Great sadness

[Cliff Evans]

Below is a copy of the email sent out by the VGC.

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the passing of Martin Simons. Below is the announcement by his daughter Margaret.


AUSTRALIA: Margaret Simons is sad to announce that her father, Martin Simons, died last Friday, 19 January 2024.

MARTIN SIMONS 1930-2024
Martin died on the 19 January after a short illness at Craigcare Moonee Ponds. He was 93 years old. He had suffered from dementia for a number of years. He was born in England where he began his gliding career in his teens.
Martin was a member of the Waikerie Gliding Club from 1968 when he arrived in Australia until he gave up solo flying in 2000, serving on the committee for several years. He was an active competition pilot in the 1970s and 80s, owning and flying owning a Kestrel (XX), a standard Libelle (BV), and later an LS3.
He was a founding member of the Vintage Gliding Club, and before he migrated to Australia, restored a Skylark 2A, named the Phoenix, which he flew at the London Gliding Club.
Martin was the editor of Australian Gliding magazine (now Gliding Australia) for over a decade in the 1970s and 80s. He was also an enthusiastic aeromodeller, and he designed the Martini model which was made into a kit.
Dad worked as a school teacher and academic, from 1968 until his retirement at the University of Adelaide with his speciality being philosophy of education. In the United Kingdom he was a geographer.
Martin is perhaps best remembered for his many books and articles on gliding history and model aerodynamics.
He is survived by his daughters, Pat and Margaret, and four grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are being made and will be announced later.
The family would appreciate assistance in spreading this news among those who should know.

[Cliff Evans]

As a community of like-minded people, we must all feel the loss of a man who has done so much for our hobby. His books have been invaluable to most of us over the years, I am sure they will continue to be so. I cannot speak for everyone, but I feel sure his legacy will live on far longer than we can foresee. Thank you Martin for all you have given us over the years and may you rest in peace.

[RobbieB]

What a great loss to the gliding community.

RIP Martin.

[chris williams]

What a wonderful legacy Martin leaves behind him...Just about everything I have designed was based on one or other of his drawings, and I hope to continue to so to do. I only met him a few times, but he always seemed to be a true gent to me. R.I.P.

[FelipeGarcia]

What a great loss

RIP