By Martin J. Kidston
World class aerobatic flying will fill the sky above Turner this weekend as a benefit gets under way to help raise money for cancer patient Patrick Doyle.
When we heard he was having medical concerns, we asked ourselves, what could we do? said life-long friend Allen Billmayer We came up with the idea of a fly-in, since airplanes have been his life.
When it comes to aircraft, Doyles love for the hi-flying machines is simple his father was a flyer, which sparked his interest at a young age.
His dad was a crop-duster, and thats been his life, Billmayer said, recalling his childhood friendship with Doyle.
He lived in Turner and I lived in the rival town of Hogeland. We competed against each other in sports, but our dads were both aerial applicators, and thats how we know each other. When we werent rivals, we were friends.
That relationship has lasted nearly 30 years, and when Pat was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, support flooded in.
Were hoping for a miracle, said friend Mavis Alex. Pats probably one of the most caring, compassionate people youd ever meet. He does a lot for people and never expects anything back, and he absolutely adores his family.
The benefit for Doyle will begin on Saturday in Turner with a BBQ, an auction and a dance. Sunday will include a breakfast, church services and the air show itself. Sponsors of the benefit are hoping for a large turnout, and promising a world class aerobatic show. The benefit will go towards medical costs, as Doyle is receiving chemotherapy treatment at the veterans hospital in Seattle.
Medically, its tough, but his spirits are good, Billmayer said. Hes not a quitter, hes resolved to fight.
Doyle has a wife and two sons. He owns Aerotech in Havre, Doyle Air Spray in Turner and works as an EMT for the Blaine County ambulance service. He is a veteran of the Army.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 26
BBQTurner Fire Hall 4-6 p.m.
Auction5-9 p.m.
DanceMusic by Double Dawg, Doyle Hangar 9-1 a.m.
Sunday, June 27
BreakfastTurner Legion Hall 8-12 noon
Church ServicesTurner School 10 a.m.
Fly InTurner Airport 10 a.m.
Various ActivitiesTurner Airport, 11 a.m. Flower Bombing, rides, spot landings, aerobatic planes, skydiving, air show, dunking booth, radio controlled airplane display, vintage aircraft display.
Montana Country Poets and PickersTurner School, 1:30 p.m.
