A man who built an aircraft in his garage in Cochrane has died.
Daniel Rundström passed away at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.
He was a pilot, world traveler, and long time resident of Dominica.
Rundström was born July 1, 1925 in Stockholm, Sweden.
He served as an airplane mechanic in the Swedish Air Force during WWII and afterward accompanied aviator Carl Gustaf von Rosen to Africa to work in the Ethiopian Air Force during the reign of Haile Selassie.
Being determined, he first bought an airplane then learned how to fly. He came to the attention of the King of Yemen when delivering a gift of lions from Haile Selassie to the King of Yemen.
Before going to work as the chief pilot for the King of Yemen, Daniel and a friend rode motorcycles from Ethiopia across the desert and all the way to Sweden. He also worked some years later as a pilot in Germany.
Rundström retired to Dominica in 1990, built a house in Cochrane and proceeded to build a small garage where he constructed the first airplane ever built in Dominica.
This story is told in the film,”A Celebration of Flight”, which can be seen on YouTube. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FILM.
Rundström first lived in Cochrane and eventually moved to Mero. He has many friends in both communities.
He leaves behind his son, Nils Rundström, and friend Daniela Degenhardt and his wife Brigitte Rundström, residing in Germany. He will also be missed by his friend Björn Blomstrand and relatives Kerstin Eliasson, Agneta Kockum and Stina Kockum in Sweden.
He will be laid to rest on Monday, May 8 at the Roseau Public Cemetery.
“His body may be grounded but his spirit is in the clouds,” his relatives said.
How about his protégé Rainstar Luke?
This man had confidence in himself. He was not afraid of hard work. He had the courage to attempt a project many people would had thought impossible. When something did not work he didn\’t hesitate to try again and again.
These are principles of success. They can be applied to anything in life. So much can be learned from the life and work of Mr. Rundstrom.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
There should be an Aviation Hall of Fame for men (or women) like this.
I thank DNO for giving us this story.
To know more about outstanding fliers would be an encouragement for young people to consider aviation in its various forms as a career choice.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Dear Daniel, truly inspiring to have met you! You taught me about orcan safe construction by understanding termic on planes. your gentleman soul, may you rest in peace, Jah Bless
What an incredible man
I read the article and looked at the pictures. Then I watched the videos. Mr. Rundstrom would surely be an inspiration to all who knew him and were acquainted with his work.
There are many lessons to be drawn from his life. I think persistence would be the one that would mean the most to me. He was able to stay focused and kept trying as long as could.
Looking back he was able to admit the things he wished he had done differently. For example he knew he should have spent more time with his son and been a better listener. He is not the only one. But admitting it should be a lesson to many of us who still have time.
Regardless of a man*s accomplishments there comes a moment when it is over. To make preparation now for eternity is the ultimate wisdom. If we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have receive HIM as our personal Savior we can have the assurance now that we are saved and ready to meet him.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
It is only because of what Christ did on he cross that we can be sure we are ready to meet Him after.
If you read Isaiah 53:5,6 and Romans 5:6-8 you will see how He died to pay the penalty for our sins so we can go free. We must BELIEVE this and RECEIVE HIM as or Savior according to St. John 1:12 and 1 John 5:11-13.
Nothing contributes to the quality of life in this world like knowing we are ready for the next life and being able to live now in the enjoyment of heaven. Jesus said ..
*… … I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.* (John 10:10)
This is a life free from the guilt of the past and the fear of the future!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
I met him while working as an extension officer
“Rundström retired to Dominica in 1990, built a house in Cochrane and proceeded to build a small garage where he constructed the first airplane ever built in Dominica.”
Does that in the quote means that other aircrafts were assembled in Dominica? Nothing special about that, any knowledgeable person who can read with mechanical skills, can accomplish anything like that anywhere; its not a big deal.
Helicopters, and small aircrafts are sold in “kits” and are assembled by hobbyists in back yards!
Around 1958/1959, Reginald (Reggie ) Armour a trained Motor Mechanic from Eden Road in Wesley; built (assembled) a British Triumph Sports Motor Car: color red, in his garage right there on Eden Road. in “Wesley.” He drove that car for many years, and eventually sold it to my late father!
I am inviting all my friends and family to please visit Daniel Rundstrom @ 10:30AM on Monday May 8th. Please pay your last respects in person @ Lyndhurst Funeral Home in Dominica. I would appreciate everyone making the effort for being there in person. Time to fly Daniel, spread your wings across the blue skies to heaven. You are home my friend finally, free of the bounds of earth. Thank you for taking your time to share as we celebrate a great man.
Edward Oliver Leblanc Hwy, Canefield, Dominica
The aircraft named after is registered N257DR is owned and operated by a private owner in the USA. Thank you to our family, friends and the village of Cochrane who supported our 3.5 year aircraft building project. It was a honor and privilege to have an inspiring pilot as my mentor, flight instructor to begin my aviation career.
We made aviation history by building the aircraft in his garage with many challenges, obstacles but we were successful at the end! Dream the impossible and make…
Sincerest condolences, I commiserate with the family on their loss. That mans has a great history and legacy… juts wow!
a true pioneer and trail blazer RIP
A friend told me…
I’m very impressed!
Domenica Lost an Pioneer!
Mr. Roland Pralong a Swiss Citizen with Dominica citizenship and ex owner of the Lauro Club Hotel in Salusbury sold the damaged Plane to Mr. Rundstrom. He has great wonderful memories of this plane… great. RIP. Daniel….
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Rundström, a true aviator. The people of Dominica have lost one of its major role models and should continue to carry his legacy. I have long admired Dominicans for their attention to detail and high quality standards in production of products over the years. Daniel also instilled and embraced this quality by choosing this place to retire. His memory will live long in this country.
Farewell Daniel on silver wings, Farewell.
May he rest in eternal peace. My condolences to his family and friends.
Anybody knows? Whatever became of the aircraft? Did it ever made its way out of Dominica on its own power? If not where is the structure? Just inquiring. Wishing the gentleman a peaceful rest with his maker.
it would good if it could be added to a small museum in the village or Parish.
Somebody in Germany now owns it, as far as I learnt from 60 minuets some years ago. I am not sure it could be somewhere in the United States, or Germany.
go to you youtube
Born and raised in Stockholm. Enjoyed his first flight at the age of 11 in 1936, and from that moment wished to become a pilot. Volunteered for the Swedish Air Force in 1942 and trained there as a mechanic on a reconnaissance sea-plane. Travelled to Africa after being discharged after the War and joined other Swedes who learned to fly planes in Ethiopia. He then worked as a personal pilot flying DC3s for the King of Yemen between August 1952 and May 1956. In recognition of his sevices he was presented two antiquities from Marib which he passed to his son Nils Rundström (q.v.), and from whom they were purchased by The British Museum in 2003. He subsequently flew personnel for an oil company in Salalah, Oman before flying freight planes for Lufthansa from Munich (1960). Retired to Sweden, then moved to Dominica where he resumed flying on small planes.
DANIEL WAS MY GOOD FRIEND, WE DID YOGA TOGETHER IN THE MOUNTAINS OF DOMINICA ,MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Interesting videos, I love them, it was his dream to build a plane in Dominica, he did it and shipped it to his country. May his soul rest in perfect peace ,my heartfelt condolence to his family.
He must have loved Dominica to retire and settle there and lived happily, quietly and peacefully since 1990. He became a true Dominican in also spirit.
Sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
Fair winds to you Sir
A remarkable man. It is Dominica’s good fortune that he made his home here.
And the same may be said of you good Sir!
I truly concur.
Quite a legacy he built for himself here. I always appreciate when great minds come to settle in peaceful Dominica. Rest in peace.
You led a full life. Fly with the angels Mr. Rundström.
I am obliged to say that when I first read Mr. Daniel Rundstroem story “Building a Plane in Cochrane, Dominica” I was flabbergasted by the thought. President Barack Obama said, “If you work hard and meet your responsibility, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like or who you love”
What a fascinating and inspiring life, may Mr. Rundstroem Rest in peace. My prayers and condolences go out to his Family and many Friends. On his death on Tuesday April 25, 2017.
R.I.P sir.