Joe Escobar, Editorial Director, D.O.M. magazine

It was with great sadness that I learned that Bill O'Brien passed away this past Sunday, November 9, 2008.

A self-proclaimed introvert, Bill always told me he got extremely nervous when he was speaking. If you ever sat in on one of his presentations, you would have never thought so. Bill commanded the room. His seminars were usually standing room only.

The first time I heard speak was at the AS3 show in March 2001. I had just joined AMT magazine a few months earlier, and was eager to meet Bill in person (we had talked on the phone several times, as he was a regular contributor to AMT magazine). I was impressed with how he explained the FARs in a way that was easy to understand. After the presentation, it took half an hour before I could introduce myself, as he had lots of mechanics sharing how they enjoyed his presentation and articles in AMT magazine.

I attended Bill's FAA retirement ceremony a few years ago in Washington. I will never forget how he donned his green top hat and did his "happy dance" on the steps of the FAA headquarters just before he and his wife Marie got ready to leave.

"I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life," Bill told me at his retirement party.

Too bad he couldn't have continued to write that chapter for many more years.

We will miss you Bill.

Joe Escobar