"Glider Bob"

In the afternoon of August 24, 2016, 64 year old Stemme pilot Robert “Glider Bob“ Saunders and a passenger died in a crash at Prospect Basin near Telluride, Colorado.

Glider Bob worked for many years for Stemme USA. He had thousands of hours on his Stemme S10-VT, and was one of its most accomplished pilots. He has always been an enthusiastic demonstrator and ambassador for our aircraft.

Glider Bob was well known, was liked and loved throughout the Stemme community, and not only in the United States.

In Glider Bob our Stemme community loses a dear friend and one of our greatest supporters. This is a very sad day for the Stemme community.

“This is a real tragedy and a great loss not only for the Stemme community but also and foremost for the families and friends of both deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in these moments.”

Glider Bob will never die in our memory.

Paul Masschelein

CEO

A friend can change your whole life.

Glider Bob introduced me to the San Juan's Mountains and to Telluride. One might say we danced as we flew over the San Juan and Cimarron mountain ranges. The blue mountain lakes, the rock cliffs and the majestic vistas with that Colorado blue sky. Glider Bob smiling and chatting about this freedom that was reserved for Eagles just a century ago.  Few people can do what they love in a place that they love; Bob was one of the few.

As delightful as Bob made the flight, he likewise made the visit to this quaint town. Bob introduced me to all the local cuisine. He also introduced me to the Telluride Ski Mountain and all my now favorite ski runs.  Thanks for helping discover the Joy of deep powder.

Bob was an Ambassador for all his passions. He loved Telluride and served many years on the town council. His service to his community was second to none. Bob loved flying and was a mentor to most of the US Stemme pilots. He was always eager to share this passion.  He knew the Stemme Motorglider better than anyone I know.

Glider Bob always made time for his friends. I never once came to Telluride when he didn't have time to at least "grab a sandwich".

My heart breaks with the loss of my friend. I know God needs an angel that knows how to fly and one that probably will be instructing others.  I'm okay with that.

Bob, I'll see you there someday and I'll look forward to getting my checkout in my new wings.
Until then my friend, I'll be here flying my Stemme and thinking about you.

I'll miss you my friend!

Don Bell

President Stemme USA Inc.