Heine Fluhrer, owner of Fluhrer’s Bakeries in Medford, Klamath Falls and Eureka, California was an outstanding person as well as a business and civic leader. He was our republican candidate, unopposed, for the state senate in 1948 when a plane crash near Lake of The Woods took his life.

His boat racing during the 1930’s brought him several coast titles and runner­ up recognition in the National Championships held at Harrison Hot Springs, Canada before he joined the service in 1942. Mrs. Fluhrer said his boat always carried the name, “Black Friday #13”.

Heine’s military career extended over two world wars, seeing duty as an enlisted man in World War I and four years’ service in World War 11, being released with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was assigned to the air Transport command and between 1942 and 1946, saw service in this country, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, receiving a few medals and citations. He was instrumental in bringing the 747th Bombardment Squadron of the Air Force Reserve to Medford and Southern Oregon and served as its commanding officer. He also organized the Southern Oregon Air Reserve Association. His interest in planes and aviation dates back many years. He owned the first private plane in Southern Oregon and took flying lessons from Harold Sanders in the late 1920’s on a small airfield south of Medford, about where the Armory is now located. Flying continuously, it is estimated that he had more than 5000 hours in the air.