Gary Sunderland was well known in the Australian Aviation Industry as an aeronautical engineer, glider and light aircraft pilot, model aircraft enthusiast and WW1 aviation historian.
As part of the 2010 Houdini Festival of Flight celebrations in Diggers Rest, Gary built a flying scale model of the original biplane flown by famous escapologist Harry Houdini.
Sadly, Gary passed away suddenly on Thursday November 3, 2016 at the age of 82.
At the time of his death, he was doing what he loved, flying model aircraft at the model field in Parwan, near Melton.
The community of Diggers Rest will be forever grateful for his participation and efforts during the Festival of Flight festivities.
His now famous model biplane has been donated to the Diggers Rest History Group and hopefully will soon be a permanent feature at Houdinis Café E Cucina in Diggers Rest.
Gary’s funeral was held yesterday and our thoughts are with his family during this sad time.