Karl Schroth, who flew at Funston in the late 70s and 80s, died last Wednesday after a prolonged, uncomplaining battle with cancer at his sister’s home in Washington. Karl was a big, strong, friendly guy with a strong sense of right and wrong. He was a tough, occasionally opinionated, Vietnam combat veteran loyal to his friends helpful to strangers.
At one time pilots were charged a fee to fly at Funston. Karl ended the practice by stubbornly insisting that hang glider pilots like dog walkers and bird watchers not be charged for using public land.