stories about his flying adventure to Alaska. He seemed to have a unique story about each and every pin on the map on his wall. He will be greatly missed and I offer my...