R.I.P Buddy Laughter AKA Staggerbee

[Matchless]

The hobby lost a good friend today. Robert 'Buddy' Laughter succombed to his battle with cancer today in the mid afternoon October 1st, 2007.

Buddy was a great builder, flyer and leader. He served at times as an officer in his local club and organized the two Memphis Pyramid Freestyle competitions which pilots and audience both enjoyed immensely.

Buddy had a penchant for Profile 3D planes, Giant Scale birds and seemingly anything from the 'Bee' series of aircraft (one of which became his online namesake). His birds were well built, and they always had character.

As a friend, he had a sharp wit and loved to talk. He was encouraging when the time was right and could also help you to see things more clearly when that was needed as well. He always lived up to his 'nickname'.

Buddy leaves behind a wonderful family and a multitude of friends in the hobby.


I know he's in a better place now, but it does not make me miss him any less.


Fly on Buddy, May your landings always be smooth and the sun and wind always be at your back.

[jnjacksn]

Thanks Jeremy, for posting that. He will be missed.

[Craven]

God speed Buddy.

[3ddd]

too bad ,hate to hear this ,god speed

[aglenn]

Im gonna miss you Buddy Rest in Peace

[jack01]

I'll go ahead and post this on this thread:



It is with a sad and heavy heart that I sit here writing this. On October 1st, 2007, Robert “Buddy” Laughter lost his battle with cancer. Buddy had beaten Melanoma before, but this time it was too much. True to his character, he gave it everything he had. As he would put it, he “went down swingin’.”

For those of you who knew Buddy, he was truly one of a kind. Buddy was, well… He was Buddy. I can honestly say I have never met anyone like him, and probably never will. He was short in stature, but tall in character. Buddy was a man of big things: big planes, big trucks, big fly-ins, big dreams, and big friendships. He was the type of person you could count on to keep his word whenever he gave it. If Buddy made a promise to you, you knew he would keep it. He made a lot of promises too. He was always thinking of others before himself. Buddy was constantly helping others at fly-ins, with car troubles, computer problems, and practically anything else you can imagine. I remember going to several fly-ins with him where he never flew his own plane. He was too busy fixing someone else’s.

Buddy was also a fun loving kind of guy. I am extremely blessed to have shared some of the happiest memories I have with him. For the past several years we have traveled to countless numbers of fly-ins and events. I think my RC trailer may have more miles on it with Buddy behind the wheel than it does with me. I don’t think I will ever forget how high Paul Swanson jumped when Buddy scared him at the Nashville Pro-Bro. Obviously Buddy had a bit of a mischievous side. I also will never forget being in Hot Springs, Arkansas with Buddy, and Jeremy Jackson. I could go on for days with that one.

On these many trips, Buddy and I talked about everything under the sun: flying, cars/trucks, women, families, people, comedy, you name it. He was twice my age, so I benefited immensely from his experience. For that, I am eternally grateful. He said I helped to keep him young, but I’m not so sure he needed it. He had a level of energy and enthusiasm that’s hard to describe. Whatever he did, he went in full throttle.

Those of us in the modeling community knew how much he loved this hobby. He was a talented builder, good flyer, and brought many years of experience to the table. He could also organize some of the best events around. He was the one who put on the Memphis Indoor electric fly-in and competition, as well as the first EAC/ProBro fly-in. He also served his club as President and helped keep the club going during hard times.

Buddy also was one of the most honorable people I knew. He was always honest and forthright. With Buddy, you knew where you stood, be-it good or bad. He was constantly pushing people to be better. I had the pleasure of knowing him throughout high school and these first three years of college. It’s no question that I have grown and matured during this time. I can say with absolute conviction that I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for him.

Above all, Buddy was a loving father, devoted husband, and fierce friend. He loved his family with all his heart and they were always at the front of his heart and mind. Even though he helped others a great deal, his family always came first. He was constantly talking about them and bragging about his sons test scores in school, his wife’s cooking, and those sorts of things. If you were in his family or his friend, he would fight to the death for you. That’s just the kind of person he was.

I know Buddy is in a better place now. I like to think that he is flying a Carden 35% Cap or perhaps a Lazy Bee. Whatever he is doing, I know he is at peace. I know that I will see him again when my time is done. So until then, God speed my friend! May your skies always be sunny and warm, your winds light and variable.

[madmax]

Oh my god guys, I don't even know what to say. I've spoken to Buddy in the past and while I didn't know him as some, I've known Buddy online for years, and I know how hard of a hit this is. If any of Buddy's family is watching this, please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. This is a great loss to our modeling community and very sad news.

It always hits me hard when we loose a friend like this, especially one who was a member, and who's writings will live on. You left your good impression on a great number of people friend, you will be missed, and we'll see you on the other side.

[gforce]

Well put Max,God Speed Freind.

[Wayne]

Wow. That is truly sad.
I met him several times at events and always enjoyed hanging out with him.

He will be missed.

[jack01]

I just got off the phone with Buddy's wife. She and the rest of the family seem to be holding up well, all things considered. They are all extremely grateful for the kind words and prayers! She told me that visitation will be at the Hernando Funeral Home on Hwy 51 on Thursday from 6-9. The funderal will be on Friday at 3. PM me if you need directions.

[citrus]

Thanks Jeremy and Jack...fly on Buddy.

Chris

[Kitman]

God Speed Buddy!!