It is with heavy hearts that we bring sad news to our free flying community that legendry Instructor Alan Hills died peacefully last night after suffering a brain haemorrhage, he was 64. There's a message for all of us there- make every day count. But most of us know that; we are pilots. We can take comfort that Al lived his life to the full, touching many lives in the New Zealand paragliding community.
Time now for us to think of Belinda his wife, and support each other. It is testimony to Al that there is such a wide community of amazing people around him. We are so lucky to be part of that network, which stretches worldwide.
If we reflect on the NZHGPA today, you realise that our dedication to the joy of free flight comes with a unique blend of friendships, individual talents, experience and personalities. If there is any one individual who could be said to be responsible for helping to build the culture of who we are today, it would be this gentleman. For three and a half decades Alan has been introducing people to the world of flight, and most would say they were stamped with a little of his enthusiasm and ethos as they joined our special community. The empty space he leaves behind will not be fully realised for quite some time.
Fly high Alan. We will remember you
(Family friend Russ Read)
