Ugly Angels:

Sadly, the LtCol R. W. Cline mentioned in "Semper Fidelis" is our beloved skipper.

Yesterday afternoon I called Dick Cline's son Tom who lives in Henderson, NV, and whom I had remembered meeting in Las Vegas in 1996. Tom, who is an executive pilot, was away on a trip and won't return until Thursday.

I did, however, talk with Tom's wife for ten minutes or so. After expressing our shock at the Skipper sudden passing and expressing condolences on behalf of the Ugly Angels, I asked what had happened. She told me that in December Dick was diagnosed with cancer and underwent an immediate operation. Apparently the operation did not excise the cancer but he hung on until June when he passed away. She said the Skipper died as he had lived – with courage, dignity, and style.

I will be calling Tom Thursday evening upon his return to again express our condolences and ask if there is any special remembrance the Ugly Angels can offer in the skipper's name. You can expect an update sometime Friday.

Semper Fidelis,

Tom