Friends to honor memory of aircraft mechanic Rob Bodden

Family and friends will be hosting a special gathering to honor the memory of aircraft mechanic Rob Bodden, at 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at Minden-Tahoe Airport's Tail Dragger Cafe.

"It's just an informal get together," said local pilot John Morgan.

He said Bodden, owner of General Aviation Services at Minden-Tahoe Airport, was a gentle giant. He was sometimes a little gruff on the outside but had a big heart.

"He was one of the best aircraft mechanics I've ever known," Morgan said. "He was a tool nut like me and a friend. He had a heart of gold. He would drop whatever he was doing to help anyone."

The death, which is under investigation, has angered his friends in the aviation community, Morgan said.

"It was just so wrong," Morgan said. "Bad things happen to good people. It's just one of those things that doesn't make any sense."

Bodden's body was discovered by a hiker in the Pine Nut Mountains, beneath a piñon tree Sept. 10.

He was reported missing Aug. 27 by his sister, who lives in Carson City. She told investigators she had not heard from him for 10 days.

According to Sgt. Tom Mezzetta of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the case is still open and being investigated.

The cause of death has not been determined, and local authorities are waiting for autopsy and toxicology results from the Washoe County Crime Lab. Evidence from the scene is also being processed.

The event is being sponsored by the Minden Aircraft Association and family of Rob Bodden.

In memory

What: Gathering to honor Rob Bodden

When: 3 p.m. Nov. 4

Where: The Tail Dragger Cafe, 1150 Airport Road in Minden

• Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.