From: "Doug" Subject: Jon Aldrich Date: Jul 07, 2003 Jon W. Aldrich Oct. 31, 1935 -- June 17, 2003 Jon William Aldrich, 67, of Groveland died June 17 at Doctors Medical Center, Modesto,from injuries suffered in an auto accident. Mr. Aldrich was a native of Fullerton and lived in Groveland 24 years. He was self-employed in aviation 30 years and owned Jon Aldrich Aviation Antiques, one of the most active air memorabilia businesses in the United States. He started in the early 1970s in Southern California selling antique propellers, flight helmets, goggles, leather jackets and other items. He moved his family and business to Pine Mountain Lake Airport, where his business was a few steps from his house and hangar containing a 1947 Bonanza and 1933 Waco UIC biplane. Over the years he bought and sold items such as a pair of gloves worn by Charles Lindbergh while he was an air mail pilot; a still-crated spare propeller for Douglas World Cruisers; and a medal awarded to Wiley Post in 1933. He collected and sold these antiques to aircraft historians, owners, museums and people who just wanted to have a piece of aviation history. He first soloed in 1961, logging over 5,100 hours in such aircraft as a Curtis Jenny, PA-12, Baby Ace, Funk, Navion, Breezy, Bonanza and his beloved Wacos. He ran a business giving biplane rides in his Waco UPF-7 and in hot air balloons. He was currently at work on a 1931 Waco F-2 project. He was a lifetime member of the Experimental Airplane Association and the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association; held commercial pilot ratings of single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land and free balloons. He also served for many years as a member of the Airport Land Use Committee and Tuolumne County Air Sheriff Volunteer Squadron, and as an FAA-appointed Air Safety Counselor. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Aldrich of Groveland; son, Curtiss Ried Aldrich of Jamestown; brother, James Aldrich of Soulsbyville; and one grandchild. No services. Heuton Memorial Chapel, Sonora, in charge of arrangements.