Vincent Matthew Klimas

On November 24, 2021, Vince Klimas was invited through the pearly gates of heaven after a 2 year battle with cancer. Vince was the youngest son of Henry and Darlene Klimas. He was born in Fontana, California and stayed in Southern California for most of his life.

Vince attended South Tamarind Elementary School, Fontana Junior High, and Fontana High School. His work ethic was evident from a young age. In junior high, Vince worked part time at a local laundromat to earn extra money, and in high school he worked at a local hobby shop, Harper’s Hobbies. He always loved history and airplanes, often going to Ontario Airport to watch the airliners take off and land. Vince’s love for airplanes made it fitting that he enlisted into the US Air Force in 1986 upon high school graduation. After enlisting, from September 1986-December 1986 he was an Apprentice Aircraft Loadmaster. He continued to serve as an Aircraft Loadmaster Technician for an additional 4 months. In 1991, he was called to duty serving in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Vince was esteemed with multiple honors including: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Force's Expeditionary Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Southwest Asian Service Medal W/2 Dev.

After his military service, Vince found passion in entrepreneurship. He started his own business designing military decals for model airplane business manufacturers in the United States and abroad. He had a small shop in Rialto, CA where he designed and distributed his decals. Vince became widely known in the model airplane community specifically for his collaboration with Dave Rider for Flightpath and Scaleliner decals. Two sought after decals that he distinctly produced include the LTS and LTU. Vince was strongly versed in the equipment he used and designs he created. As technology advanced, he also became a source for answers to others in the industry through internet blogs and Q&A sites.

Vince was known for his helpful and friendly demeanor. As a child, he loved being outside on his bike and playing with the neighborhood kids. His happy and outgoing personality was infectious. As an adult, he continued to enjoy being around friends and family, especially at the holidays. His love for reading was always sure to provide you with a great book recommendation at Christmas. He was an encouraging uncle to his nieces and nephews in their pursuits and genuinely interested in hearing about their lives. Loved dearly by his family, he will be greatly missed. Vince is survived by his brother Doug Klimas and two sisters, Kathleen Kimball and Cynthia Horzen. Services will be held on Friday, February 4, 11:30, at Riverside National Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weaverhughes.com for the KLIMAS family.