Oregon Man Leaves Behind Assortment of Warbirds

Oregon Man Leaves Behind Assortment of Warbirds

A world-class collection of historic military aircraft has long flown under the radar just across the Idaho border in eastern Oregon. The private collection of Ontario’s Merle Maine isn’t sitting in a museum. It’s long been hiding in plain view at the Ontario Airport.

However, when Maine passed away in March, his trust made a decision to liquidate the pilot’s fantastic flying machines. Some have been sold, while others have been donated. Friends say while Maine never served in the military, his passion was warbirds, and his collection is well-known.

“It’s just wonderful,” said fellow pilot Roger Smith. “We all enjoyed it. We just all couldn’t afford it. But Merle could afford it.”

For the complete story and video by Stephanie Zepelin and KTVB.COM, click here.

Photo by KTVB-TV

Updated: May 3, 2013 — 12:48 PM
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