Hot air balloonists gathered in Marana, Arizona on February 17, 2013 to honor one of their own: pilot Roy Walz who passed away at the end of 2012. Roy was a man of good heart and loving generosity who would take you for a ride higher and longer than ever before. I had the privilege of crewing for him and his Blue Moon balloon. He gathered a wonderfully fun team to be a part of as we sent him soaring aloft at many a rally in Arizona and New Mexico.
People brought their favorite photos of Roy. I’ll share some with you here.
Roy, with his partner and crew chief, Richard, at his last rally in White Sands, New Mexico, September 2012.
It was a lovely day for a balloon chase across the gypsum dunes of White Sands.
We were blessed with another beautiful morning when Richard supervised the memorial flight of the Blue Moon.
Dan Ewer, of Foolish Pleasure Hot Air Balloon Rides, served as pilot for Roy’s balloon. Everyone gave a helping hand to send the Blue Moon into the air once again.
A balloon for each of Roy’s 59 years on Earth escorted him on his last flight while his ashes were scattered.
Many a tear fell as we wished Roy farewell. Yet, he lives with us now and always in our hearts.
The Winds have welcomed you with softness, the Sun has blessed you with its warm hands, you have flown so high and so well God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth and the Crew.
You will always be loved
You will always be missed
You will never be forgotten
Eye of the Camera 
Beautiful !!!! thank you for sharing
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Thank you for your lovely comment.
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This is a very beautiful homage and also an acknowledge of the adventures lived with such a unique balloon pilot. God bless Roy Walz. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts, Jacquie. We all enjoyed our wonderful adventures with Roy.
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It is a shame to have missed meeting such a vibrant person; many must be thankful to have known him. Condolences…
I was given the opportunity to see orbs and their emanations during full daylight – it was breathtaking and quite an experience. I’ve attached a picture so you can share in the wonder. The catbird in the tree is in awe as well. The small golden orb is apparently staying close to its mentor for now.
On Tue, Feb 19, 2013 at 9:41 AM, Orbs Delight
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Thank you for your kind note, Ellen. We do miss our hot air balloon pilot. Doesn’t quite make sense that he is not still here among us.
I look forward to seeing and reading more about your daytime orb experiences.
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Oh thanks for sharing this important part of history with us. We are reminded of one of man’s works in the past as he strived to conquer the air. Thanks for the memorable post. May Roy’s soul rest in peace.
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Thank you for your words of appreciation, Uzoma. Roy’s kindness continues to influence our thoughts and deeds.
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you’ve given a very kind and loving tribute to a man who surely touched many lives with his kindness. z
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Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. It was uplifting to share his life with so many people who gathered in his honor.
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Touching blog… and like the orbs in the first pic.
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Thank you. I got more than I hoped for when I took that first picture at an August rally in Deming. New Mexico.
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