Richard McSpadden

A true leader and a friend who is sorely missed. May he rest eternally in God's arms.

As the days and weeks and years pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

It is still difficult to realize Richard is gone. His memory continues on as we in Civil Air Patrol use his safety training principles in our flying and safety training.

Great speaker and advocate for safety a real shame to get caught up in a takeoff accident. Nickel on the grass Colonel. Captain Joe Graham, FAA Master Pilot

Got to fly Eagles with Spad for a couple of years at Holloman -- good man and a natural leader. We always gathered at his place in Alamogordo before heading up into the mountains to go skiing @ Ruidoso. His AOPA analysis of the B-17/P-63 crash last year was a big help to all us warbird fans. Godspeed to him and prayers for his family - a tremendous loss.

I admired and benefited immensely from his passion and knowledge of aviation safety. I looked forward to his monthly articles in the AOPA PILOT magazine. His pioneering preliminary analysis of aviation accidents was very helpful in understanding the cause and suggestions for prevention. He always hastened to caution that his analysis was preliminary and the final word would come from the NTSB. I had the distinct pleasure to meet and talk briefly with him at Air Adventure. In our brief...

I had the opportunity to work with Richard at HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise). Richard was a solid leader, listened and understood how to deliver services to our customers. His optimistic, can-do attitude was an example to those who worked with him. He will be sorely missed. RIP Richard.

Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. My heart aches for your entire family. My prayers are with you

He was among the giants in general aviation. One of the greatest teachers and proponents for aviation safety. He was a gentleman and an inspiration to many. He will be sorely missed.