I considered Clay Dopke ("Drac") a friend. I will miss him. Probably no SAM's on your final flight, Drac - but just in case: throttle all the way back, bank the BUFF a full 90 degrees and let her drop. Take care to recover though before you hit the ground! Oh, sorry... I'm trying to teach the man who taught me (a last "wide and wicked grin")!Jaap Verduijn.

RIP :(

All:On behalf of Clay's wife Kathy, daughter, and five step-children thank you all for the overwhelming send-off. "What we do in life, echoes in eternity" and it is a testament to the man called Clay "Drac" Dopke to see how many lives he touched positively around the world through the community here at Avsim that he loved so much.Clay will make his departure on Monday, September 23rd at Russel Baptist Church. 1844 Highway 11 and 80, Meridian, MS 39301. I will print out all of your posts to this thread and emails for Clay so that he has some Avsim posts to read on his final journey home. As an old warrior he would have wanted the troops to carry on without him. To celebrate his life and love of this community I ask that if you are financially able please make a Donation (of any amount) to Avsim.com in Clay's name as that is what he would have wanted. Thanks again on behalf of his family and friends for your overwhelming outpouring of support.With warm regards,Mike T.

What very, very sad news and of course, condolences to Kathy and the family.As said by others here, Clay was always willing to share his thoughts, and often in the very most entertaining of ways.My first correspondence with Clay was during the beta test of Dreamfleet's 727; I approached him after having seen his posts here that suggested he might know what he was talking about. He was always outspoken to me in private and never ever shy to tell me something was wrong, yet honest enough to tell me he was also commenting from memory. A true gentleman.Some of the stories he's told me about the utter mis-use of the 727 at the hands of certain Government employees still make me smile today.Cheers Clay, and thanks for taking the time.

I enjoyed his posts as well. Farewell pal..