Undoubtedly, you have heard, or have felt the absence of a particular brand of enthusiasm on the kite field. Several weeks ago the kiting community lost a bright shining star; we were saddened to hear of the passing of Gayle Woodul. To know Gayle, if even in passing, was to know what was at the heart of the kite community.
We here at the American Kitefliers Association have been silent while coming to terms with what it means to us to lose her. She was a force of knowledge, compassion and stability for the AKA. For many years she has served as a volunteer to our organization, always ready to help, always ready to serve.
The empty space she left in the AKA leadership is hardly as big as the hole she left in our hearts. She touched many around the world with her smile, her passion, and her commitment to spreading the love and joy of kite flying.
To know Gayle was to know a friend who always had time to listen. She held many jobs on the Board, to name a few, election chair, contract negotiator and Gayle was our current Secretary. She gave of herself to our kiting community. She selflessly gave of herself to the growth and future of this organization even when life asked more of her.
We would also like to thank her partner in flight and life, Christian Baden Powell, for sharing her with us.
To Learn more about Gayle and her accomplishments, check out the AKA Kite.org page. Last year she was awarded the prestigious Ingraham Award ( Award Nomination Letter )
For those attending the upcoming AKA Convention in Shreveport, LA, there will be an informal memorial gathering in her honor. (Details to come shortly) Remember…. to ‘Go Big, or Go Home.’ She wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rest in Peace My Friend.
Signed,
The Board of Directors of the American Kitefliers Association
kite.org
