On April 13th, 2004 “Slim” left us on his final glide at the Ohio Veterans Home at age 89 due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Our friend “Slim” attained highly accomplished careers in mechanical engineering as well as in aviation. During World War II, as a member of the US Army Air Corps Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater, he arranged and supervised countless logistic missions flying critical wartime cargo across the “Hump”. Slim was honorably discharged in 1946 as a First Lieutenant and remained in the US ForceReserves, retiring as a Colonel.

An avid power and sailplane pilot, Slim joined the Toledo Gliding Club in 1953 and helped the organization in its transition to the Adrian Soaring Club and subsequent move to Adrian, Michigan in 1957. Active as a tow pilot, sailplane instructor and originator and editor of the club’s newsletter the “Propless Wash”, he has been a key member of the club until his recent affliction with Alzheimer’s. His keen interest in golfing and photography in no way diminished his enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of soaring. Earning his Gold Badge while wave flying near Pike’s Peak at 26,000 feet was one of his numerous soaring achievements.

In 1964 Slim was assigned as Northwest Ohio Liaison Officer for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. This involved contacting, guiding and nurturing high school students interested in attending the Academy. In 1989 the Academy honored him with its “Most Outstanding Liaison Officer Retiree Award” and the “Lifetime Service Award”.

Slim was employed by Owens Illinois as plant engineer and traveled extensively to the Orient for the company while supervising development of manufacturing techniques of television sets.

Slim Jost is survived by his wife “Do” and will be sorely missed by countless friends, glider students and Academy graduates.

Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 2500 N. Reynolds Road, Toledo, Ohio 43615 or to the US Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, USAFA, Colorado 80840-4475 or to The Adrian Soaring Club Library, c/o Larry Clayton, 101 Bedell, Belleville, MI 48111.

Joe Volmar
Adrian Soaring Club