I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.

Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.

I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

Ah…good Lord Jesus. This one hurts. Mainly because… I just recently got to know Al and Susan at this year R5S in Perry, S.C. Both full of energy and spirit, laughing at their hilarious soaring and flying stories.
Being at the back of the grid with Al (and Susan) in open class was a big reward.
“Hark the Angels sing,
Trumpets sound loudly,
The Lord has Blessed them
With another.”

R

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.
Great guy, sad day! Bob

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 10:08:04 AM UTC-6, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

So sorry to hear. Al was a real joy at Sunflower this Summer and Im glad I got to meet him. Deepest sympathy to Susan...

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 6:01:09 PM UTC-6, Tony wrote:
> On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 10:08:04 AM UTC-6, John Good wrote:
> > I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
> >
> > Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
> >
> > I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.
> So sorry to hear. Al was a real joy at Sunflower this Summer and Im glad I got to meet him. Deepest sympathy to Susan...
Sorry to hear, Al was a great guy. Sorry for your lose Susan

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

A big loss indeed. We spent many happy hours flying together, doing ArcusM maintenance, and hanging out telling lies about our escapades.
Al will be greatly missed.

Very sorry to hear this. Al and Susan were parked next to me at Sunflower this year and spent a lot of time together. He will be missed!

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

I'm also very sorry to hear about the passing of Al. He was always extremely friendly and great to work with. A true gentleman and friend. He will be missed.

Paul Remde

On Monday, November 7, 2022 at 8:07:22 AM UTC-6, dhar...@gmail.com wrote:
> Very sorry to hear this. Al and Susan were parked next to me at Sunflower this year and spent a lot of time together. He will be missed!
> On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> > I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
> >
> > Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
> >
> > I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

Sad- A very enthusiastic and driven guy- in all he did. We will miss him.
Condolences to Susan.
UH

Oh no, so sorry to hear this. Such a neat guy. Susan, we are all thinking of you.

Kevin
92

On Monday, November 7, 2022 at 8:17:40 AM UTC-8, Hank Nixon wrote:
> On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> > I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
> >
> > Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
> >
> > I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.
> Sad- A very enthusiastic and driven guy- in all he did. We will miss him.
> Condolences to Susan.
> UH

I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Al and Susan were regulars at our annual MG meet at Parowan. Both are a lot of fun to be around. My sincerest condolences to Susan and their family. RIP Al.

Tom

On Monday, November 7, 2022 at 9:07:18 PM UTC-5, 2G wrote:
> On Monday, November 7, 2022 at 8:17:40 AM UTC-8, Hank Nixon wrote:
> > On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> > > I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
> > >
> > > Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
> > >
> > > I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.
> > Sad- A very enthusiastic and driven guy- in all he did. We will miss him.
> > Condolences to Susan.
> > UH
> I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Al and Susan were regulars at our annual MG meet at Parowan. Both are a lot of fun to be around. My sincerest condolences to Susan and their family. RIP Al.
>
> Tom
Very sad news indeed. I will remember Al as one of the most positive aspects of our sport. Deepest condolences to Susan and all.

Oh no. Goodbye Al, we will miss you. You were one of the top guys at the airport in every respect. Great pilot, wonderful human being, friend to all. If everyone in the world acted like you all of our problems would be history. We were lucky to have you with us. Our sport will be lessened by your absence. We miss you already. Love you Susan.

On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
>
> Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
>
> I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.

An Al story. It tells a lot about him.
I met Al at Mifflin a few years ago. We were sitting around talking and he said he needed to go get his rental car over in Lewistown. Probably about 6 or 7 miles away. I asked if he needed a ride. He said no he'd just run over and get it. A few minutes later he walked out the door with his running shoes and his sweat band on and did just that.
That was Al

On Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 4:19:42 PM UTC-6, Hank Nixon wrote:
> On Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 11:08:04 AM UTC-5, John Good wrote:
> > I'm saddened to report the death of Al Simmons, during an Ironman competition in Florida.
> >
> > Al was a keen glider pilot and a regular entrant in the Senior Contest, flying his Arcus M (contest id "Papa") with wife Susan. He was also a serious endurance athlete - this was far from his first Ironman event.
> >
> > I think all who knew him will miss his enthusiasm, optimism and generosity.
> An Al story. It tells a lot about him.
> I met Al at Mifflin a few years ago. We were sitting around talking and he said he needed to go get his rental car over in Lewistown. Probably about 6 or 7 miles away. I asked if he needed a ride. He said no he'd just run over and get it. A few minutes later he walked out the door with his running shoes and his sweat band on and did just that.
> That was Al

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bristolpress/name/allen-simmons-obituary?id=37120949

I was driving home from a visit to Key West when I heard the news about Al's passing. He and Susan were the best team we had at the Senior Soaring Championship. I remember when he was thinking about trading in his previous partner (Ryszard Krolikowski) and putting Susan in the back seat. He had flown well with Ryszard and Al enjoyed the time with him. However, Susan was always his first choice and it made great sense to make the change. I remember when I presented them the third place trophy for the 2021 Seniors, how happy they both were. Al was an extremely competitive individual no matter what the sport. However, his personality and enthusiasm made him a competitor everyone loved. When we would prepare the hangar for the contest, he would always help us clean up. It was a common sight to see Al appear for a pilot's meeting in his bike or running clothes after he just completed a training session. A competitor was seriously injured in an accident at the Seniors one year. He lived out of the area and was not able to get home on his own. Al volunteered to fly him, even though it would mean reconfiguring his aircraft to accommodate the transfer. That was the kind of man Al was. As we drove through Al's hometown of Marathon Florida, the sun wasn't shining as brightly and a rain shower came upon us. We will all miss him. Our prayers and hearts are with Susan and his family. May we all strive to be just like this fine man.

Sincerely,
Rich Owen