Some extremely sad news

The other day we heard that Masashi Kakuda, the director of the Worlds and one of the most respected people in the ballooning community, had been taken to hospital with serious heart problems.

This morning we received news (Les Purfield's email is below) that Masashi has passed away. This is extremely sad news and even worse that it has happened right before the event that he has dedicated so much of his life to.


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To all Participants and Officials

We are very sad to inform you that Masashi Kakuda passed away today, November 8, 2006, from complications of a myocardial infarction.

Masashi has been a dynamic force in ballooning for many years. He was the Event Director for two World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Saga, Japan and was scheduled as the Event Director at the 17th World HAB Championship in Tochigi, Japan.

Masashi believed in the power of air sports to bring people together. With that in mind, he formulated the World Grand Prix for Ballooning. Starting in 1998, this was a competition held in three continents/countries - Wisconsin,/USA; Luxembourg/Europe and Japan/Asia. Pilots from the various countries joined as one team, forming friendship across cultures and national boundaries.

Masashi will be greatly missed by his family, his ballooning friends and all who had the privilege to share time with him.

The 17th World Hot Air Balloon Championship will begin in Tochigi, Japan on November 18th. Masashi had assembled a first class team of people to work with him on the Worlds. This team will continue Masashi's plans for the event. Mr. Les Purfield has been named the Event Director for the 17th World HAB Championship.

Details of the funeral/memorial services and of Masashi's family contact address will follow as soon as it is known.