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With extremely heavy hearts we regret to announce that our founder and
namesake Bob Violett passed away on Saturday, March
21, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Passionate
is probably the best word to describe Bob. He was
one of the lucky ones that could turn the passion of
his hobby into a career as well. He always said
that you can’t be successful running a model
airplane company unless you had a passion for the
hobby. And run a model airplane company was
something that he did very well. BVM Jets was
started in 1981 when BV was still a pilot at Eastern
Airlines. Starting with his Sport Shark ducted fan
model, he traveled the country going to events to
show off his product capabilities. He followed his
original models with his iconic Viper, Aggressor,
and the scale F86. All of which became industry
standard-bearers. Bob developed BVM Jets into much
more than a model airplane company. The BVM Jets
brand became synonymous with quality and excellence,
so much so that people and companies want to be
associated with it worldwide. When the first JPX
turbine engines became available he jumped at the
chance to use his knowledge to make sure his
airframes would be able to handle this exciting
innovation. Teaming with Kent Nogy they entered the
first turbine-powered model, the BVM T-33 into
competition in the 1994 Top Gun Invitational in West
Palm Beach Florida. Bob knew there was a revolution
coming to the Model Jet industry and he embraced it
wholeheartedly. Using his Engineered For Success
motto, he developed numerous scale and sport
airframes all with his signature instruction
package, plans, and innovative accessories. He knew
that if a modeler would buy one of his airplanes
that they would be coming back for more, and they
did, with many of these people becoming not just
customers but lifelong friends as well.
At the
BVM facility, there are a few things you could
always count on; a large number of airplanes and
trophies in the showroom, thirty-plus years’ worth
of pictures on the walls, Patty on the telephone,
and some young blood that BV would be mentoring or
being mentored to. Bob was never afraid to have new
up-and-coming people work with him, He embraced it.
He knew he could teach his ways and learn from them,
new technologies that were always being developed in
the industry. Some of the great young talent that
came through the BVM factory were Chris Huhn, David
Ribbe, Dustin Buescher, Tommy Dodgen and currently
Rob Lynch. He loved working with them and the
energy that they would provide. It gave him pride
to know that the Model Airplane industry was going
to be in good hands for future generations.
The
Model Airplane industry is going to miss Bob Violett
tremendously, as is the BVM facility. It’s
impossible to replace a legend. He just loved to be
working on the next project, always with the goal of
making his jets better, safer, and easier for the
customer. But the flying field was where he was
always the most comfortable. From the early days of
being a 3x world champion Pylon Racer to later being
Mr. Top Gun, he was always silky smooth with a
transmitter in his hands. As late as last year
after a particularly good flight, you would see him
with his big grin saying, “the old man still has
it”. And as usual, right after a great flight, he
would take off down the flight line to see who else
might need his help or advice. Always giving to
make the hobby better and safer.
When
he finally sold BVM three years ago his number one
priority was to find a buyer that understood and
could emulate his passion for the industry. Even
though Bob hasn’t been around the factory as much in
the last few years his ideals are ingrained in the
company. BVM Jets will continue with the passion
that BV has inflicted on us all. There is a reason
that the average employee at BVM has worked there
for over 15 years. We have a dedication and love
for the industry and the customers that we are
privileged to work with. Bob has affected all of
us, Patty, Rob, Louis, Don, Heather, Jeanette,
Kirby, Julio, Gary, Rodolfo, and the many others
with his desire to always do what is right for the
hobby and most importantly the customer, and we
pledge to follow through with his wishes.
Bob is
predeceased by his infant son Robert Violett Jr. and
survived by his wife of 58 years Patricia Violett;
Daughters Marcia Jones, Patty Generali, Debbie
Violett Grindstaff; Son-in Laws Tal Jones, Michael
Generali; Grandchildren Victoria Tasch, Garrett
Jones, and Mary Eileen Grindstaff;
Sisters Mary-Anne Schoeb, Marcia Geoghan; And
thousands of fellow modelers that he considered his
family.
God-Speed BV
Please go to
www.Baldwinfairchildoviedo.com for the Bob
Violett obituary and to leave a message on how BV
has touched your life. We would love to hear from
you.
Due to
Covid-19 funerals are being restricted to immediate
family members only. Any further memorials or plans
will be announced in the future. |
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