Obituary for Robert Alspaugh Robert was born and raised in Oklahoma. Although he chose to move away as opportunities presented a new path, he always returned to Tulsa, his home. This was true until he met Shanna in the late 70’s, home from that point forward has been Southeast Texas.
Robert is one of those multi-talented folks who has had a wide variety of job experiences. Some samplings of jobs tossed aside for new challenges were bank branch manager, Spartan School of Aeronautics instructor and one of the longer running stints – carpenter. In the early 70’s he encountered the passion that would be his life for the next 25 years – skydiving.
With his drive for perfection, this would prove to be the perfect match for his personality and lifestyle. Even though skydiving began as a hobby, it quickly became a way of life. Robert amassed all of the ratings and licenses awarded by the United States Parachute Association.
Licenses held include A-3303, B-9087, C-8363 and D-4067. Ratings achieved were static line Jumpmaster, Instructor, and Instructor/Examiner. By the mid 80’s, the ratings were evolving as well as the business.
The tandem parachute was introduced, and always one to embrace change, Robert was soon trained as a Tandem Master and owned the first tandem parachute in the area. A couple of years later, the accelerated free fall program premiered. Seeing this as the ultimate training tool, he soon obtained the accelerated freefall Jumpmaster, Instructor and Instructor/Examiner rating.
In addition to the many USPA ratings, Robert also holds Federal Aviation Administration Licenses for: Pilot-single and multi-engine land, Airframe & Power plant Mechanic, Master Parachute Rigger, and has been a designated Parachute Rigger Examiner. With the ratings, license, and love of the sport, Robert spent untold hours flying, maintaining/rebuilding aircraft and training students. He owned and operated skydiving businesses in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas over a 20 year period.
His final few years in the business were dedicated entirely to tandem instruction, where he could share his sport with others who may only experience the thrill once in a lifetime. Robert retired in 1997 after an automobile accident left him unable to continue tandem skydiving; and in 2016 his loving wife Shanna passed away. Robert’s final interests included travel, computers and his “fur babies”, most recently his beloved Miss Emmi.
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