Another sad day. A dear friend, Rodger Borer passed today.

[strangeak]

I am sure you all recognize the name. An amazing man, with more interesting stories than anyone ive met before.

He will be missed.

[Cub Kid]

That is a shame. He did contribute a lot to Super Cub/ PA12/14 performance. It is always a shame to see members of our flying community move on. While I didn't know Mr. Borer, (but my 8241 prop did) he will certainly be missed. We should all use this as a reminder to spend more time with those near to us, or those whom can teach us, before the Good Lord calls them or us away.

Bill

[SJ]

I called Rodger a few years ago about his prop and gross weight increase mod. He spend 45 - hour with me on the phone explaining the nuances of the borer prop to me - specifically related to the 290D2. He was a fascinating guy to talk to, and clearly, his reputation and legacy will outlive him.

Here's to you, Mr. Borer!

sj

[glassjet]

Sorry to hear about Roger.... I had several pleasant dealings with him...

We will include him and his families in our prayers.........

[T.J.]

Dang, there goes another one.

[RedBaron]

Steve said:

I called Rodger a few years ago about his prop and gross weight increase mod. He spend 45 - hour with me on the phone explaining the nuances of the borer prop to me...

SJ, I had the exact same experience, and he talked forever about the prop. I learned alot, but more importantly, I was very touched that a man in the twilight of his life was the happiest and still had such an enthusiasm when discussing his invaluable contribution to the aviation community.
I would have liked to have met him, but I don't think a guy could leave a more useful Legacy.
Cheers!

RB

[cubdrvr]

I agree Andy.......what cub pilot doesn't know that name. Sorry to hear of his passing.

[Gunny]

Amen Andy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Borer family.

[Torch]

Hard to replace those type guys. I wonder if there are any younger guys that are doing things like he and Atlee-Dodge do? I sure hope so for Cub Drivers. Those guys are really neat people. I have talked several times on the phone with Atlee-Dodge and he is the same. Good people. People like that are sorely missed.

[tempdoug]

torch. all these innovators from the 50-70s era are going to be missed deeply. in this era there was a freedom that wasnt so deeply controlled by the ones that rule us to protect us from ourselves. some regulations are good, some im not really sure of. but to find younger people now, with the desire to create, it truly is going to be hard. and when we critisize kids, to me it is no fault of there own. remember this is the world we provided them with. doug

[cubdrvr]

Right you are Doug.........Years back it took inovation, a vision, and a little money.......now it takes a lot of money.

[AkPA/18]

http://www.adn.com/obituaries/

LONGTIME RESIDENT

M. Rodger Borer, 82

Longtime Alaska resident and aviation pioneer M. Rodger "Lone Ranger" Borer, 82, died Dec. 26, 2004, at his Anchorage home of natural causes.

A celebration of life and potluck will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Viking Hall, 8141 Briarwood St.

Mr. Borer was born June 3, 1922, in Southern California. His military service in the U.S. Navy brought him to the Aleutian Islands and Kodiak during World War II. After his military discharge, he worked as a saddler and truck driver in California. There, he met and married his wife of 55 years, Betty. He then worked as a horse trainer for Ronald Reagan on his yearling ranch.

In 1952, Mr. Borer moved to Alaska to make his stake and buy the horse ranch he had always dreamed of. He worked for Northern Consolidated Airlines as a lead mechanic when he arrived. It didn't take long for him to fall in love with Alaska and make arrangements to move north with his wife and son, Michael.

He opened M.R. Borer Aircraft Services on Lake Hood in 1957, where he became well known in bush pilot circles as "Lone Ranger." His development of many modifications, "STC" to the Piper Super Cubs, gained him worldwide recognition. The Piper Super Cub is an Alaska workhorse even today, his family said, and his Borer Super Prop is still used by most Cub pilots.

His family also said: "Rodger had endless tales of hair-raising adventures in downed airplane recovery. Rodger retired from the aviation industry in 1997, but never lost his passion for aircraft.

"An avid Republican, NRA, OX5 and Alaska Airman's Association member, he always spoke his mind on his beliefs and kept active in many Alaskan issues.

"Always the old-school craftsman, he took pride in his woodworking skills. He lived in the same home in a quiet Spenard neighborhood from 1954 until his death.

"His name will fly forever on the venerable Pipers with his 'Borer Prop' taking him home on the last flight of the 'Lone Ranger' N124LR."

Survivors are his wife, Betty Borer of Anchorage; brothers, Earl and Chuck Borer; sister, Nell Gordon; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Glenn Byerly; grandchildren Tianna, Micah, Joel and David; and great-grandchildren, Zachary and Emily.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Borer.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Agency of Alaska at www.alzalaska.org.

[arcticfox31]

Rodger was one of my best friends. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to talk to him about 4 hours between the day before Christmas and on Christmas. My husband I were supposed to go to his house to do some work on his "confuser," as he liked to call it, on Sunday. We were very shocked when his daughter called us with the news. I'm glad that AKPA/18 posted the obituary. I was going to do that today. We spent most of Tuesday night helping write it with his daughter. He was like a father to me.

My husband set him up with a login to this site. He was quite tickled everytime someone would talk or ask about him. You all were part of his life recently as well.

More importantly, he told me that he would kick my butt for crying over him when he passed (I think that he is going to have a lot of butt kicking to do since his daughter, Karen, and I have grieved all week this week). He really wanted us to throw a party for him. He told me that he has had a great life and has done more than anyone could ever hope to do in their lives. He was a go-getter and had more energy than anyone I had ever met in my life...even up to the day before he passed. I thank the Lord that his death was quick. He didn't suffer with a long term illness.

I am proud to have been one of his best friends and would never change a day of it. I loved him with all of my heart.

To all here: If you are in Anchorage, the family and his friends would be honored to see you at his funeral. It is open to all. He was a greatly admired and respected man. We all will miss him.

Jacqueline German