Tributes flow for pair Jeremy was a quiet and humble man.
Family, friends honour men killed in glider crash
TWO men killed in a glider crash at Bowenville have been remembered by the communities they served.
Experienced pilot and flight instructor Jeremy Thompson, 62, this year received the highest rating available to glider pilots, the latest qualification in a career which spanned 50 years.
His student, Norbert Gross, 60, was on his third flying lesson at the Darling Downs Soaring Club when the craft crashed, killing both men.
In an emotional statement released yesterday, Mr Thompson’s daughter and newly appointed DDSC president Sarah Thompson paid tribute to her father and offered condolences to Mr Gross’ family in Airlie Beach.
“Flying was his lifelong love and passion and also how he met his wife of 35 years (Jenny, also a pilot at the club),” she said.
“Jenny and Jeremy have two daughters (myself and my sister) and I am also a glider pilot – he was proud to send me on my first solo flight.
“My sister Elizabeth was not involved in gliding but also loved Jeremy dearly.
“One of the things he enjoyed most about flying was teaching students, and recently he became involved in instructing air force cadets in Warwick.”
Describing her parents as “great mentors, friends and instructors to many students over the years”, she thanked the gliding community for its support.
“Jeremy was a quiet and humble man and he would be surprised at the outpouring of grief.”
Friends also paid tribute to Mr Gross who dedicated his time and passion to the community, volunteering at the various groups and organisations.
Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors coordinator Brian Richardson said the volunteer community was supporting Mr Gross’ wife in this hard time.
“We were as close to him as anybody in town and we are just in shock,” he said.
“He had his own sense of humour. He was from Germany and was very dry but he had a good sense of humour.”
— Sarah Thompson, tribute to her father Jeremy