In Memory of Georg Merli, June 9, 1950 – January 25, 2011

Georg joined the Dübendorf Model Aircraft Club in 1979 and was very active from the very beginning. From 1987 to 1998, he led the club as its president; we owe him a great deal. Many may still remember the legendary four-stroke competition, and thousands are familiar with the now-legendary Dübendorf Model Aircraft Exchange. Georg invented the exchange; he developed the concept, and it was his idea to set the first Saturday in November as the fixed date—and his concept still works today

and in the future; the fair in Dübendorf is still run exactly as Georg originally planned and put into practice. Georg was a very dedicated chairman; he not only steered the group’s course but was also at the forefront of all events and gatherings. In 1999, I had the privilege of succeeding Georg as chairman; in the early days, he was always there to offer me advice and support—nothing was too much trouble for him, no question was too silly, and he always had an open ear for every concern. He also coordinated the collaboration between MG Dübendorf and the airfield management; he himself held a leadership position at the Dübendorf airfield.

Ten years ago now, Georg was tragically and completely unexpectedly—with no warning signs—ripped from his daily life by a brain hemorrhage. Georg fought for his life, and with the tremendous support of his wife

Christine, he managed to return to life after a long period in the hospital and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he was no longer able to actively pursue his beloved hobby of model flying. But we were very happy to welcome him more and more often back into our midst at our monthly get-togethers and events as a dear and much-loved honorary member. His new hobby was model railroading, and he let us share a little in that through his stories and explanations. Sadly, fate struck again for Georg in the fall of 2010; he had to be hospitalized, and the diagnosis offered little hope for recovery. The illness left him no chance; at the end of January, we sadly had to say goodbye to Georg. ■

We miss you, Georg, and will never forget you.

Jürg Schwendimann,
President of the Dübendorf Model Aircraft Club