Cleared For a Final Takeoff

By Mitch Traphagen

PALMETTO - On March 29 under a clear blue sky, Joe McPhail got one of his last wishes. McPhail is now a part of the flying field he loved.

"It was his wish to have somebody fly an airplane to spread his ashes around the field," said Valkyries Model Airplane Club member Bob Sample. "Joe was a great member and an all-around good guy."

McPhail passed away last November. Some of his ashes were also spread around his church in Sun City Center.

His love of flying model airplanes and the respect his fellow club members had for him came together at the Valkyries Flying Field off U.S. 41 in Manatee County.

"Joe brought 17 airplanes down with him when we moved here," said his wife Mae McPhail. "They are all over my garage!" Other club members mentioned him having as many as 27 planes at one time.

Dozens of McPhail's friends and fellow club members turned out for the memorial. The buzz of the flying airplanes went silent while his friends and fellow club members spoke about him. His wife talked about his love of flying and about how much he enjoyed the club.

Then the little engine of a club owned model airplane containing McPhail's ashes roared to life and made a perfect take off into the morning sun.

Under the control of pilot and club vice president Walter Brown, the plane made a low pass before climbing to a loop to spread the ashes out over the field. Under a clear blue sky, the big model airplane climbed gracefully and completed McPhail's last wish.

He will always be a part of the flying field he so loved.