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___ PCN FLIGHT WEST is sponsored by the Pilot Communication Network and is a service of the PCN provided for the Delta Pilot Retired family of pilot groups. Flight West was started and is maintained to accomplish two main goals. After we become aware of a colleague who has Flown West, 1. We aim to produce a “timely” notice sent to our community that allows for support and interaction from our group toward the grieving family of our friend and colleague. 2. Then, we aim to “archive” that notice on our Flown West Blogspot as a lasting accessible place of Dignity and Honor of our colleague for family legacy and posterity. Contributor contact info is generally removed before posting (unless requested otherwise).

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

NEA/DL Capt. James 'Jim' M. Baker

Word has been received of the passing of USMC Korean war veteran and NEA/DL pilot Captain James Minott Baker, age 79.  Jim hired on with NEA 12-18-1957.
The funeral home website should be updated shortly at  http://www.campbellfuneral.com/ 
Captain Baker is survived by his wife Deborah of Boxford MA.  (978) 887-5285 
~ IN MEMORY ~
JAMES MINOTT BAKER  
February 11, 1933 ~ April 25, 2012
James Minott Baker of Boxford, April 25, 2012, age 79. Beloved husband of Deborah (McMillen) Baker, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by his loving family. Born & raised in Gardner, he was the son of the late James W.H. & Olive L. (Minott) Baker. He graduated from Gardner High School & attended the University of Vermont. He then pursued his passion at East Coast Aero Tech to prepare for a career in aviation. An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country during the Korean Conflict as a member of the United States Marine Corp. Mr. Baker had been employed originally as a pilot for Northeast Airlines and for Delta Airlines most of his career as a pilot, assistant Chief pilot and then Chief pilot, until his retirement in 1993. He also worked as pilot & Director of Flight Operations for King Air Charters, Lawrence Airport, Director of Flight Operations for the new Pan Am, based out of Pease Air Force Base & an aviation analyst for Fox 25 News & NECN. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather & friend who will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife with whom he shared 32 years of marriage, he is survived by 3 sons, Scott A. Baker & his wife, Mary R. of Sandown, NH, Steven J. Baker & his wife, Jana M. of Hebron, KY & James M. Baker of Boxford, a daughter, Paula A. Deffer & her husband, Scott J. of Beverly; 13 grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late John A. Baker. A funeral service will be held at the Congregational Church of Topsfield, 9 East Common St., Topsfield, Monday, April 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell - Lee, Moody, Russell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly (North Beverly location) Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Burial in Central Cemetery, Halifax, MA, Tuesday at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in James' memory to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or the Congregational Church of Topsfield, 9 East Common St., Topsfield , MA 01983. Information, directions and condolences at http://www.campbellfuneral.com/
Published in The Boston Globe on April 27, 2012.

DL Capt. Chuck Jones

Notification of the passing of Air Force veteran and DL pilot Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Jones.  Born December 17, 1957 Charles David Jones III was 54 years of age at the time of his passing April 21, 2012.   Captain Jones hired on with Delta 05-30-1988.  To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
Survived by his wife Lynette personal condolences may be sent to
864 Porter Road , Argyle, TX 76226-8220  ...  (817) 491-0796
  • ~ IN MEMORY ~
  • Charles David JONES III
  • 12/17/1957 - 04/21/2012  
JONES, Charles David III
After a heroic battle against cancer, Charles David Jones III passed away surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, April 21, 2012.
Chuck made difficult things look easy, whether piloting a jet airliner, mastering the art of building a house or by simply being a wonderful son, husband and father. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers supporter who served his country as an Air Force officer for nine years followed by 24 years as a Delta Air Lines pilot where he flew with a relaxed, confident manner while honing his skill by always being well-prepared.
Born in San Antonio, Texas on December 17, 1957, he was the third child in a military family. After moving around the country several times, he graduated from Medical Lake High School in Spokane, Washington in 1975 where he was the commander of the Air Force Junior ROTC unit. Following through with his aspiration for an Air Force career, Cadet Jones attended the United Sates Air Force Academy, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Mechanics. With the lifetime dream of becoming a pilot, Lt Jones attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas receiving his Certificate of Aeronautical Rating as a pilot in 1980. Wishing to bestow his knowledge of flying upon fledgling Air Force pilots, he became an instructor pilot.
After eight years of friendship, Chuck's lifetime relationship with his wife Lynette began. Married on September 9, 1985, the first years of their marriage were spent in Okinawa, Japan where he was an RF-4 Phantom pilot. As with everything else in his life, Capt. Jones was an extraordinary fighter pilot excelling with every mission he flew and commanded.
Upon completion of his commitment to protect our country, Chuck departed the military and began his career as a Delta Airlines pilot. True to his enthusiastic attitude in life, he excelled in his career as a pilot flying both domestic and international flights.
Relocating to Flower Mound, Texas and eventually Bartonville, Texas, he and Lynette's family started with the birth of Christopher Andrew Jones on November 27, 1988 and the birth of Scott Alexander Jones on October 30, 1992. True to their nature of endless love, passion and teamwork, they raised two incredible young men who have a great respect for life and those around them. Chuck was an astonishing man who received great pleasure by spending time with his family. His unwavering courage, strength, selflessness and devotion to his wife, sons, family and friends are his vibrant legacy.
In addition to his wife Lynette and sons Chris and Scott, Chuck is also survived by his parents Colonel (retired) Dave and Margaret Jones, and five siblings: Jennifer Howland, Jackie Bright, Larry Jones, Bruce Jones, and Jon Jones.
A celebration of Chuck's remarkable life will take place at a memorial service on Thursday, April 26 at 2 p.m. at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, TX.
The family wishes, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Chuck's memory to the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org/   Please specify: In Memory of Chuck Jones (in the memo line). Please send memorial email card from American Cancer Society website to Lynette Jones at ljjones1985@gmail.com  
FLOWER MOUND FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, FLOWER MOUND, TX
Published in Spokesman-Review from April 26 to April 27, 2012.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

DL Flt. Instructor Daniel Barnes

Notification of the passing of Army veteran and DL Flight Instructor Daniel W. Barnes, age 58.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at
Dan most recently resided at
6192 Quail Ridge Drive , Port Orange, FL 32128-6055
~ IN MEMORY ~
Daniel W. Barnes
September 27, 1953 ~ April 17, 2012
 
Visitations:
1:00PM to 2:00PM on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange
Services:
2:00PM at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange Chapel on Saturday, April 28th, 2012


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Daniel W. Barnes, 58, passed away April 17, 2012. A memorial in his honor will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2:00 P.M at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange, 1201 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127. Daniel's family will receive guests one hour prior to the time of service. He was the beloved father of his daughter Heather Barnes and proud grandfather of Zoe Hill. Daniel was a flight instructor for Delta Airlines. He also was an avid scuba-diver and earned the title of Master Diver. Daniel served in the United States
Army and was an excellent guitar player and singer. Arrangements are under the entrusted care of Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com
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Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal from April 24 to April 26, 2012

Sunday, April 22, 2012

NWA Capt. Jack A. Mayberry

Notification of the passing of NWA pilot Captain Jack Mayberry.  
The Mayberrys most recently resided at
37 Lynbrook Drive , Palm Coast, FL 32137-9585.
~ IN MEMORY ~

Capt. JACK A. ‘Black Jack’ MAYBERRY  
July 6, 1931 - April 12, 2012
Jack A. "Black Jack" Mayberry passed away peacefully at home with family at his side. He was 80 years old. Born in Winslow, Arizona, he was a curious and adventurous child. After seeing his first airplane at an early age at the Winslow Airport, he knew what he was going to be when he grew up, a pilot. In his early teens he started his flying lessons with the "good old boys" in Colorado. At age 16 he received his pilots license, he was in fifth heaven. He soon received his instrument and multi engine ratings. In 1954 he was hired by North Central Airlines as a co-pilot. He was trained by the "good old boys". Soon he advanced to captain. He fully enjoyed his job and and developed a friendship with everyone he worked with. He was getting paid for something he loved to do, flying. North Central Airlines became Republic Airlines, Republic Airlines then became Northwest Airlines. After 33 years of flying as captain he retired. His other interests included, sailing, scuba diving, sports cars, motorcycles, parachute jumping, competition aerobatics and soaring. In July 1980 he held the Colorado State Soaring Record for speed and distance. He was a member of the Soaring Society of America, International Aerobatic Club and EAA. He also loved to surf and enjoyed being with the many friends he met on the water. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn D. Mayberry; daughter Jacqueline A. Gardner; son-in-law Fred Gardner; and grandsons: Bert, Austin, Wes and Bryce. He is also survived by many extended family members, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Palm Coast on May 25th at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jacks memory to the Alzheimer's Association and Odyssey VistaCare Hospice Foundation.
Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal on April 22, 2012.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

DL Capt. Merle A. Prestwood

Notification of the passing of WWII veteran B-17 pilot, retired DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Merle Prestwood, age 89.  Born in Tennessee, Merle enlisted in the Army Air Corps March 27, 1942. 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at   http://www.bluebonnethills.com/obituaries.html 
CAPT. MERLE A. PRESTWOOD
Birth:  January 21, 1923
Death:  April 17, 2012
Hire date:  01-15-1951 , based DFW
Family address:  survived by wife Dorothy ‘Dot’   ...  (254) 435-2737
322 County Road 2547 , Meridian, TX 76665-4731 
Dot Prestwood  dotnmerle@yahoo.com 
~ IN MEMORY ~
Merle Alvin Prestwood passed away peacefully at home with his family on April 17th, 2012.  He ws 89 years old.
Services will be held at Bluebonnet Hills funeral home Saturday at 12:30 in Colleyville,TX.
Merle flew B-17's in WW II from 1942-1945, completeing 23 missions including the Berlin Food Drop. After the war he flew for Delta Air Lines for 32 years. Merle was actice in church as a community leader. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Vannie and Walter, brothers Amon and Vernon, sister Avalene, and daughter Jana.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of 65 years, son and daughter in law Merle and Sharon,  daughter Lana, and brother Pete. 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, a host of friends and missed by all.


Friday, April 20, 2012

PAA/DL Capt. Louis F. Woodruff

Notification of the passing of one of our older pilots PAA/DL Captain Louis F. Woodruff, age 91.  It was just one month ago that son Charles was killed in a hydroplane boating accident on Lake Dora.  Survived by his wife Agnes personal condolences may be sent to the family at 2142 NE Gilman Ave.,  Jensen Beach  FL 34957-5549.
~ IN MEMORY ~ 
CAPT. LOUIS FRANK WOODRUFF
Birth:  Sep. 21, 1920
Death:  Apr. 13, 2012
Hire date:  03-14-1946 , based MIA
Family address:  survived by wife Agnes ... (772) 334-7946
2142 NE Gilman Ave.,  Jensen Beach  FL 34957-5549
One of the oldest living retired Delta Airlines Pilots, born September 21, 1920, Louis Frank Woodruff, 91, died on April 13, 2012 of natural causes in Jensen Beach, Florida. Frank was born in Birmingham, Alabama where he grew up as a child. Frank went to school and graduated from Auburn University in Alabama. He became a Stearman Biplane Instructor in Camden South Carolina where he met and married Henrietta Shannon Blakeney (Tweetie Woodruff). Frank went on to become a pilot on the "Clipper Seaplane" for Pan Am Airlines and on March 14, 1946 he became a pilot for Delta Airlines based in Miami Florida where he became Captain of the DC-3, DC- 6, DC-8 Fan Jet, Douglas Super DC-8 and the Lockheed L-1011 Jetliner which he retired from on October 1, 1980 in Miami Florida. Frank and Tweetie had two children Charles Beauregard Woodruff and Kennedy Blakeney Woodruff. Henrietta Shannon Woodruff passed away in 1985. In 1991 Frank married Agnes Morton Mayer of Linville and Wilmington, North Carolina and they enjoyed wonderful times together with family and friends and playing golf which they both loved. They would travel from Agnes, North Carolina residences in the summer to Frank's Miami Shores and Jensen Beach, Florida residences in the winter to play golf. Frank is survived by his wife Agnes Morton Woodruff, his son Kennedy B. Woodruff and Kennedy's life partner, Lynda Peterson of Redondo Beach, California, and his grandson Tristan F. Woodruff and Tristans mother Alena Woodruff of Jensen Beach, Florida. Frank's son Charles B. Woodruff had recently died in a hydroplane boating accident in Florida on March 18, 2012. A Memorial service for Louis Frank Woodruff will be held at the Stuart Nursing & Restorative Care Center, 1500 Palm Beach Rd., Stuart, FL 34994 on April 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM and another one in North Carolina later in the summer. Paid obituary.
Published in the TC Palm on April 20, 2012.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

NWA pilot Capt. Delmar ‘Del’ G. Hendrickson Jr.

Notification of the passing of Korean war/Army MP Corp veteran and NWA pilot Capt. Delmar ‘Del’ G. Hendrickson Jr., age 82.  A memorial service will be held April 28th in Florida.
Arrangements have been handled by the Forest Lawn Funeral Home,
200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064... 954-784-4000.
In Memory of

DELMAR HENDRICKSON

September 25, 1929 - April 8, 2012
Delmar G. Hendrickson, Jr.
Our Beloved Husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and someone you really should've known, if you didn't…
"Back in the fall of '54, toward the end of the Korean War, Del was sent home from the MP CORP and he came knockin' on my door. We meet, and something wild and sweet shivered through me, down to my feet. My heart said"Hey, this could be the guy that makes you feel like you could fly"! And sure enough, before too long, we were singing the Sandman Song.. Our song. The following June we said "I do" and then we were one, no longer two. He dubbed us, "Bo'Fus".
Del was born in Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1952. He then fulfilled his ROTC duty in Korea with the Army, Military Police Corp. spending 14 months on the DMZ line after boot camp here, protecting our soldiers. While in college he earned his private pilot's license and occasionally transported some of the Wisconsin Central Airlines Executive staff here and there-and decided he loved flying. So when he was released from active duty in September of 1954 he boarded a MATA transport plane and made the long trip back to the States, to Florida where his parents had already. He got a job at Burdine's and finished his pilot training, acquiring his commercial multi-engine and instrument ratings, ready to get started on what would be a lifelong career. He soon met Marianne Bassett and they were married on June 25, 1955, marking the end of his freewheeling bachelor days! On June 26th they left parents and friends behind and honeymooned all the way in Ann Arbor, MI anticipating the airline life as man and wife, as Del began his flying career with North Central Airlines, formally Wisconsin Central. Based first in Chicago he flew the magnificent Douglas DC-3 prop engine and after upgrading to captain and bidding into Detroit he flew the Convair 440, Douglas DC-9 and Boeing- 727 aircraft. Del and Marianne built their first home hands-on in 1956 and raised their family of three; three children, one dog, and a series of cats rescued by Missy from one or another trauma and brought home to live with us. Del's father, Del Sr. was a big help with electrical work and several friends assisted with other chores.. such as mixing concrete, hammering shingles, and painting. It came to pass that Marianne found herself pregnant and soon little Susan spent many days in her playpen on the cement floor of what was to become our living room. During these happy years Del also served as Company Check pilot, Chairman of the Master Executive Council representing the company before the Airline Pilots association, and was active in negotiating a new contract for the pilots in later years. In 1977, after 20+ years of an unblemished career they decided to move back to Ft. Lauderdale to be closer to their aging parents and to enjoy a warmer climate. There Del served out his tenure, retiring in 1983 from Northwest Airlines due to a series of mergers along the way. After retirement Del got into real estate for a time where he could indulge his interest in learning new things and continue and continue to be productive and entertained. He had many interests – he had enjoyed skiing in the northern clime, and he loved golf-he worked as a Marshall every year at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens--, scuba diving, fishing, and PEOPLE. Boating was his main love and he owned a series of Yachts the final one being "WATERWINGS", a 48' Hatteras that took family and friends on numerous trips to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys. He took Duke and Landon on a water journey search for Stiltsville one summer that nearly ended in disaster waterwings' engines and our dinghy's motor gave up the ghost and left Duke and Landon high and not-so dry, unable to get back to the boat and us unable to get to them, stranded on somebody's dock a mile away. Exciting stuff!
Del was a light-hearted fun-loving man who was always ready to tell a joke and was known for his "life of the party" attitude. Ever ambitious, at the age of 75 he built practically single-handedly a marvelous tree house for Grandson Landon, and it became a haven from the rat race for both of them. Del was adventurous---life was never boring with him--- and he will be heartily missed and loved by his family, friends, and the occasional passerby who was often the object of his friendly people-loving curiousness.
Del was preceded in death by Parents, Del Sr. and Emma; one daughter, Melissa McCormick (Randy); and a sister Beryl Mae Hendrickson. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Marianne; daughter Susan Harrell; son Duke Hendrickson III, ; two sisters, Vicki Funkhouser (Brad0 and Jean Carol Troike (Ernie); and two Grandchildren, Nyssa Hendrickson and Landon Weil.
There will be a memorial Service for Del on Sunday, April 28th, at 1 o'clock at Faith Lutheran Church, 1161 SW 3oth Avenue, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 5420 NW 33rd Avenue, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309.

NWA pilot/ Col. Robert G. Kissling Jr., Ret. USMC

Notification of the passing of NWA pilot / Col . Robert G. Kissling Jr., Ret. USMC
1942 ~ 2012

ROBERT G. KISSLING Jr. 
...Viet Nam and Gulf War veteran, decorated soldier with distinguished military career, hired on as a commercial pilot 02-12-1973.
Col. Robert G. Kissling Jr., Ret. USMC, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2012. Robert was born on March 2, 1942 to Robert George and Helen Baugher Kissling in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and Memphis State University School of Law in 1975. Col. Kissling was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Marine Corps in 1964, followed by flight training at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL. He served two tours in Vietnam, flying med-evac helicopter missions before returning to Pensacola where he was a flight instructor for three years. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, A Purple Heart, and other decorations for active combat service. As a reserve, he was the Commanding Officer of Marine Squadron VMA 124 at the Naval Air Station in Millington before returning to active duty for the Gulf War. Robert enjoyed a 30 year career as a commercial airline pilot, beginning with Southern Airways in 1973. He was active with the Airline Pilots Association, offering his legal expertise throughout his career. He retired with Northwest Airlines in 2002. He was an active member of the NRA, served as president of the 50 Caliber Association, and enjoyed shooting competitively. He loved the opera and supported Opera Memphis for over 30 years. Robert was also a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor awarded by the state of Kentucky. Col. Kissling was a student of the American Constitution, domestic politics, and international affairs. He embodied the best values of our generation: decency, integrity, and devotion to duty. He was outspoken and principled with a deep love of his country. “Uncle Bob” shared a mutual respect and delight with each of his nieces and nephews, always extending his mechanical, fishing, and science expertise to his many young friends. Robert leaves his beloved wife of 28 years, Janet Hodges Kissling, to whom he was totally devoted, nine nieces and nephews: Brittany, Emily, and Eric Johnson; Bryan and Elizabeth Mellon; Kathryn, Shelby, Bailey, and Wesley Hodges; and his giant Alaskan Malamute, ‘Timber’. A memorial service will be held for family and friends to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society, Crossroads Hospice, or the charity of your choice .
.Published in The Commercial Appeal on April 18, 2012.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

NWA pilot Jay S. Brooks

RNPA news with notification of the passing of NWA pilot and RNPA member Jay Stanley. Brooks , age 76. 
From: RNPA News    Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2012 2:48 PM   Subject: Jay Brooks Has Flown West

~ IN MEMORY ~
Jay S. Brooks
June 27, 1935 - April 7, 2012

Jay S. Brooks, age 76 of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 7, 2012. He was born in Duluth on June 27, 1935 to Stanley Brooks and Jane Gehan. He graduated from Cretin High School in 1953 and the College of St. Thomas in 1959. He is survived by his wife Rita (Reardon), his five children, Mark (Sheri), Cindy (Dave) Twetten, Bob (Lisa), Tom, and Steve; ten grandchildren, Christina, Dan, Brian, Katy, Mary (Mark) Basola, Catherine Twetten (fiancè Michael Dybicz), Thomas (Kathleen) Twetten, Sarah, David, and Joe; and three great-grandsons, Philip. Dominic, and John Basola. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 13 at 10:00 am at the Church of the Assumption (51 West 7th Avenue, St Paul). Visitation Thursday, April 12, 4:00 – 8:00 pm at O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, 575 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. Interment at Fort Snelling Cemetery. Memorials preferred to N.C. Little Hospice.

NWA Capt. William 'Bill' Perrin Jr.

In Memory of

William Alford Perrin Jr.

January 8, 1951 - March 30, 2012
Word has been received that NWA pilot William ‘Bill’ Perrin recently passed away.  Born January 8, 1951 William Alford Perrin Jr. was 61 years of age at the time of his passing March 30, 2012.  Bill hired on with Northwest 08-21-1980.  Bill was born into flying as his father was a Captain with TWA.  Bill is survived by his sister and nieces/nephews.  He also leaves many dear friends, especially his aviation friends, who mourn his passing and cherish his years of friendship.  A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, April 28th, at the Jasmine Creek Club House at 3:00 pm. 
Location:  77 Jasmine Creek Drive, Corona Del Mar CA 92625. 
Questions, please contact Suzanne at 520-906-5312 smoulton48@cox.net
or Steve/Cindy at 949-706-1504 mimi5@cox.net 
Bill’s last known address:  411 Iris Ave. Apt B , Corona Del Mar, CA 92625-2927
Thank you,
Carol 
William Alford Perrin, Jr., 61, of Corona Del Mar, California, passed away on March 30, 2012. Born on January 08, 1951 in New Jersey. There will be no services held.
Arrangements handled by Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary, Corona Del Mar, CA.

Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 4:16 PM
Subject:  To Say "Aloha" to Bill Perrin 
................... death notice of William (Bill) Perrin.  He was a retired NWA pilot.  ............ many close friends were former WAL pilots, one of these friends found him at home a day or two after he passed and forwarded this notice to me, as I am one of those former WAL friends. 
Thank you, 
T J Richardson
Capt DAL (Ret)

Friday, April 13, 2012

WA Capt. Markle Sparks

 Obituary:  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/parkrecord/obituary.aspx?n=markle-h-sparks&pid=156968322  

Markle H Sparks (1915-2012) Markle Sparks
Markle H. Sparks, retired Delta captain, passed away on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. He was a long time resident of Park City where he moved after retiring. He loved this community and his mountains. He is survived by his children, Sidney of Conyers, Georgia, Steve, Salt Lake City, Sally of Snellville, Georgia. He left 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Markle was born in Enid, Oklahoma in 1915. He became an instructor during WWII. After the war, went to work for Western AirLines, living in the Los Angeles area. After retiring, he moved to Park City, which he considered home. He held many records and many adventures during his flying time.


Published in The Park Record on April 14, 2012
In Memory of

Capt. Markle Sparks

November 23, 1915 - April 4, 2012 
WWII veteran and early aviator, WAL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member, Captain Markle Sparks, age 96.
Avid modeler of large scale miniature aircraft...see below.
He was a ham radio operator, too.    Markle Sparks WB7UAC
Lived life to the very end!!

He was born November 23, 1915 and hired on 10-09-1942, indeed one of our oldest living characters!!  
To the best of my knowledge, current address c/o daughter Sally Rose Trapnell: 
Markle H. Sparks  (435) 649-9120
2916 Elizabeth Lane , Snellville  GA 30078-3708
Arrangements are being handled by Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services http://www.advantagefunerals.com/location.asp 
500 Harbins Road , Lilburn, GA 30047  ... 770-923-2940   http://www.mem.com/  
thx/Carol
Last known address in Utah:  Markle H. Sparks , (435) 649-9120
1681 Remington Lane, Park City  UT 84098-7523

~~~~~~~~

Markle Sparks

November 23, 1915 - April 4, 2012
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 8:09 AM            Subject: Markle Sparks 
Markle Sparks (Sparky) died in Atlanta after a short illness.  He had been living with his daughter for the last year.  He loved Park City and skiied up until the last ten years.  I believe his age was 96.  He grew up in Oaklahoma and started flying at a young age and was hired with Western Air in it's Alaska operation during WW2. 

http://uterc.org/node/828      Markle Sparks....


Markle Sparks passed away a couple of days ago. Many of us may not have known Markle but a number of us were his friends. He was certainly a mentor of mine. He was an avid modeler and a builder of immaculate large scale miniature aircraft. Markel was in his mid nineties.
Markle was a trainer of pilots during WW II, flew for a number of years for Western Airlines and later Delta Airlines prior to his retirement.
R.I.P.
Jan    (Ute Radio Control Assoc in Utah)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

NWA Capt. Alfred Stinson

RNPA news .....
Notification of the passing of Navy veteran, retired NWA pilot and RNPA member Captain Alfred ‘Al’ Stinson.  Born February 15, 1939 Alfred Warren Stinson was 73 years of age at the time of his passing February 23, 2012. 
Al hired on with Northwest 09-05-1967. 
Captain Stinson’s Navy career is noted at http://www.naval-aviator.net/biogs/stinson-aw0.htm
We understand that Al had suffered a stroke a few months ago but was thought to be recovering.  Then when no one had heard from him over the course of a few days, he was found deceased in his home on Thursday, February 23. 
Captain Stinson had most recently resided at 504 E. Lincoln Ave.,  Melbourne FL  32901-4643.

SSDI:  Alfred W. Stinson

Name:Alfred W. Stinson
State of Issue:West Virginia
Date of Birth:Wednesday  February  15, 1939
Date of Death:Thursday  February  23, 2012
Age at Death:73 years, 8 days

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alfred Warren Stinson: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Hometown News (Fort Pierce, FL) - April 6, 2012

Alfred Warren Stinson, 73, of Melbourne, died Thursday, February 23, 2012. Arrangements by South Brevard Funeral Home in Melbourne.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

WAL Capt. George W. Strobel

 
Strobel, George W.
Sept. 3, 1920 - April 8, 2012
Word has been received of the passing of WAL pilot Captain George Strobel.  The obituary write-up is brief but I believe George was a WWII Air Corps veteran having enlisted January 8, 1942.  Born September 3, 1920 George W. Strobel was 91 years of age at the time of his passing April 8, 2012.  Captain Strobel hired on with Western  07-26-1951 and retired at the madatory age 60 in 1980.  George was based SFO and SEA. 
To view/sign the online obituary & guestbook please visit  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=george-w-strobel&pid=156924608 
Captain Strobel is survived by his wife Joan.  To the best of my knowledge personal condolences may be sent to
1447 Oak Bend Way , Lawrenceville GA 30045-8288  ...  (770) 736-9802
   

~ IN MEMORY ~
Captain George W. Strobel
George W. Strobel, of Lawrenceville, Ga., formerly of Sarasota died April 8, 2012.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Martha's Catholic Church. Burial will be later with military honors in Sarasota National Cemetery. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife Joan; sons Scott, William, Richard, Robert and Scott; brother James; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations maybe made to American Cancer Society or St. Martha's Angels.
Published in Herald Tribune from April 10 to April 11, 2012.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Mary Jane Martin, wife of WA/DL pilot Dick Martin

Notification of the passing of Mary Jane Martin, age 64, former Western F/A and wife of WA/DL pilot Richard D. ‘Dick’ Martin.  Dick hired on with Western 02-22-1961.  After Dick retired, they relocated to Washington state in 1995.
To view/sign the online guestbook for Mary Jane please visit http://obits.columbian.com/obituaries/columbian/obituary.aspx?n=mary-jane-martin&pid=156876058 
Survived by her husband Dick personal condolences may be sent to 
3012 NW 133rd St., Vancouver, WA 98685-2371  ...  (360) 573-9190
~ Thank you,
Carol

MARY JANE MARTIN

Columbian, The (Vancouver, WA) - April 6, 2012

JAN 27, 1948 - APRIL 3, 2012

"Ultimately, Mary Jane's greatest passion was
for her family. Her entire family, both immediate
and extended, brought her so much joy…
almost as much as she brought to them."
Mary Jane Martin died Tues., April 3, 2012 in Vancouver, WA. She was born Jan. 27, 1948 in Twin Falls, ID to Edward and Mary Spellman. In 1955, the Spellmans, Mary Jane and her three brothers: Edward Jr., Daniel and Pete settled in the SE Portland, OR house that they would call home until adulthood. Mary Jane graduated from Marshall High school in 1966.
After graduating, Mary Jane moved to Fairbanks, AK where she taught school as a Jesuit volunteer. In 1968 she became a flight attendant for Western Airlines where she met her husband of 42 years, a pilot for Western (later Delta), Richard Martin.
Mary Jane and Dick raised their two children, Daniel and Allison in the San Francisco bay area, living in San Mateo, Belmont and finally settling in Portola Valley. During their 18 years in Portola Valley, Mary Jane was a faculty member at Ormondale Elementary School and a volunteer coordinator at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford and was active in politics, working on some of the most important campaigns of the time.
In 1995, Richard and Mary Jane retired to the Salmon Creek area in Vancouver, WA to be closer to their children and their grandchildren.
Her years in Vancouver were marked by her devotion to community service. Mary dedicated her time to The Vancouver Symphony, the Children's Trust Fund, the YWCA and others. Her greatest passion became the Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital. She helped build the successful volunteer services program and was proud to serve as the original chair of the foundation board of trustees, where she served as a trustee until her death.
Mary and her family loved to travel, especially to their home away from home, Ixtapa, Mexico.
Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Richard; son, Daniel; daughter, Allison; daughter-in-law, Leanna; grandchildren, Chelsea, Gabriella, Quinn, Olivia and Alexander; brothers, Edward Jr., Pete and Alison; nephews, Erik, Jeffrey and Michael Spellman and their families; niece, Samantha Spellman; cousin, Becky and Richard Boudreaux and the Boudreaux family: Michael Boudreaux, Lisa Giacosa, and Robert and Ronald Boudreaux.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel; and her parents, Ed and Mary.
The family wishes to offer its heartfelt gratitude to the Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, The Ray Hickey Hospice House, Dr. Ashok Modha, Dr. Kathryn Kolibaba and all of the medical professionals who worked so compassionately with Mary during the past six months.
Funeral services will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Sat., April 7 at 3:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Mary are invited to attend. A reception will follow.
Donations in Mary's name should be made to the Legacy Salmon Creek Foundation. www.legacyhealth.org/salmoncreekgiving
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits 

NWA Capt. Louis Damiani

Word has been received that WWII Naval Aviation veteran and retired NWA pilot Captain Louis Damiani has passed away at the age of 89.  To view/sign the online guestbook for Lou Damiani please visit  http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/twincities/guestbook.aspx?n=louis-damiani&pid=156766672&cid=view 
                                                    ~ IN MEMORY ~
                                                     Louis J. Damiani
                                         June 28, 1922 - March 29, 2012
From: RNPA News Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2012 10:20 AM
Subject:  Lou Damiani Has Flown West

Louis J. Damiani , 1922~2012

 
Age 89 Longtime Resident of Rosemount Preceded in death by wife, June Arlene; brothers and sisters, Jim, Fran, Rose, Mary and Robert; and infant great-grandson, John Paul. Survived by children, Joseph (Sandie), David (Penny) and Michael (Sandy); grandchildren, Matt (Lisa), Joshua, Dustin, Logan, Anthony (Hannah), Jessica, Zachary and Brian; great-grandchildren, Maria, Joseph, Nathanael, Elizabeth, Elena and Savanna; sister, Anne Zacardi; special friend, Pat Saari; and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, 11 am at the Church of St. Joseph, 13900 Biscayne Ave W, Rosemount with visitation on Sunday, 2 - 6 pm at Mueller Memorial Parkway Chapel, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul and 1 hour prior to Mass at the Church. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery.

April 03, 2012        I am the pastor of St. Joseph Church and School in Rosemount, and I had the pleasure of presiding at this Son of St. Joseph Church. Here is the homily delivered by Lou's son, Deacon Joe Damiani, at Lou's Celebration of Life:

Louis J. Damiani
Wisdom 3:1-9, 1 John 3:1-2, Matt 5:1-12

On behalf of Father Paul and the Church of St. Joseph, I want to extend our sincere sympathy to all of Dad's family and friends.

Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate Dad's life, to share our memories of him and to bring healing and comfort to each other.

Dad had a long life, almost 90 years. Those years were not always easy, but gave him a rich and full life, a life marked by the sign of faith.

Lou Damiani was the fifth of seven children born above his mother and father's grocery store on the east side of St. Paul.

Dad was sickly as a child. Mary and Joseph, his parents, were very worried about his health.

They were concerned that the polluted city air wasn't good for him, so they sent him to his grandparent's farm in Cumberland Wisconsin for some fresh air.

His mother constantly prayed for her son to get well. In time, her prayers we answered.

Dad survived and grew into a strong young man who served as a Naval Aviator aboard the battleship Tennessee.

On June 6, 1945 his mother received a telegram that his plane was missing in the pacific. The situation was bleak, the hope for his recovery slim.

That very day she began a novena to the Blessed Mother, and by the ninth day she learned that he had been spotted by a search plane and was safe aboard the ship.

Dad's mother, a strong and steady Roman Catholic, passed her faith on to him.

Over the years, Dad formed a deep and personal relationship with Christ, who he often referred to as the “man upstairs”.

His faith was the source of his inner strength, and the cornerstone of his life, which he acknowledged every day through his prayers and devotion.

Dad set an example for us, not only through prayer, but also through his words and deeds.

His attitude toward life was one of my greatest inspirations. He valued fairness, compassion, generosity, integrity and respect.

He never bragged or boasted about his accomplishments, which were many.

He set high standards for himself and expected them from others as well. Through his attitudes toward life,
Dad set an example for me of how to live the gospel.

In our reading from the Gospel of Matthew we heard the Beatitudes. Those teachings of Jesus that begin with the words “Blessed be…”

The Beatitudes are often referred to as the “Attitudes of Life” or the “Attitudes of Being.”

They go beyond the Ten Commandments. They do not tell us what to do or not to do, but rather the attitude we should have toward God and others.

We are called to have an attitude of humility, to live humbly and honestly before God and our neighbor.

We are called to have an attitude of compassion for those who suffer, and to support them and help them carry their crosses.

We are called to have an attitude of respect. To honestly admit that there just may be someone better at doing something than we are, and have the wisdom and courage to let it happen.

We are called to have an attitude of fairness. To be just in caring for the poor, the widows, the orphans, the homeless, those less fortunate then we are.

We are called to have an attitude of mercy. To honestly ask God to forgive us in the same way we forgive others.

Dad exemplified all of these attitudes in his dealings with others. I am sure many of you here know first hand what kind of a man he was.

A turning point in Dad's life came in 1955. He had been flying for Northwest Airlines for about three years when he decided to leave the city and move out to the country.

Eventually he and mom decided to buy a dilapidated old sheep farm, east of Rosemount.

They wanted a nice place to raise a family. I was three years old at the time; my brothers had not come along yet.

There was no running water. The only heat was a fuel oil burner and a potbelly stove.

Dad was a source of much amusement to his neighbors. He didn't know much about country life, but he was willing to learn, and he never gave up.

With the help of his neighbors he put in his own plumbing, dug out the basement, installed a natural gas pipeline, and remodeled the house.

He tried raising chickens, then rabbits, and then ducks. He was fairly successful breeding horses. But finally he settled on raising cattle, and at one time he had over a hundred head.

He was generous to those in need, he didn't expect to be praised or recognized. He just quietly worked long hard hours building his dream.

One by one he won people over by gaining their respect and admiration.

He raised his family on that farm, and lived there for more than 55 years.

My mother passed away in 1992, and for the last 19 years Dad lived alone in the house they had built.

Last March he lost everything when his house burned to the ground. He knew he would never be able to rebuild.

The loss of the farm was devastating for Dad. But it did not change his attitude. It just gave him an opportunity to start over.

He renewed old friendships, and made many new ones. He was particularly close to his caregivers who helped him get established in his apartment in town.

He lived there until he passed away at home last week. His caregivers, family and friends were with him.

He lived a full life, a good life, and was very much loved by everyone he knew.

When I think of Dad, I think of an American Indian teaching that I heard from an elder at Gichitwaa Kateri.

“There are two wolves that live within us that seek to control us: one hungers for jealousy, greed and power while the other hungers for love, peace and justice.

When asked by a young boy which of the two wolves would be successful, the elder responded, “The one you feed.”

Lou Damiani fed the right wolf.

He walked through life with humility and dignity. He was a man who had the right attitude, an attitude of being, based on his faith in Christ.

It is this same faith we share with him that promises us eternal life, eternal love, and eternal peace.

He once told me that when he drove past St. Joseph's cemetery, he would say to my mother who is buried there, “see you soon June.”

So today as we prepare to lay him to rest next to his beloved wife, we gather not to say “good-bye” but “see you later Lou.”

Thanks Dad for everything!

NEA/DL Capt. Mike Green

Belated news has reached us that NEA/DL pilot, Delta Golden Wings and Delta Pioneers member Captain Michael D. ‘Mike’ Green passed away on January 29, 2012.  Born April 5, 1933 Captain Green was 78 years of age at the time of his death.  Mike hired on with Northeast 01-17-1966.  Survived by his wife Sandra ‘Sandi’, personal condolences may be sent to 
  860 NW 73rd Ter.,  Plantation, FL 33317-1030  ...  (954) 584-9813  
Our information is very limited.  Please drop us a note if you find that you have more information to share and we will pass it along.  Thank you.
 
In Memory of

Michael Green

April 5, 1933 - January 29, 2012
Michael Green age 78, of Plantation, passed away January 29, 2012. Services are Tuesday January 31, 2012 at 3:15 pm. Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel,7701 Bailey Road North Lauderdale, FL.33068
Burial arrangements under the direction of Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Funeral Chapel.
 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - January 31, 2012

Green, Michael

Green Green, Michael, 78, of Plantation, FL, passed away on January 29, 2012. Star of David Cemetery and Funeral Home, North Lauderdale.

Michael Green


Green, Michael, 78, of Plantation, FL, passed away on January 29, 2012. Star of David Cemetery and Funeral Home, North Lauderdale.

Published in Sun-Sentinel on January 31, 2012

Thursday, April 5, 2012

DL Capt. W. B. 'Bene' McWilliams

Our site has received a request from family members to notify our group of the passing of DL Captain W. B. ‘Bene’ McWilliams.  In case you missed the obituary put out last October, please see information below for repeat. 
Survived by sons and daughters, personal notes
may be sent to son Jim McWilliams at
12506 Woodlake St., Pinehurst, TX 77362-3946  ...  (281) 259-4843
  
                           ~ IN MEMORY ~
                      Capt. W. B. ‘Bene’ McWilliams
                      Birth:  Apr. 24, 1929
                      Death:  Oct. 10, 2011, Spring Harris County Texas, USA
William "Bene" McWilliams, 82, of Spring, passed away October 10, 2011. Visitation and funeral services were conducted at Klein Funeral Home-Tomball with J.D. Baugus officiating. Interment followed at Klein Memorial Park.
=================================
From: Homestead    Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 8:03 PM
Subject: Your Web Site Received a Form Submission
 WB MCWILLIAMS (BEN)
 DOB   04/1929
 Died:  10/10/11
 Age:  82
 Cause:  NATURAL
 CHILDREN-JIM MCWILLIAMS-12506 WOODLAKE PINEHURST TX 77362
 DELTA/  IAH   RETIRED
 HOUSTON CHRONICLE
==============================
From: PCN DEATH Notice Mgr Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 11:08 PM
Subject: Death of DL Capt. Wm. 'Bene' McWilliams, age 82, and wife Doris 'Naomi'
Notification of the passing of DL Captain ‘Bene’ McWilliams.  Born
April 24, 1929, William Bene McWilliams was 82 years of age at the
time of his passing October 10, 2011.  Capt. McWilliams hired on with
Delta in 1956 and retired February 1989, based Houston, with 32+ years
of service.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
Visitation and funeral services will be held October 14th.
Arrangements are being handled by
Klein Funeral Home , 1400 West Main , Tomball, Texas 77375
(281) 351-7233     http://www.kleinfh.com/
Sadly, Captain McWilliams lost his wife Doris ‘Naomi’ Holliman
McWilliams just five weeks prior to his passing.  Please see obituary
below.
Thank you,
~ Carol Faulkner, PCN death notice communicator
death@pilotcommunication.net
===============================
CAPTAIN WILLIAM "BENE" MCWILLIAMS   , 1929 ~ 2011
William "BENE" Mcwilliams, 82, of Spring, TX, took off for final
flight upon the wings of angels on Monday Oct. 10, 2011. He is
predeceased as of Sept. 5, 2011, by his angel Doris "Naomi"
McWilliams, his wife of 57 years. Together they shared their love for
family by the blessing of 10 children- LaDonna Holliday (Shawn),
Phyllis Warner (Fred), Jim McWilliams (Sherry), Andrea McWilliams,
Sondra Richardson (Jimmy), Kathleen McWilliams, John McWilliams, Ben
McWilliams, Betsy Hickman (David), and Tommy McWilliams (Jeaneen); 14
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Bene was an avid pilot where he was known at Delta Airlines as "Gentle
Bene" due to his caring nature. Naomi was a registered nurse and
loving mother who gave graciously to all. Bene and Naomi will be
dearly missed by all that knew them.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, at Klein
Funeral Home, Tomball, where funeral services will immediately follow
at 2 p.m. with J.D. Baugus officiating. Interment will take place in
Klein Memorial Park, FM 2920.
Published in Houston Chronicle on October 12, 2011.