Bruce Busby writes:

Fred Wilson of Vernon B.C. has passed away after a few year's battle
with M.S..

For those of you that have known Fred for a long time, you will know that he was
the HPAC Safety Director for about 20 years. Fred began flying hang gliders in
approximately 1977. He was one of the members of the Vernon Hang Gliding club.
He was instrumental in establishing the Lew Neilson award for his friend and
namesake of the award.

Fred never forgot the old crew and often spoke of the importance each pilot
brought to the developing sport.

Unfortunately Fred suffered a non-flying related head injury approximately 15
years ago. For several years following that, he began to suffer from mental
illness with a slow but steadily increasing condition. Fred always had a heart
of gold and truly wanted to continue to volunteer, and give back to free flight.

It is my hope that Fred be remembered for all the great things he offered hang
gliding and paragliding, his enthusiastic desire to help pilots participate in
free flight. His accident reporting form shaped the basic framework that we
record information on today. His theory of 'snake or worm' thermals is an
interesting read if you can find a copy floating around. Hopefully his family
and friends find peace.