Everyone in their lives makes decisions that may not seem very important at the time. In later years the significance may become apparent. Usually though, what is not so obvious is the impact that our personality and decisions make in the lives of others.
About 30 years ago, John Moran was introduced to hot air ballooning at a most extraordinary place, the Balloon Fiesta at Albuquerque. No one can leave there not impressed.
Some, not satisfied with just a one-time encounter may find a crew with which to volunteer. There are a few however who cannot settle for less than having their own balloon. John was one of the latter and began a journey, on land and in the air, that would affect many, many lives.
To see a large bagful of nylon spread out, filled with cold air then heated until it becomes a 100-foot tall array of beautiful colors and designs almost seems unreal. To be among dozens of hot air balloons is even more breathtaking and to be with some of the huge complex shaped balloons is just amazing. To be involved in any way even as crew is a priceless experience.
For the casual observer, what may appear to be a relatively simple affair is actually a choreographed routine. Many tasks must be done in a carefully coordinated effort for a successful launch, with safety the highest priority.
Almost as soon as the envelope reaches the optimal inflation the take-off cannot be delayed. With just a moment to admire the balloon gaining altitude, the ground crew hastily packs up the fans, ropes and equipment. While there will be radio contact, they must try to keep their lighter-than-air-craft in sight trying to follow on often unknown roads as the balloon travels free as a bird.
One factor that makes this activity exciting is the unpredictability of each flight. Without steering or brakes and dependence on the wind for direction, there are many variables which could lead to pleasure or mayhem. While the pilot must be very knowledgeable and studies the weather and atmospheric condition; the only way to control the balloon is to follow the air currents, rising or dropping to catch favorable ones. This requires much training, skill and judgment as well as science.
John was drawn into the enchantment of floating high above the ground with little noise besides the sound of the burner keeping the air hot enough in the envelope to maintain the desired altitude. Flying is one of those things that is difficult to describe. Grand panoramic views and a tranquility rarely found anywhere must be experienced to be believed. Many a new passenger who swore they would never go up, is mesmerized because in moving with the wind there is no sense of movement, only the “magic carpet” feeling.
Ballooning means more than just obtaining the equipment. It cannot be a solo endeavor for a crew is needed to assist with every launch, landing and repacking. This facet of the hobby was most enjoyable for our gregarious John. Few pilots are as eager as John was to involve as many people as possible.
At landings, usually in yards or fields of surprised landowners, sometimes in the very early hours of morning, John did not just patiently answer questions. He encouraged them to be assist, joking about the possibility of a child being lost in repacking the envelope. As the chase vehicle left, residents and neighbors instead of feeling like an intrusion are left with a happy, not-to-be forgotten encounter.
John had a life with many activities and interests. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U. S. Army at the Pentagon. He worked in finance, was active in the local Moose Lodge and in his township., His involvement with sports at Kent State was such that they inducted him into their Hall of Fame. Probably the students on his school bus trips would have interesting tales. He loved to travel, especially with the balloons to many countries but also by car and plane.
But it was through hot air ballooning that hundreds of us met John and came to value him as a friend. What if then, in his memory, we were to design the ultimate balloon for John?
Of course, money would have to be unlimited – at least in our imaginations.
Each of the gores on this balloon could represent the many events he attended from local ones to Albuquerque, to Mexico to Europe to his annual New Years Day launch from his home. Perhaps some of the panels could be for the many adventures – good and difficult over the almost 30 years since obtaining his pilot’s license.
Though it may not have seemed like it at the frustrating times; the multitude of weather canceled flights, the rough landings, barbed wire and ornery landowners were far outweighed by the pleasure of long, pleasant flights.
Later those mishaps would be stories, shared and laughed about. Wasn’t there an incident on a winter day when the balloon was mistakenly not tethered and provided a snowy ride for someone?
The colors of John’s ultimate balloon should be as bright as his personality. There could be blue for the inviting skies, white for wispy clouds, yellow for the sun and green for the tree tops flown over and fields landed in.
Gray could be for stormy weather that kept them grounded but those times meant an even greater appreciation for the good flights. Should there be images such as the birds of “Silver Wings?”
We could put on each panel the names of all the friends he had but that certainly would be enough for more than one balloon, most likely several. John was like a magnet that constantly drew more people into the joy of ballooning. Just to include the names of other pilots he interacted with would mean a multitude and how could we illustrate the resulting camaraderie? Going to the many events all around the country can be like having 50 family reunions every year – friendly ones.
On the fabric strips could also be the adjectives always felt but only recently voiced.
“Mentor, teacher, dearest friend, amazing, generous, eccentric, goofy, lovable, affectionate….”
The list could be so long and yet words seem so inadequate to describe our feelings for John.
One online friend wrote, “His ability to care and share his experiences of life to everyone was inspiring”. Another said, “John was amazing. He gave that first impression that made you want to know who that guy was.”
What would be the shape of John’s balloon? It could be the standard one but consider an 80-foot “heart.” That could reflect his legendary generosity and it was not just of material things.
How many are willing to open-up their home to 20-some friends for New Year’s Eve parties with great hospitality? How many did he help through his balloon repair station and as a salesman for Kubicek? How many hours did he spend to carefully instruct on the intricacies and art of piloting so that others could achieve their goal of flying high?
John was an ambassador of goodwill where-ever he went. He especially loved to share knowledge and anything about ballooning. His enthusiasm was contagious. A tip he gave to a spectator, that ropes put loosely in a bag will not tangle, is still appreciated years later.
Tethered flights are a nuisance to do, with the work of set up but not taking off. John still did many to raise money for charities. Instead of being annoyed with spectators he welcomed their interest.
While a heart may be reflective of his own big heart, another option is that John’s ultimate hot air balloon could be a huge ice cream cone. There is a rumor that he occasionally would have one (or two or three). Certainly, that sweet treat will be forever be a reminder of John for many of his friends.
As some have already raised ice cream cones in salute to John, a giant one would be appropriate. It would not just be in memory of something he liked but in admiration and appreciation for all that he meant to us.
If only we could make “John’s balloon” a reality it would be a great fitting tribute but unfortunately that is not likely to happen. Instead we are left with many reminders and memories. Perhaps, we will hear his voice as we patiently answer questions that we have heard dozens of times or his warning if we are tempted to not be as safe as he would have been.
When, decades ago, John Moran went to the Balloon Fiesta, his life changed dramatically and then incidentally, because of John’s personality, so did many others. To say we traveled with John even a little and he called us “friend” was a blessing. There is no adequate way to relay how much we will miss him not just as a pilot but as a dear friend and to some even more than that.
None of us should be surprised if someday, we hear the sound of a burner and look up to see the enormous ice cream cone, with no worries of melting, carried on a gentle wind.
Stranger things have happened and it would be like John to manage such an event.
Judy Kocab
Ashland, Ohio
