The day was as beautiful as I can remember.  A blue sky checkered with vanilla cotton candy clouds provided the backdrop for one of the most memorable club meetings in many years.  This was our annual Memorial Fly where we remember those who have passed away.  Perhaps ironic or coincidental was the recent passing of San Diego Kite Club's own Kyte Bum- Charlie M'Clary.  Charlie had passed away just eight days earlier.  According to his widow Joanne, Charlie wasn't going to have a conventional service per his wishes, but rather he was to be cremated with his ashes scattered over Bryce Canyon.  There was no question the club he helped to form was going to give him and his attending family a sincere and respectful farewell.

The loosely organized program was to include a luncheon, a few words, the launching of kites dedicated to members that have passed, and the release of white doves.  Dan "Wind Wizard" Rubesh traveled down from Port Hueneme and provided a colorful arch of power kites to contrast the blue sky.

After a last minute potluck lunch with the main entree provided by Daryld Gutierrez, a short quasi-eulogy was read, and for the first time ever- the launching of  past member kites (see Dan Willan's entry below).  

A short time later a flock of white doves arrived in baskets.  Seven of these doves were to be ceremoniously released by individual members of the Charlie's family.  This would be followed by a mass release of additional doves representing the other SDKC memorialized members.  The first dove to be released was by grandson-in-law Joe Wiss.  Well, Charlie's prankster spirit must have been present as the first dove either wanted to leave evidence that he was the first to fly or else was marking his territory.  One by one each family said a few words and then released their dove.  Mitch Anderson stood in for grandson Shaun Lowery who could not attend.  Finally the remaining doves were released.  The flock eventually gathered themselves and circled the Mission Bay sky for a few minutes only to eventually make their journey back home.  Their leaving us in flight was perhaps very symbolic of the afternoon.

In addition, the club also had another session of Revolution Team flying basics.  This time the lesson led by international kite personality Mark Lummas. At one time there were eleven kites flying in mass.


 

There are times in your life that you know you hang out with the right people. I am proud to be a member of the San Diego Kite Club because they respect and cherish its members and who they are. In the summer of 1990, a group of kite flyers gathered at a park bench at the flying field south of the Hilton hotel. Ideas abounded on what the club should be and what its purpose would be.  Some of those founding members are physically not with us but in memory and are still very strong and participating members.

The club’s gesture of flying a kite for each of its members who have passed was very respectful and appreciated. Twelve yellow kites had names of San Diego Kite Club members on them who are no longer with us. The kites were walked out on the field with one person holding the kite while another held the handle of the string to the kite. As each of the members’ name was called, the kite was sent aloft. Soon the kites bobbed and weaved, and laughter filled the air as the kites imitated the of the member it represented. Some of the kites flew strong and proud, others clashed and nearly fell to the ground only to be tangled in another kites' line and then relaunched in mid air, like one San Diego Kite Club member help another.

Thanks to all who put on the event and memorial services for Charlie. Ron who wrote and read Charlie's eulogy said it best, "…In our kiting world there’s simply only one ‘Charlie.’." At least that is what I heard while trying to get the sand out of my eyes, because there is no crying in kite flying.

To good friends, tight lines and strong winds: Launch!- The sky’s the limit, reach for it!

Dan Willan
Founder
San Diego Kite Club

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