William Lloyd Welter

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Dick Adams on March 25, 2009:

I had not seen Bill Welter since the mid to late 70's when we parted ways from AvLabs. We worked together on some boards and committees and he once flew me to VPI for an interview with a prospective new-hire. I didn't know Bill well but I will always remember his smile and his pleasant attitude about just about everything. In April 2007 one of his old test pilot friends, LTC (ret) Bob Chubboy, came to town to attend one of our ROF sessions held monthly at a local Pub. At Bob's request I invited Bill to join us for lunch and spend some time with his old friend. He acknowledged that he would do that and followed through with the promise. I was absolutely amazed at his condition and appearance. He looked almost as young as he did in the 70's. He rode his bike from Williamsburg to the pub and simply dropped his radio ear phones down around his neck during the visit. He even invited me to come up to Bush Gardens for a free ride on his tour boat. I now regret not making the time to take advantage of that opportunity. The only time that I flew with Bill was the trip to Blacksburg. After takeoff and gear up in the U-8 from Felker, AAF he noticed a red light under the instrument panel. Not being certain of the meaning of the red light he suggested that another passenger and I look through the flight manuals which were on board to determine its meaning. Since we could not find such information in the manual he called Roanoke tower and requested a flyby inspection of the gear condition, while extended, before continuing to the towerless, Blacksburg airport. I was very impressed with his attention to detail. Since Roanoke was my hometown, that I had not seen from the air for quite some time, I also thoroughly enjoyed the low altitude flyby. I was also very impressed with his friendships that remained in Blacksburg. We had lunch at one of the local restaurants familiar to him. The owners immediately came out of the kitchen, hugged his neck and greeted us all with admiration. They were delighted to see their old friend, Bill Welter. I conducted my interview in another part of the restaurant while these old friends caught up with times past. Needless to say, his sudden passing was a great shock to me and my heartfelt sympathy is extended to his wonderful family. Until reaching the other side I will miss future opportunities to see or communicate with him. Until then I will dearly miss the occasional e-mail from that great guy named -w.

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