Bill Moyes

I met Bill in Sigillio. I was in the Spanish team. I'm so sorry. My condolences R. I. P

Antonio Letón

Dear Vicki,

I was deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. On behalf of the Canadian hang gliding community, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences. Bill’s spirit and passion will be remembered by all of us.

With sympathy,

Pedro Eiler Pedersen

Hey Vix. Valerie and I are very sad about the passing of your wonderful father Bill. We loved him so much. I do regret that I didn’t get to see him but I have so many great memories of him, and with him and Molly. I will forever think of him as a friend and mentor. Our hearts go out to you and the Moyes family.

Sugarman

Hi Vicki,

I thought of Bill just yesterday when I saw on tv footage of Bronte Beach and the Bronte Baths.

What a great life!

What a great gift he was able to give all us hang gliding pilot!

Forever grateful.

For Bill a place in my dearest memories, for you and all your family a big hug.

Filippo Oppici

We in the flying community mourn the loss of a legend. But of course to you Bill was so much more than that, he was your Dad and it is never easy losing a parent, the pain lingers long. Thinking of you this morning, take care, look after yourself and those around you.

With love,

Larry Jones

Dear Vick, Molly, Steve and Family:

My sincerest condolences from all of us pilots in Hawaii. Bill, rest in peace, and so much thanks for all he has given to our world of Hanggliding. What a life! ❤️

Aloha oe', David

David S. Goto

We are so sorry to hear the news of Bill. A great man who will be dearly missed.

We send our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Kindest Regards

Dave & Carolynne Shaw

My name is Warren Whilier, my dad drove the beach buggy for Bill at all of the shows as the Bird Man

Here are a couple of photos I could find .

Bill was a true gentleman

My condolences. I met Bill a handful of times. He was always very kind and helpful. And of course, he's a legend!

Greg

Just read the news on this side of the world.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

As a person who already lost both mother and father I know that those whom we love always stay with us in our memories.

Best regards,

Elena

CIVL

I am so sorry to hear for Bill passing into a special place designated for good people.

Please have my and my friends from Romania sincere condolences .

Regards,

Miron Busuioc

Sincerest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Bill. He is, and always will be, a legend of our magnificent hang gliding pursuit.

Warmest regards,

Stuart McElroy

Dear Moyes family

The news of Bill's passing reached me and leaves me sad. All my warmest condolences to all of the Moyes family.

21 years ago I was the lucky girl from Switzerland to stay with Molly and Bill as my host family at their beautiful house at Bronte. I still have great memories of these times.

Thank you Bill for always offering me a ginger beer, showing me how to clean the kitchen floor properly, watching the "Invention" DVD with me and telling me all about it. I'm so proud that I've known you in person. Every time I see a delta glider some where - mostly here in Switzerland - my memories go back in time.

All my love to Molly - I am sure you are surrounded and supported through this time of loss and grief by all your beautiful family.

Karin

Dear Vicki,

I received the sad news that Bill has died. I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and all of the family. I wish you a lot of strength to cope with this loss.

"What you hold deep in your heart cannot be lost through death" - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe!

Best regards,

Wolfgang Genghammer

Bill got things done.

Budding new pilots, super keen, Monty and I drove up to Ralston after work from Sydney for a weekend of towing . Bill must have heard my accent as first thing Saturday morning, he proceeded to put us on the end of shovels, preparing holes for a pour of concrete to help put in hanger doors .

Took all weekend :)

Although we did not hang glide, Bill did take us for a spin in the tug. With smiles, we drove back to Sydney, within that warm feeling that only a hang gliding community offers.

Bill was a doer. Wthout Bill, without getting things done,I feel hang gliding as we know it, might never have happened.

RIP Legend.

Kerry and Belinda Bradley

Dear Molly, Vicki, Steve and the whole Moyes family,

I’m writing you to express my personal sorrow and also on behalf of Gianni, Franco, Manfred, Gipsy and the entirely Icaro 2000. We want to let you know that we are close to you in this sad moment.

We met Bill only a few times, but we have very good memories of those fortunate moments. We will remember his kindness, his willingness to share his experiences and his honest way of saying things.

Bill was a mentor, a guide, for fathers and sons, sometime for entire families, that found in the way of flying which Bill indicated and travelled, one of the reasons for living. On this path, we experienced some of the most beautiful moments of our lives and for this we will remember and thank Bill, forever.

Sincerely

Christian, Gianni, Franco, Manfred, Gipsy

So sorry to find out that Bill is gone. What a guy, what a life.

My condolences to you, Molly, Steve, and family..

Butch Peachy

So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was a great man. I regret not having known him better, but what I did know of him was really fantastic. What a life he led and gave to his family. I can’t imagine a better one. He never “let the old man in”!

Please pass on my condolences to Molly, Steve and the rest of the family. I hope our paths will cross again soon.

All the best to you and yours,

Glen Volk

Hi Jen

Mum msged about your Dad. Hope Molly is doing alright. So sorry to hear.

I would never have learnt to water ski or been towed by a boat and go up in a kite if it wasn’t for Bill. I also remember him taking you and ( maybe Steph- not sure ) in a catamaran or a hobie cat from bronte around wedding cake island and back. Pretty bloody fun.

Am sure will be huge turn out like dads if he has a wake at the club!

Melanie Boon

Hello Moyes family

My deepest condolences on the passing of Bill.

Bill, a father of hang gliding, was a pioneer and a kind-hearted man.

Now he flies over all of us.

Here is a picture of me with Bill at the 2011 World Championships in Monte Cucco.

I wish the Moyes family and the staff a lot of strength and all the best.

Greetings from Liechtenstein/Europe

Toni Mähr

Thanks Bill, fly high...

Jose Ignacio Quintana

Mexico

Dear Vicki,

I am with you and yours, especially Molly, in these sad times. I will never forget that for 10 years the Moyes were my second family that I visited so many times. The Christmases, the weddings, the dinners, the garage and Stanwell’s cliffs, the early swims in the cold ocean-pool… So many fine moments.

My love to all,

Stéphane

My heart goes out to the Moyes family. May he continue inspiring generations wherever he may be. Peace and love from Rio de Janeiro.

Eduardo Palermo. ❤️

I haven’t met Bill in person but had the privilege of listen great stories about his life and legacy through my friend Mike Barber.

My sincere condolences for all Moyes' family and close friends.

Best,

Tiago

Hi Vicki,

Please accept my most sincere condolences on Bill’s passing, and please extend them to the rest of the Moyes family. Bill was a force of nature, to be sure. He will be greatly missed.

My best wishes to all of you.

Sincerely,

Mike Meier

Wills Wing

Hi Vicki,

I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, sorry for your loss to you and your family, and to the world of hang gliding.

Warmest wishes to you all at this difficult time.

Not many people inspire so many and leave such a mark on the world.

Much love, Karen xxxx

Dear Vicki and the Moyes Family,

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Bill. As someone who has been flying Moyes gliders for the past 52 years, I have always admired his pioneering spirit and contributions to the hang-gliding community. Bill’s legacy in the sport is unparalleled, and his innovations have brought joy and freedom to countless pilots, including myself.

I have fond memories of interacting with your family over the years, and I particularly remember the warmth and dedication that Bill brought to everything he did. His passion for hang gliding was truly inspiring, and it has left an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you, Vicki, and the entire Moyes family. If there is anything I can do to support you, please do not hesitate to reach out.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Doug and Arlette Sole

G'day to the entire Moyes Mob...

We are so very saddened by the news of Bill's passing. You are such an extraordinary family....and Bill was the absolutely perfect Head of State! He just turned everything on its head and brought to every day such zing and pop!

Iain and I...Sean and Zara too...have such good stored memories of him and his exploits and of you all as being a vibrant group.

We all of us realise what it means to loose the Head Honcho! (even though of course Molly is that in fact!)

There must be much deep shared pleasure in recognising how much all of you have brought into the world...near and far.

Please pause long enough to recognise this fact.

And smile at that thought.

We all send you all our love at this time of great loss.

Stay strong. That's your shared responsibility now!...and for ever.

All warmth and joy to every single one of you.

Vale Bill...travel safely through the skies!

HUGS

trish/iain/zara/sean

A MAN OF GREAT HEART AND IMAGINATION AND SKILL.

trish/iain

Dear Vicki,

I feel deeply saddened to hear of Bill`s passing and sending you and your Family Love and Strength during this difficult time. It is an honour and I am very grateful to have shared so many of the adventures with Bill over so many years.

I will be joining the " paddle out " on Tuesday and looking very much forward to seeing you and your Family soon. It's been far too long!

Lots of Hugs

Olli

Hi Vix,

Very sad to hear about your Dad, what a fantastic force he was. He made such an amazing contribution to so many of us.

Love & hugs to you all , especially Molly from us.

Xxx Tish

Hi Vicki,

We are sorry to hear about the passing of Bill, yet we are so grateful to have had the pleasure of meeting him out at Forbes. What an absolute legend! We would love to contribute to the celebration of his life with the last photo of him taken out at Forbes, he was in lengthy conversation with Neil Evens. A fitting photo with the dragonfly behind him.

Best regards Jason and Rebecca Lannstrom

Condolences to the whole Family, Rest in Peace Bill, You are unforgetable specially from Berinayan folk when you landed in Schokolade playground in 1970s from Tagaytay....

Tessie Ulitin Moosbrugger

Dear Vicki,

Just an anecdote: in 92 or 93 I was in Forbes for the annual competition. After a hairy adventure (towing hook on the side of the harness caught in a side wire...), I had landed in a glade near Parkes and had to leave the glider before a long walk through gates to the retrieve car, which was in a hurry to go on and pick up more rookies, you know those poor pilots who seldom fly back to goal.

Early on the paddock the next morning, I searched a car to borrow and get my wing. While the nearby groups were looking at each other, Bill lent me his car without an hesitation. Back about 2 hours later, it was already launch time and Bill's group was so happy to finally get their essential towing device in the trunk. Thank you Bill! And the kind Moyes family!

Warm hugs,

Raymond Caux

Dear Vicki,

I apologize for the lateness of this note, but I do want to express my condolences to you (and Molly and Steve).

I genuinely liked your crusty father as a wonderful embodiment of the best of old-school Aussie males. Whether it was during a visit to the factory, at a comp in the flats, or a memorable stay in Wilcannia trying to fly far, Bill was always friendly, helpful, and entertaining. I don't know if he was an easy father, but he and Molly certainly produced a wonderful daughter in you. Of course, his lasting other monument is the Moyes firm and the countless innovations and competitions he was responsible for in hang gliding. For those, I am immensely, selfishly grateful. He certainly left his mark on the world, and I remember him fondly and with a smile.

My best to Greg.

With love,

Pete

1981 From Matthew Wagner

Bill and Rog

Hi all,

it was with great sadness that I learned that Bill had left this world a few days ago.

Looking back, I have to admit that every day I spent with him was either filled with adventure or joy, and that the decade of the 1990s was the best period of my life.

Hang gliding for record breaking flights in the desert, flying in the Flatland challenge in Forbes or Hay, long night rides with me driving no faster than 80 km/h and Bill checking that on the passenger seat, my living in his house on the beach, the development of new gliders in the Bronte car workshop, these are all unforgettable experiences in which Bill played the main role.

I will never forget that.

He was the most inspiring man in my life and the true legend of hang gliding!

I will really miss you, Bill!

Have a good lift on the way up and the smooth ride mate!

Tomas Suchanek

I’ve just learnt about Bill passing away and send you my condolences to you and the whole Moyes family.

Pedro Chapa

Hi Vicky

Sending Our warmest thoughts and condolences to you and the Moyes family.

Kyoko and I, like so many have got very fond memories of our times with Bill.

My first time at Rylstone to learn to Aerotow was something I will never forget.

This was my first inland flying, and I hesitantly told Bill that I hadn’t bought a parachute yet. Bills response was priceless.

He said, “What? Do you want to live forever” followed by “a parachute won’t make you fly any better”, and walked off laughing. His response filled me with great confidence for my first aerotow experience.

The first day before any flying Bill had us working, fixing the tractor, mowing the paddock, pouring concrete and generally just being ordered around telling us to work harder.

Then just on dusk after a quick theory session on aerotowing, Bill said, “hurry up and get your glider on the dolly”.

Next thing he turns up sitting on the back of a car trailer where he hung onto the ski rope handle and attached the other end to my tow bridle.

Bill explained to stay in the dolly until the glider started to lift then when you get to the top of the rope release and fly down.

I thought all was going well until I reached the top of the rope and released under full tension causing my glider to pitch up rapidly then whip stall at low altitude.

I just recovered the stall in a cloud of dust as my chest/harness scraped the ground and somehow, I landed alive and unharmed.

Bill was clearly shaken, but remarked, “what are you divebombing the ground for”?

He gathered himself and muttered, “ok your good to aerotow in the morning”. I didn’t sleep too well that night.

Another time at Rylstone.

I was flying an airborne blade race at the time. I had only recently met Kyoko. Bill sat us down and in Bills words told Kyoko she’s getting too old, and she should marry me as long as I change back to a Moyes glider.

That was the beginning of many great adventures being towed up by Bill and Bob.

Thankyou Bill and the Moyes family.

Love Kyoko and Matt

I did not see that Bill had passed until this morning. With the hurricane coming, I've just been watching the weather.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and extend it to the family. I simply can't believe we lost Bobby and Bill this year.

I'm sorry for your family's loss.

Connie Bailey

Vicki,

I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I'm sorry that I never had the pleasure of meeting him. He was an absolute legend and father to our sport. What a legacy he built! I only hear praise for him, you and Moyes itself. I've loved seeing the photos of your family over the years. It has always struck me how much love and joy are in those photos. Your dad and your family are so loved by people all over the planet. Much love to you, Molly, and your whole family. Thinking of you.

Jen Richards

Smooth Winds,

Lookout Mountain Flight Park

Although I never met Bill, he forever changed my life. Moyes gave me wings to do things I never imagined I would do. Thank you for chasing your dream, it made my life spectacular!

Kelly Myrkle

Gecko Guy

Sad to hear of Bill’s passing.

Jane and I would be there for sure except I have Covid (as does Jane).

I would love to be there as Bill and the Moyes team were so important to me.

My sympathies and best wishes to Molly yourself and the whole family.

Ian (Jarso)

Hi Vicki,

My heart felt condolences to you, Molly, and your family for your loss. Bill is the hang gliding Grandpa to all us pilots. I cannot thank you all enough for what Bill and you all have given to us. It is an honour to fly a Moyes Glider.

Thank you so much and Vale Bill!

Below is the only photo I have of him, but he sits surrounded by his legacy, from beginner to advanced, foot launch to aerotow..truely a legend.

Richard Kean

Hi Vicki

I am so sad hearing about Bill,

He has been our father, grandfather, and immortal for a long time, so I can't help but be too sad to hear about this.

I would like to express my condolences to everyone in the whole family.

At the same time, I would like to convey this sport that Bill loved to as many people as possible.

Regards

Toru

Dear Molly, Vicky, and Steve:

Very sad to hear of Bill’s passage.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Warm regards,

Phil Haegler (Brazil)

Very Hello Moyes Team,

Only Bill knew that when I waved with both hands, it means “Very Hello” instead of just “Hello”

When I came to Sydney with little English, he asked me why I waved with 2 hands when I say hello? I told him that a 2 handed wave meant “Very Hello”, meaning I was very happy to see him and I was honoured to receive the Hot Spoon.

Yuko Pegrum

2024

1988

Hi Vicky,

I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. It goes without saying he really was an amazing human being with a life lived truly to the fullest! I am incredibly thankful for the time I spent with you and your family during my first trip to Australia. Sunday night dinners at Bill and Molly's were always special to me; I felt like I was dining with the absolute legend of all legends. I felt so lucky to be a part of it, and I quite enjoyed conversing with them. I still remember when Molly asked a bit about my family, grandparents, etc. Somehow I mentioned how my grandmother divorced her husband at 80-something years old... Molly looked at Bill like, "there's still time!" We all laughed. Bill looked back at her with eyes full of love, as he always did.

I pray for peace for your family during this time.

Love,

Niki

Photo from Forbes 2nd Jan 2018

My condolences to the Moyes family on the loss of Bill.

I miss Bill Moyes’ unquestioned authority at the tow paddock. He got things done right or did it his way.

I am very grateful for the support Bill has given me during during my competition flying, no matter what my glider was. The first flight of my first World Championship at Kossen in 1985 I landed at goal after flying all day on a never ending task. We scored points per kilometre around a course and finished doing laps of the goal valley till we had to land. I was totally exhausted and just lay under my glider in my harness after landing, not able to move. Bill and his mate, the also badly missed Clive Gilmour, eventually picked up the glider by the cross tubes and carried it, and me still in prone, out of the landing area. He even started packing it up with me still in the harness even though it was an English Airwave glider.

The Aussie team was also grateful for the Swan Brewing sponsorship Bill arranged. I was lucky to get an invitation from Bill to Canada for the a very memorable American Cup, flying a gold and black Moyes glider.

Farewell Bill, you have given wings to countless pilots with your extraordinary life.

Steve Blenkinsop (Blenky to Bill)

This is Chi. I was so lucky to have landed on 475 Bronte Road last year and lived with Bill and get to know the legend of Bronte. Please let me share the photo I took with Bill and Molly.

Sending you, Moyes family the deepest condolence. 475 Bronte Road will never be the same without Bill. I will miss him when I come home and open the door.

Love from Chi

Hi Vicki and co.

We read that Bill is passed away. Sad to hear but he was old man anyway. It was pleasure to met him few times. Lots of respect.

Reg. Heikki and Kaija from Finland

Dear Vicki,

One behalf of the Aeros Team, we would like to express our sincere condolences at the passing of Bill Moyes. Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of a Great Man. We are very sorry for the loss, but we are thankful for his example of dedication to hard work and devotion to his favourite thing- free flight.

We will always remember Bill Moyes as the father of hang gliding and will honor his great contribution to the development of the hang gliding sport.

Sending strength and courage to the family and friends to face the days ahead without Bill.

Sincerely,

Aeros Team

Hi Vicki,

I heard that Bill passed away.

He was a person like a sun.

I offer my deepest condolences.

Regards,

Masumi Goda

Windsports Co. Ltd.

Bill Moyes at Lookout Mountain Flight Park at the first American Cup.

I have known some great pilots and innovators during my long career in this sport, but Bill Moyes was in a class of his own - Bill was one of the few who deserved to be called a legend.

Bill lived a long, exceptional life. In the high risk, pioneering days of free flight, Bill made his mark as a fearless showman who drew the spotlight to our sport. Bill made a death defying, mile-high flight from the wall of the Grand Canyon, and towed up behind a Stearman crop-duster. on a Rogallo kite.

Bill tirelessly promoted hang gliding at every turn, and helped make the ancient dream of personal flight a reality. Bill created Moyes Delta Gliders in 1969, and quickly built a reputation for designing and manufacturing top performing gliders. More than five decades later, his company and its products carry on his legacy.

Bill made unparalleled contributions to our sport. Without him, hang gliding might never have achieved the heights it did, with unimaginable flights and unforgettable feats.

I am honoured and proud to call Bill a friend, and I have always cherished the many words of wisdom that he shared with me. Saying goodbye to such a larger than life character isn’t easy, I send deepest condolences and much love to Molly, Vicki, Steve and the rest of the Moyes family. Thanks to the Moyes family for all that your immeasurable contributions to the sport of free flight! And RIP Bill Moyes, a great man who lived a great life.

Matthew Taber

Dear Vicki

I wanted to send you a personal note, as well as the open-to-all Facebook post. Visiting Bill was a catalyst to my coming to Australia in March and I am so glad I got to see him, and Molly, and you. Although his light had dimmed, he was unmistakably still Bill! How hard you must have worked to keep him in his beloved home, able to take a swim at the beach and receive visitors aplenty. Under the brash and misogynist exterior he presented to the world, he was really kind. I remember my first visit to Oz with Louise Anderton when we bought a knackered Vw van. He turned up at the garage on Christmas Day to help us fix it. He awarded me Honorary Man status when we met in Switzerland (I had never broken my arm, and had just beaten all the Moyes Boys into goal). I wear that badge with pride. He was loved & admired by us all. I know you will miss him dreadfully & he will leave a big hole in your lives. He outlived so many of his fellow adventurers and there will be a BIG party in the heavens as they reunite. I am thinking of you and sending hugs to you and to Molly. X

Judy Leden

So much love and gratitude to you and all your family Vicki, especially for Molly and Bill. I am forever in your debt for the kindness and support you showed me. Fly high now Bill

David Adams

Oh Vicki... I am so sorry for your loss...

What a beautiful letter to your dad...I can see how much you loved him.

Your dad made a difference in my life in a way that makes me smile whenever I think of him. To this day I tell the story of the time when I was visiting there and spent a couple of days out at the Rylstone airport with him and Bob….what a Hoot those guys were together!!….I remember sitting outside the airport lounge with him early in the morning drinking coffee together and him pointing out the fact that the Magpies in the trees were talking to each other. I had never heard Magpies until that day…..today I have Magpies in my own back yard that I feed and listen to them talk to each other in the mornings….He was truly a person who impacted many lives all over the world…. I had no idea that he had been married for 73 years..WoW!….he was truly blessed by our Lord to have such a great run with a loving wife, beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren! No doubt he is in heaven looking down at us smiling at all that knew him. His legacy will live on in so many ways. I feel very fortunate to have met him and to have experienced his charisma first hand…..He will be missed.

May the Lord be with you, Steve, Molly and your entire family

Paul...

Hi Neighbours,

Most of you would have heard of Bill "the Birdman" Moyes. Bill was Bronte born & bred. Bill was a pioneer in Hang Gliding. Only in very recent months did his powered wheelchair not feature at Table No 1, Bogey Hole Cafe, Bronte. Bill was "Chair" at "The Table of Nonsense" where meetings were convened at 0620 hours every morning. Every meeting agenda was identical - "Trivia". Only some topics were avoided - Russel's exploits on the golf course being subject to a "Bill Ban". However Russel's awful jokes were a positive - they have been effective for decades in inhibiting any stray "Chook Pen" table members joining Table No 1. Geoff Vaughan, Len Moore, Malcolm, Michael Suttor, Claude and especially Geoff Carr would only ever sit with us if Russel was absent. Bill had a very wry sense of humour and Russel was frequently the target for it.

Banter between the "The Table of Nonsense" and the "Chook Pen" would intensify on Thursdays as weekend NRL "tipping" took place. A scheduled Easts v Souths game would raise the temperature of invective between Len Moore and James Vozzo to "Golden Point" pitch. James has some very pointed "lines" that flummox Len but they cannot appear in print. There is some individual intolerance. Geoff Carr threatens to banish Suttor and "Yours Truly" if there is so much as a whisper about motor vehicle engineering, racing, repairing etc.

There is now a "Chair" vacancy at "The Table of Nonsense". There is even a bigger void in the lives of those who had benefited for so many years in joining Bill in raucous laughter.

Michael (#19)

Hi Vicki, just a short note with a couple of thoughts re your Dad.

Although I have been involved in hang gliding for a long time and I was well aware of your dad's legendary contribution the sport, I had not actually met him until a little over 15 years ago when I started to hang around the Forbes competition. I had had the crazy idea that I wanted to set up an aero tow operation in Victoria. You dad put up with me pestering him with my endless questions and was amazingly helpful and supportive in my planning. Once we were operating, he continued his support and was always ready to clarify issues and sometimes to tell me I was doing things the wrong way (he was most often right!). I will miss him, and his input and advice, and his kindness. My deepest condolences to you and you whole family, huge hugs to all,

kind regards Peter Holloway

Hi Vicki

I just wanted to send my sincerest condolences to you after the sad news of Bills passing

Bills work ignited my lifelong passion for free flight, those early pictures of him flying were just the coolest thing ever to a young boy!

I’ll be thinking about Molly, you and the family tomorrow

With very best wishes and a hug

Huw Parsons

Dear Moyes Family,

I am so sad to hear that Bill Moyes has taken his last flight. He was one of the first in so many areas of flight early on in the 70's when I was learning in 1977. I owned one of his gliders and it was a great kite. I was in the Lookout Mountain LZ in Chattanooga when

I wanted to share a memory with you about Bill.

I first met Bill in 1983 at the Buffalo Gap Hang Gliding Contest in Abilene Texas, USA. A Texas oilman, Jack Grimm (who also was the first person to find the location of the Titanic shipwreck), saw hang gliding in the press and he decided he wanted to have his own hang gliding contest on his ranch south of Abilene that had the feature of having 200 foot mesas. He said he would put up $10,000 prize money to attract people from near and far. Michael Winston Williams was the meet director from Odessa Texas and an acquaintance of mine.

I was an Advanced rated pilot (Hang 4) living in Odessa and decided to take time from my petroleum chemist job to go fly.

I had heard that such famous pilots as Steve Moyes (World Champ), John Pendry, Rick Duncan, Dan Racanelli and many other top pilots were going to be there. I started flying in the fall of 1977 and had read all the hang mags over and over to where I immediately recognized all these guys. When the Moyes boys pulled up and unloaded it was like Hollywood came to Abilene. I had to go up and introduce myself to Bill and Steve. They were both so gracious and kind to everyone that it set the mood of the meet as a bunch of new friends getting together for a party. When they decided to go somewhere and were all trying to squeeze into a van, I offered to give someone a ride in my pickup. Bill was the first to take me up on the ride. We got to talking on the ride to town and it was like an instant friendship that ended up with Bill riding around with me for the whole 3-day meet. During that time, I asked Bill a thousand question on everything from aerodynamics to his history of accomplishments in hang gliding's history. He told me about the Grand Canyon flight and going back down in the canyon to dig up the film after giving some blank spare film reels to satisfy the police. We never stopped talking the entire time. Bill premiered his new film, "Birdmen of Kilimanjaro" at Jack Grimm's large barn on Saturday night at the meet party. We were all amazed at the tenacity of Bill and Steve to accomplish this feat. A funny note to the contest: When the winds became unflyable, Jack Grimm came out and said it was time for a Texas Bullshit throwing contest... with a $100 grand prize for the pilot that threw the piles of cow dung the furthest. At first, we all kind of giggled at ole Jack but when he pulled out $100 dollar bills... we all started throwing bullshit.

The contest was flown mostly as a dual launch pilon race along the top of the mesa with the fastest time ( and most pilons circled ), with fairly light conditions keeping us just along the top of the mesa. There was a bonus option for taking a thermal up and going XC to add points to your total. As Sunday rolled around and we were flying our last heats, Steve caught a rare thermal at 200 feet and thermaled up to end up about 50 miles away.... In the process, he won 1st place in the meet and the $5000 first prize. He was the only one to go XC. We were happy and not surprised at all because he was the current World Champion, and we were used to him doing things on hang gliders that no one else was doing.

At the end of the meet, I said farewell to my new friend Bill. I cannot put a large enough value to the impact of meeting Bill on my flying and my life. I wrote a letter to Bill, thanking him for a great time being his driver for the contest. Bill wrote me a gracious letter back thanking me for the lift and included 3 DVD's with many home movies and documentaries on his flying. That included a copy of his "Birdmen of Kilimanjaro". I saw Bill one more time in Big Spring Texas at the US Nationals Championship in 2008 and we remembered Abilene.

So I wish my friend Bill Moyes the best last flight and want to thank him for all the influences on both flying and my personal life. Such a kind and wonderful man to the many people he touched during his journey.

Smooth winds to you Bill and Thank You for our Wings,

Warren Puckett

H4, Private Pilot, Chemist

Dear Vicki, Jenny, Molly,

My feelings and memories of the way Bill and Molly made me feel at home staying in their house, in Peters room, when I were 19 and worked in the hanggliding shop make me restless now Bill is gone,

Bill were like a father the way he taught me that hard work gives you freedom and pleasure in life,

I would have loved more pictures of 1989, but my memory is strong and my pictures are all live, thinking about life in Your home and being on picnics, playing tennis, playing with your kids doing ninja turtle tricks and going hanggliding.

Visiting You again in 2021 were like coming home showing my kids where I felt love and passion and got my ambitions for the life ahead,

My gratitude and love goes to You in a hard time,

I’ve just landed in Bhutan for a week of trekking and rest,- I will light a candle for Bill,

Yours Peter

Peter Thimmer

The Translation:

God to Bill: Hello Bill

Bill to God: Hello, Can you tell me where I can find some Dacron and Aluminium?

Thanks to Bill many of us can fly.

Rest in peace.

With all my love.

Antonio Valin

I am so saddened with this news. Bill touched all of our lives and his innovation in hang gliding was nothing short of amazing. When we started competing in the Owens Valley, Bill knew this was going to change the sport and it did. He had the vision as to what was coming next, and he was always right. But it wasn't just Bill who made all of our lives better (for lots of reasons), it was his whole family. Bill was irreplaceable, but if we all remember who he was, what he did, and try to replicate it, the world will be much better off.

Rich Pfeiffer

Dear Vicki,

I was saddened to hear about your dad.

Dominic will never meet Bill, I regret this—I bet he would have left an impression. I had intended to bring Dominic to meet his Australian family one day, but the years just got away from me.

Out of the blue I remembered you telling me about how when you were little, Bill would challenge you to show him how many push ups you could do and how determined you were to make him proud.

I hope you’ll be brave enough to get through today, without too many tears, and make your dad proud, one last time.

With love,

Brett

Hello,

I have heard of the passing of Mr. BILL MOYES. The entire Ellipse team sends its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and the entire MOYES team.

Kind regards,

Mahandry R.

Dear Moyes Family

Firstly, what a beautiful and fitting tribute to Bill on Tuesday. I feel so honored to have been there for the paddle out in the clear, peaceful waters of Bronte—a perfect setting to celebrate Bill's remarkable life.

I've always held the utmost respect and brotherly love for Bill. He was an inspiration to me, and through his achievements, I was blessed with a life full of cherished memories. Bill had a way of leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met, and I count myself incredibly fortunate to have known him.

Upon hearing the sad news of Bill’s passing, I shared the following message, which I hope conveys just a fraction of the admiration and love I’ll always hold for him:

I received the sad news today that Bill Moyes passed away on September 24th. He was truly the greatest legend in the sport of hang gliding. Bill had a remarkable charisma that drew pilots and enthusiasts alike to him, and we all cherished listening to his captivating—if sometimes embellished—stories.

During my travels and competitions in the USA in 1986, I quickly learned just how revered and admired Bill was. He was often referred to as the father of hang gliding, and pilots from all corners of the globe wanted to be near him, to meet the man who gave them the incredible opportunity of seeing the world from a bird’s perspective. His impact on the sport and the community will never be forgotten.

I remember a time when Bill and I had a heavy disagreement on an issue. At the end of our heated discussion, he smiled and said, “I like butting heads with you, Scotty.” His ability to connect with others was unmatched.

I will always treasure the moment when he gave a eulogy for our friend, pilot Stu Smith, who tragically passed away at a competition at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. Bill's words were inspiring and compassionate, and I couldn’t have been prouder to be in his presence; it was at that moment I truly saw the greatness of the man, and I was proud to be an Australian.

Bill's legacy will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.

Lee Scott

I feel sure that you understand how much your father was loved and respected. The hardest thing about loseing a loved one is not feeling their presents. For me this time passes too slowly, Wishing you the grace of the memories of your father stronger than the pain oif his passing. Not that it is easy but that we carry them with us for the whole of our lives,

Sincerely,

Jonny Thompson

The one with the floats a bunch of us including David Seib pulled it along on due till Bill could get it to fly and landed it at Wyndamere Dam. I couldn’t find the photos of the Christening where Bill and Molly were dressed up but will send them to you when I find them.

With love,

Neil and whole family.

Greetings to Steve, Molly and the rest of the Moyes pilots that I met at the Cross-Country Classic in Bishop, the Grouse Mountain Competition and the America’s Cup back in the ‘70s and early ‘80s.

Hearing of Bill’s passing brought back a whole surge of memories from the past. My condolences to Molly, Steve, Bill’s family, fellow pilots and the Moyes manufacturing team. Bill may have been getting a bit older, but I can’t imagine that he ever lost his passion for hang gliding – as a pilot, manufacturer, mentor and leader.

I remember Bill’s presence best from when I was flying at Grouse Mountain in 1982. That was the year I moved from a Moyes Mega to a UP Comet. I blew a landing during the competition and, in the process, tore all the ligaments in my right knee. I ended up in the hospital for several days. Bill and Steve were the only pilots who came to visit me, in spite of the fact that I had switched away from a Moyes glider. Bill and Steve’s visit demonstrated something that I already knew. The “Moyes Boys” were a real class act in a hang gliding world where many of us were immature, self-centered and egotistical.

My knee has more or less healed. I was able to fly again and do most sports. But that injury was life-changing for me. Perhaps the change occurred when I saw the contrast between my life and a life of contribution and professionalism that Bill and Steve demonstrated, I changed my lifestyle and became a successful business professional. From that point on, I became more service-oriented and less self-centered. In the early ‘90s I became a professional business coach and have had the privilege to assist thousands of business owners to be more successful.

I really believe that my knee injury, including the visit from Bill and Steve, helped me turn a corner in my life. Or, as I say it, “pull my head out of my butt.” I didn’t marry until I was almost 50, but I have created a wonderful relationship and family.

Bill, rest in peace. You truly made a huge difference for thousands!

And Steve, I still dream of travelling to Australia one day. If I do, connecting with you and the remaining Moyes pilots I knew in the past will be a priority. Also, if you are ever in Vancouver for any reason, I would be thrilled to reconnect.

Andrew Barber-Starkey

Hi Vicki,

Thank you for sharing your letter to Bill

It was a beautiful day to let him go...

Such a long life, I often think about what all our lives would be like if he wouldn't have had this spirit and courage to start Moyes. The one who chased his dreams indeed!

Probably the best way to keep going is by collecting all these beautiful memories...

xxx,
Sasha