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A tribute to 2 rare men who will be missed

I wanted to take the time to pay tribute to the two pillars of our local aviation community who were recently taken from us. Mike Schlarb and John Earley represented everything great about Durango, and they will be sorely missed by all.

Mike was a mentor to all, and he was someone I had the utmost respect for, as he unselfishly donated his time and knowledge to assist anyone who needed it. He was always there with a smile and an answer. Mike was known as one of the most highly respected pilots, and airframe and power-plant mechanics in the Four Corners, and he loved flying – anything !

I flew with Mike, and he was always very calculating in measuring risk and safety, and I never felt uncomfortable with Mike at the stick. I will truly miss all the help he gave me, the advice he shared and the knowledge he so freely gave.

I met John Earley while I was working our ramp one day, and I was immediately impressed with his cool and calm demeanor. He represented himself in a highly professional manner, and after getting to know him better, I understood his dedication in learning to fly these rare Warbirds.

Whether it was with the P-51-D model, the T-6 trainer or the Husky, he wanted everything perfectly safe and prepared for flight. That is how he chose Mike as his flight instructor, mechanic and friend.

John and Mike were at their best when they was aboard John’s Warbirds and with their family and friends.

Though I witnessed the final flight, I choose to remember these two honorable men in the light that I knew them in: my heroes who graciously gave so much of themselves and asked for nothing in return!

A rare breed of men in their rare breed of birds, loving the challenges of life! Gone, but never to be forgotten.

Charlie Johnson

Durango



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