Renowned weatherman, ballooning enthusiast and pastor, Steve Stucker, sent this tribute to FGGAM following the death of Scott Appelman, Founder, Rainbow Ryders:
Last October, Scott Appelman gave me about one hour’s notice to be at a luncheon in the Pilots’ tent. He never explained why I needed to be there, just that I had to show up.
To my great delight, I was inducted into the AIBF Hall of Fame that day. I know Scottie had a LOT to do with that happening and I will always treasure that honor. Now he is gone from this world.
I was shocked when I got word this morning of his passing and had a hard time realizing it was true. Scott was SUCH a key part of Ballooning continuing to grow in NM & elsewhere. Scott cared deeply about all aspects of Hot Air Ballooning and all those it affected, especially when it came to safety. He especially loved the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and he wasn’t afraid to speak up or go against the crowd when he knew he was right…which he usually was!
For me, he was always such a wonderful source of information and insight into the Fiesta. As incredibly busy as he was, Scott always took time to call or text, and to let me know what was happening & why. I could always count on him for a great interview when things were developing.
Scott invited me to ‘MC’ the Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers when Halle was young and he got me involved with the Anderson-Abruzo Balloon Museum. He gave me the honor of presiding over his father Jules Appelman’s funeral several years ago. Scott’s Rainbow Ryders sponsored our Beds4kidz Motorcycle Rally in the Valley for 10 years.
Over the three decades I was at the Fiesta, I saw him grow tremendously as a leader and even more so as a good man, husband & father. He truly loved his wonderful wife, Heather, and their daughter Halle. My deepest prayers are with them both, and all of you who worked with and loved this Ballooning legend, my friend, Scott Appelman.
May the winds welcome you with softness.
May the sun bless you with its warm hands.
May you fly so high and so well that God
joins you in laughter and sets you gently
back into the loving arms of Earth.
HEARTBREAK: Scott Appelman the Founder of Rainbow Ryders dies unexpectedly
