John Richard Hafer

John Richard Hafer, 71, of Winter Haven, FL, died peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2018, following a brief illness. He is survived by his devoted wife, Myra Enriquez Hafer, daughter Lyndsey Hafer (Lori) Williams of Fletcher, NC, and by his beloved dog Budi. He will be mourned by an extended family in Lipa City, Philippines: mother-in-law, Lilia Enriquez, sister-in-law, Rona (Federico) Barrogo, and nephews Carlo and Kimbo. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother Andy and sister Rene Atkins, of Burlington, NC, and by his cousin Gene (Holly) Hafer of Pittsboro, NC. Also mourning his loss are dear friends Tonie Ivey Smith of Oakboro, NC, and Lawrence Denslow of Winter Haven, FL. He leaves behind many friends all over the world through his website and magazine, 20th Century Aviation, which promoted aviation and the preservation of aerospace history. “JR” to his colleagues, “Ric” to his family, and “Ricky” to his childhood friends, he was born in Hickory, NC, and spent his first few years surviving a tough orphanage and multiple foster homes until he was later adopted by Robert and Mildred Hafer of Hickory, NC, both deceased. His young life was excruciatingly tough, but he persevered and overcame almost insurmountable obstacles to build a creative and rewarding life. He bravely served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, in air intelligence, until an honorable discharge in 1966. He had many successful endeavors throughout his life, including his own transportation company, Hafer Motor Lines, Inc. out of Hickory, NC, and was a published writer and editor of books and other materials on aviation and transportation. He found his niche later in life becoming an award-winning real estate agent, working alongside his wife until he retired in 2013. Ric’s true passion was his great love for aviation, and he conducted radio interviews for the SUN ‘n FUN Radio during the International Fly-In & Expo at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport for many years. His devotion to flying and to his personal airplanes was unparalleled. He loved nothing more than to read, write, or discuss anything on the topic. Ric was also known to go and sit at the Winter Haven and Lakeland airports, with a good book, and watch the planes for hours. He often said: “After one has flown, he will forever walk this earth gazing skyward, for he has been there and will always long to return...” He will be dearly missed, but we know he is flying free from pain and sickness, and is now, soaring on the wings of eagles.

John Richard Hafer

November 25, 1946 - October 27, 2018