On April 26, 2023, we lost two good friends. Bob and Sandy Denton were not just regular volunteers and strong supporters of our chapter. They were champions for the entire general aviation community in northern Michigan. We will miss them dearly.
from Chapter 234 Young Eagles Coordinator Jim Sorbie:
"Bob and Sandy were my friends. I’m sure that anyone who met them would share that feeling. I’ve never met any two people who were more outgoing, honest, and sincere in my life. Bob’s easy smile and soft-spoken ways were a rarity and comfort in a noisy and impersonal world.
I met Bob and Sandy at Giving Wings and the EAA Chapter a few years back, but I felt that we had known each other for much longer. Heaven only knows how many times we must have unknowingly crossed paths in St. Clair Shores, at Wayne State, at Detroit City Airport, or in the auto industry. My only regret is that in all those times we didn’t connect earlier, for I wish I would have been blessed to know them longer.
While their loss to their family is indescribable, our community also feels the pain. Losing good friends isn’t easy, but to have made their acquaintance and counted them as friends is a blessing to us all."
from Chapter 234 Flight Sim Guru Gary Ralston:
"Sandy Denton at Giving Wings was my first connection with the aviation community in TC. She was generous with her time and her passion for aviation in welcoming me to the region. Sandy pointed me to the local EAA chapter, which has since become my tribe here in Northern Michigan. I am forever grateful.
Getting to know Bob and Sandy was a delight, and I am so sad they are no longer brightening our lives.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and our aviation community—their passing has left a void in our universe that only time will heal."
from Chapter 234 President Bill Ross:
"I miss Sandy and Bob, now and for the rest of my few days, should I be either on the ramp, in the pattern, or on a long cross-country. I do.
Man, I've a C-5 full of questions for them both... and I'll not be able to ask them... ask them and hear their answers. I feasted on and in our discussions and our wandering conversations.
Sandy thrilled me when, after one of our gatherings, she complimented me about our EAA chapter meetings. She's not, as you may know, given to platitudes. She's echt.
A long time ago and a place sorta kinda far-away, a friend and a professor told me when you come upon such people as these, go meet them, introduce yourself, ask questions... listen.
I did and found out, amongst many others, that Bob worked with John Stapp at Wayne State. Oh, boy oh boy, envy. Envy and wonder. Wow.
Our lives are temporary and inscrutable; death is compulsory and forever, but another part feels quotidian and incremental, the slow accumulation of ordinary losses. This loss, our loss, was anything but ordinary.
I miss that sweet couple, my heart aches.
I—we—are poorer for having lost them."
