Ann, Rolf, Tom, Atta and Alex 

The meeting was called to order by Ann Sasaki at 7:30. 

Total 13 members attended, of which 4 were BAPA officers.

No new members attending this meeting.

John Van Meter launches on a good day at the Dump - photo by Andy Stocker

 Remembering John Van Meter 

Ann Sasaki 

I wanted to write a little about John Van Meter who taught many pilots to fly when he lived in the Bay Area and who extended friendship and welcome to those who visited once he moved to Tahoe.   John was always smiling and laughing and making sure that everyone was having fun and flying safely.  John loved to fly and he loved sharing that joy with others.  Beyond his life as a pilot, he was also a caring friend and an inspiration to many.

At John’s memorial service, held in the huge grassy meadow close to Slide, more than 100 people gathered to celebrate John’s life.  Friends recounted so many wonderful stories about John.  The minister who married John and Lori recalled that when he and John were kids in Carmichael, John persuaded him to get on a skateboard for the first time and ride down a steep hill.  Despite crashing at the bottom, the minister remembered that ride fondly as it embodied John’s love of adventure and excitement.  I think there were three people who said that John inspired them to quit their day jobs and become snowboard instructors. The folks from Alpine Meadows spoke fondly of working and playing with John.  Many people said that John showed them what was truly important in life.