Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 05-03-2010 05:06 PM
quote:Originally posted by Dave Clow: I can't neglect to share a story I'll always treasure. Guenter was always generous with his time and anecdotes, but this one stays with me.
Great story Dave!
I'm also happy to hear that Guenter was active up until very recently...and didn't suffer any prolonged period of incapacitation. He lived a great life that many of us can only envy. And he left behind a great legacy that will echo throughout the space program for generations to come. Therefore, while I don't feel sad for Guenter, I do feel sympathy for this friends and family...who are no doubt missing him dearly.
Tom Member
Posts: 1597 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000
posted 05-03-2010 05:09 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with Guenter's family.
NasaFrk Member
Posts: 56 From: Winter Park,FL Registered: Feb 2002
posted 05-03-2010 05:17 PM
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wickball Member
Posts: 107 From: Cleveland, Ohio, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 05-03-2010 05:42 PM
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Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 05-03-2010 06:26 PM
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dogcrew5369 Member
Posts: 750 From: Statesville, NC Registered: Mar 2009
posted 05-03-2010 06:34 PM
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Machodoc Member
Posts: 207 From: DE Registered: Aug 2005
posted 05-03-2010 06:46 PM
Godspeed Guenter.
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-03-2010 06:51 PM
I have very pleasant memories of times spent with Guenter. While I'm saddened by his passing, I cannot help but smile about a life fully lived and a great sense of humor!
Scott Member
Posts: 3307 From: Houston, TX Registered: May 2001
posted 05-03-2010 07:13 PM
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Jay Gallentine Member
Posts: 287 From: Shorewood, MN, USA Registered: Sep 2004
posted 05-03-2010 07:36 PM
I once shared a cab with Guenter - most memorable ride ever. He told me about how Dick Gordon beat him at handball while sitting down in the middle of the court.
We'll sure miss you, Guenter.
drifting to the right Member
Posts: 114 From: SW La. Registered: Aug 2006
posted 05-03-2010 07:45 PM
At the 2004 event in Burbank as guests were registering,the lobby attention turned to a charming fellow with a German accent calling out "Vally! Hey, Vally!" We were then treated to the sight of old friends warmly greeting. The same scene no doubt just replayed on a much higher plane, Wally and Guenter reuniting.
The question is now answered: He vent to Valhalla, to be with you other heroes. Eternal grace, and thanks, Guenter.
AstronautBrian Member
Posts: 287 From: Louisiana Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-03-2010 07:47 PM
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Delta7 Member
Posts: 1505 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
posted 05-03-2010 07:51 PM
I wonder what "Gotcha" Wally Schirra pulled on Guenter at the Pearly Gates. Probably involved a pitchfork and fire!
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 05-03-2010 07:57 PM
What a shock. I was just looking at a few photos taken at KSC over the years yesterday and came across one of Guenter and myself. I thought, "What a great smile Guenter has. A very addictive smile!"
Guenter was a wonderful man, full of wonderful stories he loved to tell. The AHOF inductions and autograph shows just won't be the same without him. They just won't.
posted 05-03-2010 08:00 PM
The first time I met Guenter at the 2008 ASF I recall how great he was with kids. I had my five year old daughter with me and when I went over to talk with him, the first thing he did was sit my daughter on his knee and in seconds they were talking like he had known her all her life. My daughter took right to him.
You cannot fool kids, they know know a truly great person when they meet one.
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 05-03-2010 08:13 PM
Godspeed!
rjb1elec Member
Posts: 212 From: Merseyside, England Registered: Oct 2004
posted 05-03-2010 08:33 PM
The original steely-eyed missile man.
Hawkman Member
Posts: 400 From: Union, New Jersey Registered: Jan 2001
posted 05-03-2010 08:34 PM
I had the great honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Wendt a number of years ago here in New Jersey. It was a grand honor to have him sign my book and to sit there as he told me, one on one, a few stories from the glory days of the space program.
A great loss and I am diminished by his death. R.I.P. Guenter.
Hawkman Member
Posts: 400 From: Union, New Jersey Registered: Jan 2001
posted 05-03-2010 08:35 PM
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poolman18 Member
Posts: 225 From: Ontario,Canada Registered: Mar 2001
posted 05-03-2010 08:53 PM
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DC Giants Member
Posts: 135 From: Kansas City, MO USA Registered: Jun 2003
posted 05-03-2010 08:58 PM
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dss65 Member
Posts: 1156 From: Sandpoint, ID, USA Registered: Mar 2003
posted 05-03-2010 09:00 PM
Guenter was definitely one of the very brightest stars of the show at Burbank, 2004. I greatly enjoyed listening to his stories, which told with such enthusiasm and delight. I'll never forget the time that I spent with him one-on-one, exchanging tales from our apprenticeships. We had a wonderful belly laugh together over those! (I've detailed that on a different thread some time ago.) "The Unbroken Chain" remains one of my very favorite books. I only got to meet him the one time, but, my goodness, I'll miss him. Rest in peace, sir.
manilajim Member
Posts: 256 From: Bergenfield, NJ USA Registered: May 2000
posted 05-03-2010 10:53 PM
We will miss you Guenter. Watch over that White Room up in the heavens for us.
dfox Member
Posts: 208 From: Scarsdale, NY, United States Registered: Mar 2010
posted 05-03-2010 11:36 PM
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East-Frisian Member
Posts: 586 From: Germany Registered: Apr 2005
posted 05-03-2010 11:39 PM
R.I.P.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 05-04-2010 12:01 AM
Guenter's passing on May 3 is indeed an "end of an era." As I write this, on May 4, it was exactly 8 years ago this day that Guenter and his ex-wife, Ellen, attending my wedding in Cocoa Beach, FL.
As a young teenage avid space enthusiast during the late 1960s growing up with rockets and space exploration along the Florida Space Coast, I would often read about "the pad leader" in our local newspapers and hear interviews of him on television and radio broadcasts.
During those early years, I remember thinking to myself, "Boy, would I love to meet such a giant of our space program," despite my shyness in those high school and early college years.
That dream came true for this excited space buff when Guenter phoned me nearly 30 years ago! He said, "Is this Ken Havekotte," and I replied, "Yesss sirrr, this is Ken," in a timid-quivering voice over the telephone.
That was the start of a long, special, and dear friendship between us. That initial short conversation gave me an opportunity to visit Guenter in his first Merritt Island home. It would become the first of many visits between us in our homes and together elsewhere on many occasions.
Of all the space folks that I've had the pleasure to know and work with, Guenter will always hold a special place in my heart. Besides always being a great inspiration to me, he was one of the first to "invite me in," so-to-speak, into a new space arena. Honestly, by far, I think I can claim to be his biggest fan.
Guenter was a legendary space pioneer all in his own right! There will never--ever--be another like him.
He is now in the hands of his Maker high above all of us in the ultimate "white room" of space heaven.
He will forever be missed! My sincere and heart-felt condolences go out to his daughters Norma, Dickie, and Wendy.
Rizz Member
Posts: 1208 From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii Registered: Mar 2002
posted 05-04-2010 12:15 AM
A great human being with a wonderful smile. Your spirit lives on. Aloha Guenter.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 05-04-2010 03:52 AM
quote:Originally posted by Delta7: I wonder what "Gotcha" Wally Schirra pulled on Guenter at the Pearly Gates. Probably involved a pitchfork and fire!
Actually, it would probably involve Saint Peter dressed like Guenter from his pad leader days holding a clipboard at the entrance to an elevator. Guenter walks up and asks to visit the "pad". Saint Peter then goes "I'm sorry, you're not on the list" and it would likely go on until Guenter gets all red and demands to speak to somebody in charge. After a brief conversation, a vehicle pulls up and five men and a woman get out (Al, Deke, Gordo, Gus, Wally and Guenter's first wife). Wally goes "Gotcha" and they all have a laugh. Then Saint Peter hand's Guenter a badge and says he is needed "upstairs" now.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-04-2010 04:45 AM
Apogee Books video release
Apogee and the world lost a dear friend and great human being today when Pad Leader Guenter Wendt passed away.
All of us at Apogee will deeply miss him, he was an inspiration and a genuine friend to us.
Not only was he superb at the job he performed at the Cape, he was a man with a wicked sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by many.
Scott Member
Posts: 3307 From: Houston, TX Registered: May 2001
posted 05-04-2010 10:20 AM
I notice that an excellent article authored by Robert is the story on MSNBC online.
astrobar1 Member
Posts: 112 From: Mishawaka, IN, USA Registered: Apr 2005
posted 05-04-2010 10:48 AM
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Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 05-04-2010 11:01 AM
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astro-nut Member
Posts: 946 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
posted 05-04-2010 11:22 AM
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mercsim Member
Posts: 219 From: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-04-2010 11:32 AM
A hero for both his countries...
SCE to AUX Member
Posts: 245 From: Anytown USA Registered: Feb 2006
posted 05-04-2010 12:30 PM
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music_space Member
Posts: 1179 From: Canada Registered: Jul 2001
posted 05-04-2010 01:09 PM
quote:Originally posted by mark plas: Makes you scared to open cS.
I'm especially wary each time I open this forum, Space Explorers & Workers...
RIP
E2M Lem Man Member
Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 05-04-2010 01:50 PM
I will miss my friend Guenter Wendt.
Here is a story he told us: In Houston during the 2002 International Space Development conference, I worked the Apogee table, and Guenter and I knew one another through the Godwins. So we go to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and we put him at the head of the table. We know stories are forthcoming.
So Guenter says to this table of 10 to 12, "Let me show you my vatch."
He passes it around and we all note that it is an Omega Speedmaster lunar watch - I figure that Tom (Stafford) took care of him. So he says nothing until it gets back to him.
Then he says "Neil (Armstrong) gave that to me after he returned. (from the Moon on Apollo 11). It took him a year to get that back from NASA after the flight! I did have to change the band as it was fitted for his spacesuit..."
He joked that no one gets a second look after he tells them that... then he let us see it again! We all wanted to take that home with us.
Linda K Member
Posts: 62 From: Greensboro, NC 27455 Registered: Aug 2008
posted 05-04-2010 02:21 PM
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chappy Member
Posts: 231 From: Cardiff, S. Wales, UK Registered: Apr 2006
posted 05-04-2010 02:31 PM
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Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-04-2010 03:47 PM
quote:Originally posted by E2M Lem Man: We all wanted to take that home with us.
Jim, looks like you fell hook, line and sinker for one of Guenter's gotchas.
I was present for another telling of the same story and had a chance to see the watch -- it was a commemorative edition produced after the moon landing (Neil's watch is on display at the National Air and Space Museum).
posted 05-03-2010 05:06 PM
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