We were surprised to hear of Spyder's
passing. It's hard knowing and serving with someone at the
177th Fighter Wing for over 25 years not to be touched by his
death. He will be missed by us.
Our condolences to all the family of Brian (AKA Spyder).
Art and Joan Searfoss
Brian was a special man, a dear and revered
friend and a true leader in so many ways. I will forever be
thankful for having known, worked and learned from him. Thanks
to many things he put into motion during his life, his memory
will be enduring and will have great positive effects on the
many organizations he supported in his unique ways.
I salute him in every sense of the word.
Larry Mihlon
Col Webster "Spyder" was a true inspiration
and wonderful leader. I've know him for the last 18 years and
he was always a positive and good hearted person. He has
touched the lives of so many people and his spirit will live on
in those he knew and loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with
his family during this time of sorrow.
God bless.
Dreama Heath
177th Fighter Wing
I am so sad to hear that Brian passed away.
He was a great man.
Sincerely,
Dale D. Davison
Brian was a real stand up guy, a great leader
and a cherished friend. His passing is a true loss to the
reenacting community and the world. You will be missed. Rest in
peace.
Salute
Dan Landers
It was an honour and a privilege to have known
Brian, when I heard the news I was devastated, Reflecting on
many happy times when I visited him, I remember it was he that
introduced me to the USA which I'm truly grateful for.
God bless you Brian , may you fly with the angels
Andrew Tatlock
former Royal Navy
Please accept my deepest condolences. This is
one of those realities which is so difficult to accept. I can't
say that I was ever so close to Brian but he was a good friend
of the family. He also could very well be responsible for me
having the aviation job that I have thanks to his reference. He
was friendly, always the life of the party anytime I attended a
re-enactment, and more open than most. If I know Brian, he's
still living it up. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to
cross paths in life with him. Words are not enough. Take care
Brian and I'll see you in the sky.
Brian was a terrific man and absolutely loved
history. I have been involved in World War II re-enactments
with him for the last few years. He was very passionate about
the hobby, his friends and his life. The hobby has lost a great
leader, his family has lost a great husband and father and I
lost a friend.
Rusty Dicks
4th ID Military Police Platoon
Reenacted
I met Brian for the first time on Sunday, June
6 at the WWII show at Reading. In the brief time I chatted with
him, the qualities described in his obituary were readily
apparent. I feel privileged to have known him, if even for a
few minutes. My prayers are with his family and friend.
Mike Resser
American Military Medical Impressions
The world lost a great man Monday. His
passing will be felt literally around the world. He was a fine
gentleman, an ardent patriot, and a trusted friend. You are an
inspiration to those of us your friendship touched.
Thank-you for so much, we will miss you.
Bill Kible, Doug Slagel, John Duncan
(the Ohio guys)
I was shocked to hear the passing of Spyder. A
man so filled with life and energy and a dear friend.
A great commander and fighter for what was right! He will be
missed by many and remembered by all who met him.
God bless the family. My sincere condolences.
Jerry Fox
(Retired Command Post Superintendent 177FW.)
Brian and I grew up together in Manchester,
Tennessee, played football together in Jr High, and were close
friends through graduation. I then left Manchester to serve in
the Air Force for 30 years, but didn't connect with Brian again
until after my retirement. I'm crushed to hear of his death.
Brian was a close friend, an honest man, and a true patriot. I
salute his service to his nation, and his friendship to me
through our formative years.
Robert (Rusty) Bryce
CMSgt, USAF, Retired
I am very sorry to hear of Brian's passing,
though I am glad he is no longer suffering. Brian was a good
man with a deep love for family and friends. He will be deeply
missed and forever remember.
Jennifer Pullano
Brian made an indelible impression on me.
Every year I looked forward to seeing him at Fort Indiantown Gap
and came to admire his leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication.
He was a role model, and his legacy will surely continue for a
long time to come. I offer my deepest condolences. I will miss
him.
Long live his memory,
Tom Hauser
Brian was a great guy to be around. He always
wanted to know how things were going and how the kids were
doing. Each of the kids have their own memories of Brian in
camp and on the field. He left us way too early and we will
miss him...and his jokes, too. Our deepest sympathies to his
family.
The Rodell Family.
Please accept my deepest condolences. Brian's
stories, personality and general presence always brought
something special to an event. I greatly looked forward to
seeing him when we would all get together. He will be sorely
missed.
John Catalfumo
The family of David Schultz Airshows LLC
wishes to express our sincerest condolences to the family and
friends of Spyder. Brian was one of the most well respected
members of the military that I have ever had the privilege of
knowing. I will always have fond memories of the honesty and
integrity that Brian brought to the New Jersey Air National
Guard and his steadfast support of the Atlantic City Airshow.
You will be missed. We hope that you forever see the Big
ORANGE "T" in the Blues Skies Brian.
David Schultz, President
David Schultz Airshows LLC
You all have my sympathies on your loss Brian
will be dearly missed
Del Black
Beverly and I were shocked and deeply saddened
to hear of Brian's untimely passing. We both recall our former
classmate and friend with sweet fondness for his outgoing
nature, and true sense of fairness. I particularly will forever
remember the countless hours we spent building, flying, and
competing in numerous regional and national model aviation
events in our younger years. God bless you, Brian. Keep catching
those thermals.
Norman and Beverly Vetter
Manchester, TN
He was, and still is, for those who knew him,
a Warrior, Commander, Comrade in Arms, and most importantly a
Friend. I think Brian is one of the few men I have known that I
have no problem associating the word "Love" with. He was there
when I was down and helped me laugh at myself when I really
needed to. I can't tell you how much I will miss that.
Terry, Brian will always be with us in mind and spirit. I will
see him in your smile as I know how much you meant to him. In a
moment like this, when the mourning begins to slow, he would
probably fill our glasses and in his attempt to ease the pain,
start the chorus of one of his ever famous fighter pilot songs.
He was, and is, a man amongst men.
Larry J Dalton, Lt Colonel
USAF(ret.)
My most sincerest sympathies. Brian was a
good man. I consider it a privilege to have known him.
S. Zelman
Trish -- all of us at F&C are thinking of you
and your whole family today as you say goodbye to your amazing
brother. Take care and remember we're here to help as you need
us.
Trudy and Whit Clark
Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling
at the loss of my friend. He was a true friend in every sense
of the word. The wisdom and humor he shared was at no cost, yet
priceless beyond value. His generosity was deep and genuine and
seemed endless. He was a great teacher of what is important and
what is not, and how to tell the difference between the two.
You always knew when he was in the room simply by his laughter
and the warmth he brought with him. He was gifted with a
charisma and good humor that made him easy to like, and made him
easier to miss when he wasn't around. Thank you Brian, for all
you have done me, both up to now and in the ways I won't realize
till years down the road. The room will now be emptier, the
jokes less funny, the drinks less cheerful. I will miss you my
friend...you are my hero!
We will still hear him flying over us,
Lois and Bucky
I will carry on your teachings, close to my
heart. The world is a better place because of you.
Love you with all my heart,
Karol
Atlantic City, NJ
Linda & I were surprised and deeply saddened
to hear that Spyder had passed away. I had the true privilege
of working closely with him while I was at the 177th from 1997
to 2001. I fondly remember Spyder as a man of deep conviction
and fierce passion who always inspired those around him to
perform to a much higher standard. May we all lift a toast to
the memory of a true fighter pilot.
Col (ret) Gary Corbett
Dear All,
Jay and I had planned to visit Woody this summer and meet my
brother's dearest best friend-- I met him twice and spoke on
several occasions by phone in the past long years of Spyder's
and Woody's friendship, and hoped to know Spyder and Terry and
family and friends, as Brian is as special to my brother as my
brother is to me! I see him joyfully living on and working
miracles, he will watch over and guide everyone, though he may
seem to be gone, his presence is immense now more so than in
Earthly life. To the family, under difficult and tragic
circumstances, a true pleasure and joy to meet you, and Terry,
thank you for being there for my baby brother that I witnessed
you address as "Woodrow". Bless Brian and all those he loves.
Sincerely yours,
Nancy Woodell McCracken
Jonathan Burke Woodell's Sister
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