Thank You, Bill Francke!

You could always spot Bill’s bright red Cardinal! This is how I’m sure he’d be happy to be remembered: surrounded by kids and in the middle of things! The photo on the right is Young Eagles Day in September of 2000. He flew seven kids that day.

Thank you, Bill, from every one of the 34 Young Eagles you flew over the years. Thank you, Bill, from all of the Explorer Scouts of Post 202 you helped nurture along on their paths every Monday night for the past five years. Thank you, Bill, from all the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets you mentored too.

And thank you, Bill, for being a Sustaining Member of our EAA chapter and helping fund our dreams and aspirations and helping us build the facility we are so proud of today. Your extra $100 every year helped make that all happen!

We’ll always remember how you tried to make our airpark a better place. You were always there for the Independence Airpark Homeowner’s Association (IAHA) meetings. You were always there for the Independence State Airport Support (ISAS) Group.

Because of his past service as a King County Deputy Sheriff, Bill was a natural to head up the Security Watch here on the field in the wake of 9/11. 

With the CAP, he was promoted to Captain and worked with CAP cadets in parking planes and cars at most of the 7S5 Pilot Memorial Fly-Bys and Flag Ceremonies. He served on several Pilot Memorial Planning Committees, representing CAP and the Scouts.

Andy Andersen will always remember his help with the covered wagon and the Oregon Trail Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1993 -1995. Bill helped build the Polk County Covered Wagon used on the Oregon Trail and actually rode on the wagon from The Dalles to Independence in his pioneer clothes. He served as chairman for the organizing committee and served on the committee to find a permanent home for the covered wagon at the Polk County Museum. He also helped move the wagon for numerous parades and school events.

Thank you, Bill, for your support of and attendance at the Polk County OPA meetings. Members were delighted to see you and Dee at the February meeting.

Thank you, Bill, for being who you are.