Bob Bruce was 100 years old on October 5th

Bob’s last Navion

Bob Bruce was 100 years old on October 5th. He joined the Indianapolis Aero Club in 1946. We don’t have the exact date but it’s close to 65 years ago! Many of us wanted to throw a big 100th birthday party but Bob asked us to not do that. Correction; He Told us to not do that. He said “It’s just another day, as far as I’m concerned”.

Bob’s ratings include Pvt.sgl, mel, inst, glider. He has owned a variety of aircraft including Bonanza and his all time favorite Navions. Bob rejects the title ‘Indianapolis Aero Club Founder’ and technically that may be true. The Club was in fact, started in 1933 with Edward F. New as the first President. But over the years attendance slipped away and the decision was made to just shut it down. Bob said “Wait a minute. Let me work on it”. (Or words to that effect). He re-built the membership to more than 200 and has clearly earned the title of Founder. Bob continues to attend most Aero Club meetings (unless there is a clear danger of a birthday party) and demonstrates a keen interest in the club and it’s activities.  

We are all indebted to Bob Bruce and are honored to have him among us.


Here's a slide show from the "party".