In Loving Memory of N9373M
 

My husband passed away. Unexpectedly. Too soon. Unprepared. He loved this forum.

Chris Matras Obituary - West Columbia, SC | The State

Oh, I'm so sorry. You have my deepest sympathy. I've heard of several waaay too young people passing away recently. Just awful..... :(

Very sorry for your loss. He was a frequent contributor here.

I am very, very saddened to hear of this. Chris was a gentleman with the kindest soul. He taught me a lot about aviation. His demeanor on the Forums is to be emulated by all.

I will always cherish his PMs to me answering questions I posted on the Forums. I was going to ask him if he'd like to serve as a moderator, and I regret I'm too late.

I will never forget you, Chris, and all your contributions to aviation and to the Forums. You are a true aviator.

For the next 30 days, the Flight Schools and Training Forum will be renamed N9373M's Place.

Tailwinds friend of the sky.

Tailwinds, Chris. He really was enthusiastic about helping new aviators on this forum. I offer sincere condolences to his family.

So sorry for your loss. He was my age too makes you realize to enjoy life . Sounds like he did just that. Tailwinds to you Chris.

Wow, I'm shocked. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers.

One of the posters who tried to make me feel better and get me back on the horse after I had a not-so-great experience flying.

I am very sorry to hear about your loss, rest in peace my friend, fly high.

So sad to see this. RIP. :(

So sorry for your loss! He will remain in our memory with his flying companions the world over. Peace for you.
Sincerely
Saltdog

He always had great info, We will miss him. Sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

RIP Chris, sorry to see you go so soon.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My interaction with Chris on this forum was nothing but polite and enjoyable. I pray you'll find peace and comfort to help you through these difficult times.

A Flyer’s Prayer

When this life I’m in is done, and at the gates I stand,
My hope is that I answer all the questions on command.
I doubt He’ll ask me of my fame, or all the things I knew;
Instead He’ll ask of rainbows on rainy days I flew.

The hours logged, the status reached, the ratings will not matter.
He’ll ask me if I saw the rays and how He made them matter.
Or what about the droplets clear, I spread across my screen?
And did you see the twinkling of eyes of student pilots keen?

The way your heart jumped in your chest, that special solo day.
Did you take time to thank the ones who fell along the way?
Remember how the runway lights looked one night long ago?
When you were lost and found your way, and how - you still don’t know?

How fast, how far, how much, how high? He’ll ask me not these things. But did I take the time to watch the moonbeams wash my wings?

And did you see the patchwork fields and mountains I did mold?
The mirrored lakes and velvet hills, of these did I behold?

The wind He flung along my wings, on final almost stalled.
And did I know it was His name that I so fearfully called?

And when the goals are reached at last, when all the flying’s done.
I’ll answer Him with no regret – Indeed, I had some fun.
So when these things are asked of me, and I can reach no higher.
My prayer this day His hand extends, please welcome home this Flyer.

It's almost a year since we lost you, Chris. I know you're having fun flying around in the sky and clouds, and looking in on APC occasionally for a daily dose of entertainment.

Take care, my friend. I'll see you in that better place one day.

Eternal tailwinds my friend. :(

I guess we were neighbors but I didn't know you. I recognize the tail number and the plane. RIP