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1960 - 2023

BORN

1960

DIED

2023

Richard McSpadden Obituary

Richard Gibson McSpadden Jr. lived a life of deep joy and integrity. His 63 years of adventure ended Oct. 1, when he passed away in an airplane accident at the Lake Placid Airport in New York. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy, his children, Grant and Annabel, his parents, Richard and Ann, and his three siblings, Donna (Bill), Cliff (Patricia), and Debi (Jim), along with many nieces and nephews. Richard was part of a wide community of family and friends, whom he loved earnestly and without reservation. Richard flew F15 Eagles in the United States Air Force and F-16s as the commander of the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Team. He directed programs for 11 years at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, then served as the Senior Vice President of the AOPA Air Safety Institute. He taught both of his children to fly. Those lucky enough to know Richard will nurture his legacies of humility, gratitude, and resilience. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Richard McSpadden Scholarship for Advanced Pilot Training, AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick MD 21701. Richard McSpadden

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Published by The Frederick News-Post on Oct. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard McSpadden

33 Entries

Victor Vogel, CFI, CFII

June 3, 2025

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

Alan Judy

October 6, 2024

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.

Maj Denver Bartee

September 29, 2024

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.

Joseph W Graham

January 28, 2024

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

Ken "VW" Van Wickler

January 26, 2024

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.

Denver Bartee

November 7, 2023

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 time, my message was that his passion and training materials for aviation safety were extremely useful and much appreciated. He can never be replaced in kind. A true kind and gentle giant will be sorely missed.

Roger Haden

October 13, 2023

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.

Carol Beazley

October 13, 2023

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

Victor Vogel

October 10, 2023

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.

David Laake

October 8, 2023

I got to know Richard through his brother Cliff who I flew with at UPS. Richard was perhaps the kindest man I´ve ever met. When my AOPA magazine came every month his was the first article I would turn to. He was so articulate and real and down to earth. His favorite cigar was the Partagas D4 and I had the pleasure of sharing one with him and Cliff this past April at Sun-N-Fun while we sat next to Cliff´s airplane. The love these brothers had for each other was remarkable. You will be truly missed Richard and my deepest condolences go out to your family and many, many friends.
David Laake

Mark Wortsmann

October 8, 2023

We both lived In Lansbury Village when we were in high school. Rick was a nice friend and will be missed. Condolences to the McSpadden family

Stephen

October 7, 2023

A tremendous loss.

J.k. Murphey

October 7, 2023

I got with Punda and we made some changes. Version 2.0: To the McSpadden Family, The Dirty Dozen (12th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kadena AB, Okinawa) is saddened by the loss of your husband and father. It is with heavy hearts that we send our condolences.

"Spad" was a friend to all of us. We´ve been sharing the great memories of the flying and fun we had with him during our time in the squadron. He was the consummate professional in the air, and on the ground he always had a smile.

None of us were surprised that he had had a great Air Force career and that he was selected to be Thunderbird One. We´re also not surprised to hear that he excelled in all his civilian endeavors. He was a man of high character we all liked and respected. He is missed!

"Fair winds and following seas Spad!" The Dirty Dozen

Richard speaking at SAFE Dinner OSH22

David St. George

October 7, 2023

Richard was an amazing advocate for aviation safety but also the kindest and most supportive friend anyone could wish for. "Spad" was talented in so many ways - we will miss him on a professional and also very personal level. Our greatest sympathy to his loving family on their immense loss.

R. Kluso Tollini

October 7, 2023

R. Kluso Tollini

October 7, 2023

R. Kluso Tollini

October 7, 2023

Spad ... from the beginning of our Friendship, to the last time we saw each other. I feel fortunate to have shared and benefited from some of the most monumental moments in my life with you. You will never be forgotten ... until we meet again at the next 'merge'.

Kay Sundaram

October 7, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Richard, a remarkable man. I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with him for several years - truly privileged to present with him and to fly together.

Richard was the one who encouraged me to dive into using Angle of Attack (AOA) indicators as a safety & training tool, and I did so with his help. He was always there to answer my questions on various topics. No matter how busy he was, he always made time. I can´t thank him enough for his guidance and friendship.

Richard will be greatly missed by the aviation industry. However, his aviation safety messages will continue to save lives, forever.

Cracker Graham

October 6, 2023

Respect Sir

David Andrews

October 6, 2023

Well buddy, I guess our argument about NC Barbecue being the best will never have it´s answer. I was hoping that your promise to fly in to NC at the Pick n Pig for our barbecue showdown would happen but looks like it is not going to happen. You probably would just bring your own ketchup and slap it all over it. I would have slipped some hushpuppies for Judy onboard before you flew away. You changed my life the day you walked into SOCOM at the HP office in Tampa. You made sure I had a place to go after the program before you even thought about yourself. Typical Richard. I would love to see your crooked smile at St Peter when he offers you your wings and you reply "thanks Pete but I´ve got a few pairs of them...give mine to Dave"...until we meet again my friend.
Dave

Carl Elder

October 6, 2023

He was my commander, USAF Thunderbirds. Thank you for your outstanding leadership, decisive decision making, and talks we shared. Former USAF Thunderbirds Sortie Support Flight Chief, 2000-2003, retired Chief Master Sergeant Carl Elder.

JP Dice

October 6, 2023

I had the opportunity to work with Richard on some projects. Fantastic person and someone I admired in aviation. Richard contributed so much to aviation. One of the best! An honor to know him.

Mike McCutcheon

October 6, 2023

Met Richard and his Dad at the AOPA fly-in 2019 . Richard checked me out in my Navion. I was amazed at the number of friends he had .
Always made time for them.
Truly a terrible loss . Gonna miss him .

Beth Porterfield

October 6, 2023

Such a tragic loss for this sweet family! Richard was such a good, and caring man that loved his family and his job! I remember how considerate he always was to me and how he really seemed to care how everybody else was doing. He will be missed by so many! Prayers for his whole family and so many friends.

Lawson Lowrey

October 6, 2023

Richard was a gentleman. He was my friend. He always answered my calls. I spoke to him the Friday before the accident. He and his family have given so much to so many. He impacted my life and my sons. Love and god speed the Lowrey Family.

The Picture is Richard´ and Dick in the cockpit. Statesboro Georgia.

John McBride

October 6, 2023

My deepest condolences to all the members of the McSpadden family who I got to know in the mid 1970s while living in Lansbury Village townhouses in Chamblee, GA. Richard and I hung out a lot in those days, and I am heartened to learn that his dreams of flying for the US Air Force were realized, and at such a highly visible level of professional competence with the Thunderbirds.

John McBride
High school friend

Kim Reed

October 6, 2023

My condolences to the McSpadden family. I worked with Richard at AOPA and he was a great guy. I am so glad I had the opportunity to get to know Richard and work with him. May your memories provide you peace during this difficult time.

Jim Bob Infanger

October 5, 2023

We lost a daughter in 2022 in Burley Idaho. Richard produced a video "risk stacking" which we appreciated the time and effort in producing. Richard called and asked if my wife and I if we would be home that day in July a few months ago. He flew his own plane to Salmon Idaho from Salt Lake City just to offer condolences. He literally cried with our family as we talked. The news this week is so hard because it brings back so many memories and thinking of his family and the pain they are going through.

Gif bless and we hope to one day return the hugs and love we felt that day from one of the greatest of all time.

Jim Bob and Sharon Infanger

Wayne Padilla

October 5, 2023

If we know Richard, he was teaching right up until the end. If there was video onboard, he will have left us a great gift toward understanding how to prevent the next power loss crash, especially how to react when there are two pilots onboard.

Ray Canady

October 5, 2023

My condolences to the McSpadden family. I worked with his brother Cliff at ASA years ago and lost touch with him. I saw Richard in an AOPA video on LinkedIn and connected with him. I asked about Cliff and got an update and this was our brief chat:

Richard McSpadden
1st degree connection
· 1st
Senior Vice President, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
JUL 11
Ray Canady sent the following message at 5:07 PM
View Ray´s profileRay Canady
Ray Canady 5:07 PM

Hi Richard,

I flew with your brother Cliff at ASA a long time ago. How's he doing?

Ray Canady

Richard McSpadden sent the following message at 5:08 PM
View Richard´s profileRichard McSpadden
Richard McSpadden 5:08 PM

He´s doing great. 747-800 UPS Captain.

JUL 12
Ray Canady sent the following message at 9:11 AM
View Ray´s profileRay Canady
Ray Canady 9:11 AM

Awesome, he is doing great! The last time I saw him was just before he left to go to AirTran. He actually hooked me up with you for VIP seats at the Pope AFB open house as a guest of the Thunderbirds. My 2 sons got your autograph and I got some cool Dad points because I knew Thunderbird 1 (sorta). Please give my best to Cliff. He was one of my favorites at ASA.

Ray

Richard McSpadden sent the following messages at 12:29 PM
View Richard´s profileRichard McSpadden

Richard McSpadden 12:29 PM

Fantastic! I will!

My thoughts and prayers are with the McSpadden family

Ray Canady

Barbara Frymier Charlesworth

October 5, 2023

I am devastated to hear of Richard's passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family...wife and children as well as to my special friends, Dick and Ann. Words are never enough. Remembering special times with Donna Ann and Jay, my son, and the happy occasion of Richard's birth.

Jay Frymier

October 5, 2023

Richard´s Mother and Father we close friends with my Mom and Dad in Panama City, FL; I was so sorry hear about his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. May God Bless Bubba

Wade Lowery

October 5, 2023

I worked with Richard at Slidell Aviation years ago. I knew back then he was destined to do many great things in his life. My deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time. We will keep you in our prayers. Blue skies and tailwinds my old friend.

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