Rick Howell passed away on Saturday (12/4/2010) following a 10-year battle with prostate cancer.

Rick moved to Dallas, Texas in 1975 as a corporate pilot for Dresser Industries, and retired in 2005 from US Airways.

Rick had a long history of both accomplishment and service in the soaring community. In the mid 80’s Rick acquired a Ventus bT and began a long and successful association with the motorglider community. Rick holds six state records for motorgliders, three in New Mexico, two in Colorado, and one in Texas. In addition, Rick holds two U.S. National records for distance (Out and Return Distance, 638.34mi, 10/2/2003), and speed over 1000km (Out & Return Speed 1000km, 72.98mph, 10/2/2003).

Rick was a four-time recipient of the Malcolm D. Stevenson Trophy for winning the annual Motorglider Nationals (1996, 2000, 2001, and 2002).

Rick holds Diamond Badge 876 and FAI 1000km Diploma 92.

Rick was a past President and current Secretary of the Auxiliary-powered Sailplane Association, and was the instigator and organizer of the very successful Motorglider Camp at Parowan, Utah each summer.

Following the sale of his Ventus in 2007, Rick transitioned into the role of cross-country training coach at Texas Soaring Association (TSA). Rick was always available to mentor neophyte pilots in the art and science of cross-country flight. His skill and patience will be sorely missed within TSA, and throughout the entire soaring community.

Rick is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and David Lyons, and four grandchildren.