PCN Flight West Page

Flt West Page___Survivor's Page____PCN Home Page_____Flight West Lists______Report a Death___About Mark__Contact Blog Admin

___ 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).

HOME PAGE SHOWs THE 5 MOST RECENT POSTS.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

NEA/DL Sylvia Weiss, widow of Capt. Robert Weiss

~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA Stewardess Sylvia Weiss, widow of NEA/DL Capt. Robert Weiss
June 13, 1932 ~ January 28, 2013

Notification of the passing of former NEA stewardess Sylvia Lee (Day) Weiss, widow of Chicago based NEA/DL pilot Captain Robert Stoddard Weiss who passed away just last month on December 3, 2012. The funeral home website http://www.ccgfuneralhome.com/ should be updated soon with obituary and guestbook information. Obituary and online guestbook may also be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?n=sylvia-weiss&pid=162747816#fbLoggedOut Funeral services will be private. Perhaps the best contact for family would be c/o son Stephen Stoddard (Cathy) Weiss at
13 Sunnyside Ave., Darien, CT 06820-3714.

Sylvia Weiss

Sylvia Lee (Day) Weiss of Oak Bluffs died on Monday evening, January 28, 2013 after a short illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Stoddard Weiss in December 3, 2012. They met during their respective careers: he being an airline pilot and she as an airline attendant for Northeast Airlines. They lived between Hobe Sound, FL in the winters and Martha's Vineyard in the summers where Robert was a licensed captain and held fishing charters on his boat Summer's Lease. Sylvia smoked the day's catch of blue fish and made pate which she would then sell from the boathouse behind her home to those fortunate enough to be in the know. Robert and Sylvia traveled extensively and lived in numerous parts of the world, but she was most fond of the Vineyard and its beaches. Sylvia was a member of the Bethel Congregation al Church in Bethel, CT when they lived there previously. She was also an avid reader and frequent visitor to the Oak Bluffs Library. Sylvia was born in Boston on June 15, 1932 the daughter of Wallace and Marion (Bruce) Day, both of whom have predeceased her. She survived by her two sons, Richard and his wife Anne of Ridgefield, CT and Stephen and his wife Cathy of Darien, CT; and three grandchildren, Taylor-Lynn Weiss, Kenny and Robert Weiss. Her funeral service will be private. Donations may be made in her memory to the Friend of the Oak Bluffs Public Library, PO Box 2039 , or Hospice of MV, PO Box 2549, both in Oak Bluffs, MA 02539. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
.Published in News Times on January 31, 2013


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Capt. Robert Stoddard Weiss, 1931~2012
Obituary can be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newstimes/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-Weiss&pid=161685077 The August 1983 issue of DeltaDigest notes Captain Weiss’ retirement: Robert S. Weiss, Captain, Chicago/O’Hare, with 27 years of service.
Obituary
Robert Stoddard Weiss died on December 3, 2012 peacefully at his home in Oak Bluffs after a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. He was 81 years of age. Robert was married to Sylvia L. (Day) Weiss for fifty-four years and they enjoyed their time together by traveling the world. Robert was born in Rockville Centre in New York on October 26, 1931 and grew up in Freeport on Long Island. He was the son of Herman R. Weiss and Marjorie Marie (Johnson) Weiss. After graduating high school and receiving his associate's degree in animal husbandry he was drafted in to the Army during the Korean Conflict and was discharged in 1954. Upon returning to the United States he trained and obtained his pilot's license in 1956. He was flying for Northeast Airline which was subsequently taken over by Delta Airlines in the 1970's for whom he flew for until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge in Bethel, CT. He lived between Hobe Sound, FL in the winters and Martha's Vineyard in the summers where he was a licensed Coast Guard captain and held fishing charters on his boat Summer's Lease. Robert enjoyed gardening, fishing and was known to always lend a hand to help fix just about anything and to give back. He and Sylvia traveled extensively and lived in numerous parts of the world. Robert is survived by his wife; two sons, Richard of Ridgefield, CT and Stephen of Darien, CT; and three grandchildren, Taylor-Lynn Weiss, Kenny and Robert Weiss. His funeral service will be private. Donations may be made in his memory to the Animal Shelter, PO Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs. Please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.
.Published in News Times on December 14, 2012
From: carol Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 3:26 PM Subject: passing of ORD NEA/DL Capt. Bob Weiss , age 81
~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA/DL Capt. Robert S. Weiss
October 26, 1931 ~ December 3, 2012
Word has been received with the passing of NEA/DL retired pilot Captain Robert S. ‘Bob’ Weiss, age 81. Captain Weiss hired on with Northeast first in January 1956, pilot rosters reflect a seniority date 08-05-1957/10-23-1957, and he retired with Delta 09-01-1983, based ORD. I believe Captain Weiss is survived by his wife Sylvia and that personal condolences may be sent to
24 Wedgewood Road, Westport CT 06880-2735.... Home (203) 222-7146
Arrangements are pending and will be posted when known.
Thank you/Carol

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Josephine Romano, mother of DL Judi (Capt. Charley) Peck

~ IN MEMORY ~
Josephine Romano, mother of DL Judi (Capt. Charley) Peck
November 11, 1919 ~ January 27, 2013

Word has been received from the Peck family that Josephine Romano, mother-in-law of the departed DL Captain Charles F. Peck who passed 02-01-2010 and mother of Captain Peck’s widow Judi, has passed away at the age of 93. Mrs. Romano is survived by her husband and her daughter Judi Peck plus many other family members and friends.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at http://www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com/ (Mrs. Romano’s obituary should be posted soon on the funeral home website.)   

Personal condolences may be sent to the Peck residence at
6 South Court Villa Drive , Mandeville LA 70471-1721 
(985) 845-3282 ... e-mail: judipeck1@gmail.com

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

Josephine Romano

Josephine Mary Romano, 93, passed away at 9:56 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, at her residence at Foxes Grove. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alton. Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.

Complete obituary:
 
Josephine Mary Romano, 93, formerly of Alton, was released from this life and entered eternal peace with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2013, at her residence at Foxes Grove Supportive Living in Wood River.

She was born on Nov. 11, 1919, in Bethalto, Ill., to Frederick and Myrtle (Chalengsworth) Berghoff. She married Anthony Romano in Alton on Aug. 26, 1939. They were blessed to celebrate 73 years of marriage. He survives.

Jo was a homemaker all of her life. She loved to dance, and for many years she and her husband enjoyed dancing every Saturday night. She was a voracious reader, and particularly liked Agatha Christie novels. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. London was her favorite city. She became an avid Cardinal baseball fan, and she and Tony enjoyed watching the games together. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for more than 70 years. In earlier years she helped with funeral luncheons, was active with the CYO and was a member of the Altar Society. She had a special devotion to Mary, the Blessed Mother, and said the rosary daily. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her beloved family, her daughters and spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters, Judi Peck of Mandeville, La.; Mary Jo Romano-Buesteton of Godfrey; and a son-in-law she loved like a son, Joel Buesteton of Godfrey; three grandchildren, Erin and husband, Carl Oest-Larsen, of Seattle; Dr. Kyle Buesteton of Godfrey; Sarah Buesteton of Kansas City, Mo.; two great-grandchildren, Lene and Kate Oest-Larsen of Seattle; a sister, Mary Oldham, and a brother, Robert, and wife, Irene (Jeanne) Berghoff, of Bethalto; sister-in-law Elaine Berghoff of Greenville, Ill.; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews and a very dear friend, Nina Olmsted of Jerseyville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Alice Stiegler; four brothers, Leroy, Frederick, Eugene and James Berghoff; her son-in-law, Charles Peck, and a sister-in-law and special friend, Rose Dipiazzo.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, with Father James Walther, OMV, as celebrant.

She will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Building Fund or Foxes Grove Activity Fund.

The family expresses a heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful staff at Foxes Grove Supportive Living for their loving and compassionate care of Jo. We especially appreciated the care and kindness she received in her final days. A special thanks to her devoted caregiver, Rita Rubenstein, who diligently cared for her for almost two years.

Special thanks also to the Hospice team of St. Anthony's Hospital who helped make Mom's journey home a peaceful one, and to Dr. Abdul Muhammud, who provided exceptional care.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com

Sunday, January 27, 2013

NWA/DL Capt. Timothy J. Meeker

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA/DL Capt. Timothy J. Meeker
March 15, 1958 ~ January 22, 2013

Notification of the passing of NWA/DL Captain Timothy Meeker, age 54. Captain Meeker hired on with Northwest 08-23-1985 and according to his obituary retired with 23 years of service as a commercial pilot. Services for Captain Meeker were held yesterday, January 26th in Texas.

Survived by his wife Tamela ‘Tammy’, personal condolences may be sent to their residence at
2901 Hillview Drive , Grapevine TX 76051-6590 ... (817) 267-7929

Timothy Meeker
1958 - 2013

Timothy Meeker, 54, of Grapevine passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday at J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Directors. Memorials: ALS Association, 888-949-2527 or www.alsa.org. He was born March 15, 1958, in Hackensack, N.J., to Warren and Carol. He was a captain with Northwest Airlines for 23 years. He was married to Tammy for 30 years. Survivors: Those left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife are daughter, Tia Meeker and husband, Sean Szuma; son, Todd Meeker; his parents; three brothers; and three sisters.
 
.Published in Star-Telegram on January 24, 2013

J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Home
523 South Main Street
Grapevine, TX 76051
(817) 481-2525

NEA/DL F/O William F. Farmer

correction....NEA/DL...hired by NEA 09-03-1968...retirement date with Delta unclear as appears he may have been SLOA status prior to retirement...thank you! Carol  1-28-2013 update

~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA/DL pilot William Fred Farmer
November 17, 1941 ~ January 18, 2013
 
Notification of the passing of retired NEA/DL pilot William Fred Farmer, age 71. William Farmer hired on with Northeast Airlines 09-03-1968. As of September 1998, F/O Farmer was based ATL with 30 years of service. His obituary mentions that he flew internationally for 35 years but I was unable to determine an exact date of retirement. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL pilot William F. Farmer
November 17, 1941 ~ January 18, 2013


Notification of the passing of retired DL pilot William F. Farmer, age 71. William Farmer hired on with Delta 09-03-1968. As of September 1998, F/O Farmer was based ATL with 30 years of service. His obituary mentions that he flew internationally for 35 years but I was unable to determine an exact date of retirement. Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=william-f-farmer&pid=162553497#fbLoggedOut

Survived by his wife Sharon personal condolences
may be sent to their residence at
3613 Fair Oaks Pl., Longboat Key FL 34228-4152 ... (941) 383-2778

 Thank you,
~ Carol
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Farmer, William F.: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) - Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Nov. 17, 1941 - Jan. 18, 2013

William F. Farmer , 71, of Longboat Key, Florida, passed away on January 18, 2013.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he graduated from Clearwater High School, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He flew internationally for Delta Air Lines for 35 years. And he was a member of the Longboat Key Club since 1996.

Farmer is survived by his wife, Sharon; his brother Ben; his four children, Chad, Cindy, Cara and Darrin; his 3 grandchildren Lizze, Elle, and Cayden. A Memorial service will be announced in the Spring. Memorial donations can be given to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Rose Liebman, widow of NEA/DL Capt. Charlie Liebman

~ IN MEMORY ~
Rose I. Liebman, widow of NEA/DL Capt. Charlie Liebman
March 21, 1915 ~ January 21, 2013
Family members have advised us that Rose Liebman, widow of NEA/DL Captain Charlie Liebman, passed away on Monday, January 21st. Rose was just 2 months shy of her 98th birthday. Captain Charles Liebman, born December 14, 1913, hired on with Northeast in 1943. He passed away February 5, 2010 at the age of 96. Rose had most recently resided at 17895 Plaza Valdivia , San Diego CA 92128-1421.
Arrangements are not known. 
 
Thank you,
~ Carol
-------Original Message-------
From: Rose Liebman Date: 1/25/2013 9:20:25 AM To: misc@pilotcommunication.net
Subject: Death
Rose Liebman, widow of former NEA and Delta captain Charlie Liebman, died on Monday, January 21st in San Diego. Rose passed 3 months shy of her 98th birthday.

NWA Capt. Robert R. DeLair

~ IN MEMORY ~
Air Force veteran, NWA Capt. Robert ‘Bob’ DeLair
November 27, 1929 ~ January 1, 2013
Notification of the passing of NWA retired pilot Captain Robert Roy DeLair. I believe Captain DeLair flew for North Central and Republic and would have retired prior to or shortly after their merger with Northwest.
Survived by his wife Marlene personal condolences
may be sent to their home at
323 Kinneret Way , Sun City Center FL 33573-6156 ... (813) 633-4533
==============================
Robert Roy DeLair of Jackson, passed away suddenly on January 1, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born on November 27, 1929 in Royal Oak, MI. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marlene DeLair; daughter, Sheri McVey; his grandchildren, Marley and Donovan McVey whom he loved dearly. In addition he is survived by his brother, Truman DeLair; numerous nieces and nephews and many other good friends. Bob joined the US Air Force to pursue his passion for flying, however, it wasn't until after proudly serving his country that he earned his pilot's license. First flying for a private company and then retiring from NW/Delta Airlines after 31 years of dedicated service. There will be a celebration of Bob's life at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donating to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
.Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on January 20, 2013

NWA Capt. Harry A. Detwiler

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Harry A. Detwiler
May 3, 1922 ~ January 20, 2013
Word has been received with the passing of WWII veteran, retired NWA pilot and RNPA member Captain Harry Andrew Detwiler, age 90. Captain Detwiler hired on with Northwest 06-23-1949 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1982.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at www.mcdonaldschapel.com/
Survived by his wife Nancy personal condolences
may be sent to their home at
1643 Spanish Bay Drive, Redding CA 96003-1541 ... (530) 241-8079
A memorial service will take place at a later date at the the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry Andrew Detwiler, 90, passed away on January 20, 2013. He was born May 3, 1922 to Ray and Anna Detwiler in Raymond Nebraska. He graduated from Raymond High School and attended the University of Nebraska. While working for his uncle's flight school, he learned to fly which had been his childhood dream.
During WWII, he was 21 when he enlisted as a naval aviation cadet in June of 1942. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in March 1943, following flight training at Pensacola, Florida. He went to Cherry Point, N.C. and was attached to VMSB-341 bombing squadron. Harry flew many combat missions in his sturdy "Dauntless" as a dive bomber pilot in the Solomon Islands.
Harry came home a Captain earning many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a flight instructor for two years at Bremerton airfield and following a brief employment with TWA, was hired on with Northwest Orient Airlines. Harry met the love of his life, Nancy, who was a stewardess with NWA. They were married in 1956 and raised three children together in Seattle and Enumclaw, WA. He loved to golf, ski, was an avid reader, and travel with his family. Harry flew for NWA for 33 years, retiring as a Captain. Upon retirement he bought a small plane so he could continue to fly and they took many wonderful trips together.
He enjoyed his small ranch in Enumclaw before moving to San Jose del Cabo with Nancy where they shared many happy and wonderful times with their children and grandchildren. They moved to Redding, California in 2001 and built their last home together.
Harry was a member of the Sir's, the Sons of Italy, the Elks, the Retired NW Pilots Assoc, and the United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, son David Detwiler of Redding, Ca; son Douglas Detwiler (Kim) of Bonneylake Wa; and daughter Polly Kranz (Tim) of Enumclaw Wa. Harry has seven grandchildren that were the light of his life.
Everyone who knew Harry knows what a sweet, gentle, kind man he was. He will be greatly missed and was loved by us all so much.
A memorial service will take place at a later date at the Veteran's Cemetery in Igo. Please sign the guestbook at McDonalds Chapel.com
'Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings' Fly on, Dad!
.Published in Redding Record Searchlight on January 26, 2013

WA/DL dispatcher Leo 'Bud' Meyer

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL retired Dispatcher Leo ‘Bud’ Meyer
May 17, 1935 ~ January 23, 2013

Word has been received that Army veteran, retired LAX/ATL - WA/DL dispatcher and Delta Pioneer member Leo Edward Meyer, age 77, was found deceased in his home last Wednesday. Leo hired on with Western in January of 1984, and retired with Delta as a Flt. Supt. Dispatcher, 022/ATG in June of 2000.

Information received so far notes that there will be a viewing at noon on Tuesday, January 29th, followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 PM at St Mary's Church located at 1291 E. Madison Ave., Athens TN 37303.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.davisfuneralhomes.com/obits/obituary.php?id=253058

Personal condolences may be sent to the family c/o of Leo’s daughter:
Karel Lea (Greg) Biggs
2600 W. Henderson Way
Clarksville, Tn. 37042-5670 ... (931) 920-3063


Mr. Leo “Bud” Meyer, age 77 of Kingston, passed away Wednesday January 24, 2013 at his home. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Meyer was retired from Delta Airline after more than 20 years of service and was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Athens.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents: Leo and Regina Meyer.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Karel Lea and Greg Biggs of Clarksville. Two brothers: Norman Meyer of Eagle Butte, SD and Eugene Meyer of Hawthorne, CA Two sisters: Donna Meyer of Denver, CO and Clara Belle Wolken of Las Vegas, NV. And a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Knights of Columbus, or St Mary Church.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Janet Kay Lillyblad, wife of NWA Capt. Stephen Lillyblad


~ IN MEMORY ~
Janet Kay Lillyblad
October 1, 1942 ~ January 18, 2013
Obituary:
Passed away at home in Apple Valley surrounded by her family on January 18, 2013, after living her life proudly and resolutely in the face of primary peritoneal cancer. She was a loving wife, beloved mother, and treasured friend to many. Janet was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Berdean Lesar; and son Seth Thomas Lillyblad. She is survived by her husband Stephen; son Scott (Lori); daughters Sara (Joe) Conlin and Suzanne (Eric) Larson; grandsons Edward Joseph Conlin and Stephen Scott Conlin; and sister Mary Ellen Herman. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, at 11 a.m., at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, 901 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, with a reception to follow. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Janet's name to a charity of one's choice . She will be greatly missed by family and friends, who she treasured greatly, just as they loved her warmth, hospitality, and sense of humor.



~ IN MEMORY ~
Janet Kay Lillyblad
October 1, 1942 ~ January 18, 2013

Word has reached us that Janet Kay Lillyblad, wife of retired NWA pilot and RNPA member Captain Stephen S. Lillyblad, has passed away after a two year battle with peritoneal cancer. Born October 1, 1942 Janet Kay Lesar Lillyblad was 70 years of age at the time of her passing. Survived by her husband Steve personal condolences may be sent to their residence at
8493 133rd St. W , Apple Valley MN 55124-9504 .... (952) 431-6658
Arrangements are not yet known.

From: RNPA News Sent: Friday, January 18, 2013 2:07 PM
Subject: RNPA News: Janet Lillyblad Has Passed Away
Janet K. Lillyblad wife of Retired NWA Capt. Steve Lillyblad and 10 year RNPA MSP Christmas Party Committee member passed away on January 18, 2013 after a two year battle with Peritoneal Cancer. Obituary will forthcoming.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

WA/DL Capt. F. Alan Kneier

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. F. Alan Kneier
December 13, 1936 ~ January 17, 2013


We have received word that WA/DL Capt. F. Alan Kneier, age 76, has passed away due to advanced lymphoma. Fred Alan Kneier was born/raised in the San Francisco area of California. Captain Kneier hired on with Western 03-04-1969 and retired with Delta at the mandatory age 60 in December of 1996, and was based LAX/030 at the time of his retirement. Survived by his wife Sonia personal condolences may be sent to the family at
1585 Yew St., San Mateo CA 94402-3428.
You may also contact the family c/o oldest daughter Sherry at 415-810-4143.
Arrangements are pending and will be posted on our blog spot when they become known.


Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 10:46 PM Subject: Al Kneier
Alan Kneier has advanced lymphoma. He and Sonia decided to let nature
take its course. I visited yesterday and he does not respond to much.
There is not much time left for this Western Airlines pilot......oldest daughter,
Sherry, is the contact person for the family and can be reached at:
415-810-4143. He was the #1 pilot in Western\'s new hire class of March
3,1969. He will be sorely missed by his fellow Western pilots.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

NWA Capt. Robert N. 'Bob' Lund

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Robert N. ‘Bob’ Lund
December 13, 1936 ~ January 16, 2013

Erik writes us that his father NWA Capt. Robert N. Lund has passed away at the age of 76. Captain Lund hired on with NWA 07-05-1966 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1996. Erik can be reached at eriklund1@yahoo.com 

Erik writes:
I am sorry to say my father, Robert N. Lund passed yesterday Jan 16, 2013. please post it to the group. His obituary follows. You can include my contact info for questions if you want. Thank you
"Robert Norton Lund (Bob) died January 16, 2013 of complications due to respiratory illness. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 13, 1936 to Elbert and Evelyn Lund who preceded him in death. Also preceded in death by sister Judith and son William Worum Lund. He is survived by his sister Mary Beth Lund-Fruen and his children Erik A. Lund and Tory W. Lund.
Bob was a retired Airline Captain who flew for Northwest for 28 years after a brief career as a 3M salesman and as a Travelers Insurance claims adjuster.
He was an avid golfer, hunter and dog lover. He bred and showed dogs for many years and Co-founded the Afghan Hound Club of Hawaii.
Bob was a Macalester College graduate and National Guard Officer, commanding an aviation unit at the St. Paul Airport National Guard hangar. He graduated in the first class of Guard OCS, the Minnesota Military Academy in 1958, then attended Basic Infantry Officer Training at FT Benning, GA. Then went to Army Flight School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. This training ultimately led to his career at Northwest Airlines.
Per Bob's wishes a celebration of his life will be held this summer at Sunset Point on Sugar Lake. June 22, 2013 at 100pm."
ERIK LUND
612-790-1044
eriklund1@yahoo.com

From: RNPA News Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 6:27 AM
Subject: RNPA News: Bob Lund Update
Bob Lund’s son Erik writes.


Dad has been moved to the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington. Room 311, they are going to continue therapy for the next round. He seems to be doing about the same as previous so maybe the Masonic home can help him. He welcomes all visitors and calls. His phone is his cell number 612-791-0444. Address is 11501 Masonic Home Dr. Bloomington, MN 55437. Rm 311.

please pass this along to others I may have missed.

Thanks, Erik Lund 612-790-1044 elund1@comcast.net


Thursday, January 17, 2013

NWA Phyllis Curry, stewardess/wife/mother


~ IN MEMORY ~
Phyllis Adaire Curry
July 27, 1924 ~ January 15, 2013

Notification of the passing of early NWA stewardess Phyllis Adaire Tack Curry, age 88, widow of NWA Capt. Charles ‘Chuck’ William Jackson Curry Sr., and mother of NWA/DL Detroit based international Captain Charles ‘Charlie’ Curry Jr. A Memorial Service will be held this Friday, January 18, in Bloomington MN.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at
http://www.gillbrothers.com/
Personal condolences may be sent to the Curry family at
2423 Hidden Lake Drive , Saint Paul MN 55125-4867

 

 

Phyllis Adaire Curry, 88, of Bloomington, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. She met her husband Chuck, a pilot, during her cherished time as a Northwest Airlines stewardess. Together they made some of the first flights to Tokyo following WWII. She loved playing bridge in many different clubs with her good friends. She was a long-time member of the Women's Club of Minneapolis.
 

Phyllis is survived by her son, Charles Jr. (Mary) Curry of Woodbury, MN; daughter, Janet Curry of Ashland, OR; grandchildren, Julia and Rose Curry, and Morgan LaManna.
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Sr., daughter, Carol Olivia Curry, and brothers, Chuck, Jim, and Earl Tack.
 

Memorial Service will be on Friday, January 18, at 11:00 AM at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 9947 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN.

Bloomington 952-888-7771
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
 

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

~ IN MEMORY ~

Capt. C. W. Curry Sr. hired on with NWA 02-26-1942 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1973.
Date of Birth: June 05, 1913
Date of Death: February 17, 2003
Age at Death: 89 years, 8 months, 12 days

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Jackie Herchek, widow of DL Capt. Bob Herchek

Update:  **A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Monday January 14, 2013 at 1 pm at the Coronado United Methodist Church, 201 South Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169.

Jacqueline Herchek
January 27, 1937 - January 8, 2013


**A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Monday January 14, 2013 at 1 pm at the Coronado United Methodist Church, 201 South Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169.

Obituary:

Jacqueline (Jackie) Kay Herchek, 75 of New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away January 8, 2013 of complications from a brain aneurysm. She was the youngest daughter of John Wright and Mary Elizabeth David, born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 27, 1937.

She is survived by her children and their families, Melissa (Dan) Goldthwaite of South Hampton, NH and John (Teresa) Purdy of Savannah GA, her three stepsons, Gary (Debra) Herchek of Concord, MA, James Herchek of Atlanta, GA, and Tom (Sue) Herchek of Blue Bell, PA, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Robert Andrew Herchek (2007), and her two sisters, Marian Irene Grayson (2001) and Cecilia Mae Roberts (December 17, 2012).

Jackie lived each day to the fullest. She loved to spend time with her many friends and her family. She loved to play cards, go on cruises, and watch Ohio State football (her husband’s alma mater). She was a beloved grandmother who will be so deeply missed. She recently celebrated the arrival of two more great-grandchildren in 2012, and she had dubbed herself “G-G”. Jackie was an incredible survivor. She had battled through two brain aneurysms and stage 4 lung cancer. She was a fighter and went full throttle up until the morning that she passed.

Jackie had lived in New Smyrna Beach since 1990 and had been an incredibly active member of the community and dedicated much of her time to Bert Fish Medical Center. Jackie began her involvement with Bert Fish as a volunteer in 1994, serving as president of the auxiliary from 1999-2001. She, along with her husband, Bob, were also very involved with the Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation and served on that board for several years. Jackie and her husband Bob were named the Foundation’s first "Philanthropists of the Year" at a ceremony in November 2008. Over the years, the Herchek’s contributions benefited key patient care services that included the Regional Cancer Center and ICU. In 2005, Jackie was appointed to serve on the Southeast Volusia Hospital District Board, followed by reappointment in 2009, where she was currently serving. She was dedicated to fiscal responsibility for the District and the Hospital while providing for the under-insured, uninsured and indigent care in the community. Jackie was also active in the New Smyrna Beach Shrine Club.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Monday January 14, 2013 at 1 pm at the Coronado United Methodist Church, 201 South Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation/Oncology Center,401 Palmetto Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 32169 or to the Coronado United Methodist Church, 201 South Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida,32169.
-------------------------------------------------

~ IN MEMORY ~
Jacqueline Kay ‘Jackie’ Herchek
January 27, 1937 ~ January 8, 2013
Word has been received of the passing of Jackie Herchek, widow of DL Capt. Robert ‘Bob’ Herchek. Captain Herchek passed away in March of 2007. Jackie was nearing her 76th birthday at the time of her passing on January 8th, 2013.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Cremation Society,
1 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach FL 32169
Email: info@baldwincremation.com (386) 428-2424
Services are still pending and will be posted on our blog spot when known.
To sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.baldwincremation.com/obituaries.php/Jacqueline-Herchek/1765/index#
Jackie had most recently resided at
699 Rochester Ct., New Smyrna Beach FL 32168-2105
Thank you,
~ Carol

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

Capt. Robert A.'Bob'Herchek

April 17, 1930 ~ March 27, 2007

Daytona Beach News-Journal (FL) - Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Deceased Name: Robert A. Herchek

 


Robert Andrew "Bob" Herchek, 76, Quay Assisi, New Smyrna Beach, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007. Bob was born in Randolph, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired from Delta Airlines as a captain with 34 years of service. He was a 1953 graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelor degree in insurance. He held memberships in Coronado Community United Methodist Church, New Smyrna Beach, Conrad Lodge F&AM Alliance, Ohio, Scottish Rite Consistory Miami, Bahia Shrine Center of Orlando, where he was active in the Royal Order of Jesters Court 166, was a past president of the New Smyrna Beach Shrine Club, past treasurer and current board member of Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation, honorary member of New Smyrna Beach Kiwanis Club; and served as past national vice president of the Airlines Pilots Association. To cherish his memory Bob leaves his wife of 34 years, Jackie; sons, James Herchek, Atlanta, Gary (Debra) Herchek, Concord, Mass., Thomas (Sue) Herchek, Blue Bell, Pa.; stepdaughter Melissa (Dan) Goldthwaite, South Hampton, N.H.; stepson, John Purdy, Savannah, Ga.; stepsister, Jean (Chuck) Lippert, Naples, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and a host of nephews and nieces. Memorial donations are requested to Shriners Children's Hospitals Transportation Fund, 1111 South Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 or Bert Fish Medical Center Foundation, 401 Palmetto Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. Funeral service will be 4 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Coronado Community United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bob Brown officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time at the church. Committal will be in Randolph, Ohio. Send condolences at www.BaldwinBros.net

 

Sunday, January 6, 2013

WA Capt. Arthur F. Gardner

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA Capt. Arthur F. ‘Art’ Gardner
May 14, 1919 ~ January 4, 2013

Marine Corps WWII veteran, recipient of Distinguished Flying Cross, WAL pilot,
Lawyer, Los Angeles school board member/president,
DGW president 1991 & 1992


Notification of the passing of early Western pilot Captain Arthur Fuller Gardner, age 93. Art was the youngest of six born in a farm home near Batavia NY, raised on the family farm near Alexander NY. Captain Gardner hired on with Western Airlines 12-10-1945 and retired with Western at the mandatory age 60 in 1979, based LAX. Art’s time with Western actually began when he hunkered down and survived a plane crash! On December 15, 1942, a Western plane en route to Los Angeles crashed near Fairfield UT. Of the 19 passengers and crew aboard, 17 died. News articles read: “A doughty 23-year-old Leatherneck tightened his safety belt and rode out a Western Airlines transport crash...Lieut. A. F. Gardner of Alexander NY and the United States Marine Corps smiled through a scratched bruised face...suffered a double fracture in the right thigh and shoulder injuries....” Lt. Gardner did so well in testifying for Western as to what happened the night of the crash, that Western’s Jimmie James offered him a job when the war was over. Thus began his career with Western in 1945. In 1972, Captain Gardner became Senior Vice President of Flight Operations but went back to the line after two years because he didn’t like a desk job. Art was admitted to the state bar of California in 1951 and was a practicing lawyer. He was a member of the Los Angeles Board of Education, 1951-1955 and 1959-1971, was chosen as board president for two one-year terms, in 1960-61 and 1969-70, which were turbulent integration times for schools. After leaving the school board, he served as chairman of the Council for Peace and Equality in Education. Captain Gardner was active with ALPA and was president of the Delta Golden Wings (1991-1992). 


Captain Gardner was in an assisted living facility in Costa Mesa CA at the time of his passing. The Los Angeles news article notes that he had been in hospice care since suffering a stroke in December. I have not yet seen an obituary in print nor am I aware of funeral arrangements.   Further updates to follow...

Thank you,
~ Carol

NWA pilot Daniel C. Ross

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA pilot Daniel C. Ross
September 9, 1939 ~ December 29, 2012

Notification of the passing of Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran, NWA pilot Daniel Colburn Ross, age 73. Dan worked briefly for NWA from 12-05-1966 to 09-15-1967 when he resigned for Constable/Deputy Sheriff/Game Warden posts and Game Warden pilot duties in northern Minnesota.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.grandrapidsmn.com/obituaries/article_4c76833c-55bc-11e2-bf3d-001a4bcf887a.html or the funeral home website at http://www.carrollfuneralhomes.com/ Survived by his wife Gail personal condolences may be sent to
P.O. Box 205
Deer River, MN 56636-0205 ... (218) 246-8427

Visitation: Saturday, Jan 5, 2012 ; 4-6 P.M. at: Carroll Funeral Home Deer River, MN
Service: Sunday, Jan 6, 2013 ; 2:00 P.M. at: Bethany Lutheran Church Deer River, MN
Cemetery: Ft. Snelling National Cemetery ; Minneapolis, MN

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

Daniel Colburn Ross, 73, of Deer River, MN died Dec. 29, 2012 in Grand Rapids, MN.

Dan was born Sept. 9, 1939 to Glenn and Maxine (Colburn) Ross of Excelsior, MN. He graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1957 and then studied forestry and joined military reserves at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. Dan enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps before graduating from the University. When a corporal, he was invited for officer training. He attended the Marine Corps Aviation Cadets program for 18 months, then served as a Marine helicopter pilot in Vietnam during 1964 and 1965. Dan returned to the US, serving as a pilot in Twentynine Palms, California and as an instructor-pilot in Pensacola, Florida.

In Florida, Dan met Gail Bussey Garnett and married her on June 24, 1968 in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.

Dan served in the military for 41 years of active duty and active reserves. He returned to Minnesota to work as a pilot with Northwest Airlines. Dan soon noticed that many Northwest pilots were working for 50 weeks a year to afford two weeks of enjoying the woods, fields, and waters of Minnesota. So, Dan resigned the airlines to become a Game Warden.

He was elected Constable of Carver County and then became a Deputy Sheriff in Carver County. In 1968, he was hired by the Minnesota DNR as a Game Warden and assigned his first station at Schroeder on the North Shore of Lake Superior. In 1981, Dan became a warden pilot (aka Conservation Officer Pilot) stationed in DNR Region Two (Grand Rapids). He held that position for 15 years and retired from the DNR in 1996.

Dan and Gail participated in the Itasca County community in a number of ways, serving as Emergency Medical Technicians with the Deer River Ambulance Service, National Ski Patrol members at Sugar Hills, First Aid and CPR instructors with American Red Cross and American Heart Association, and as a Board Member at Bethany Lutheran Church, and Board Member and Deacon at Clara Lutheran Church. After retiring from the DNR, Dan kept his professional hand in by flying the tanker-lead plane for the Minnesota Inter-Agency Fire Center and working with the Deer River police force. He always loved being afield with his hunting dogs – mostly Chesapeake retrievers in recent years. Dan and Gail and their dogs were active as AKC field trial participants and judges in retrieving and pointing dog trials. In his retirement years, Dan enjoyed many duck hunting trips with his warden colleagues to Canada, North Dakota, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Dan was a Mason (Grand Marais Lodge), a life member of the VFW (Deer River). a member of the American Legion (Deer River), and an enthusiastic supporter of and participant in numerous civil organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited and the Itasca Chapter of Minnesota Waterfowl Association.

Dan felt that his values and know-how were gifts from his parents and – especially – from two role models, who were his grandfather, game warden Al Colburn, and his uncle, forester Floyd Colburn who served with the Tenth Mountain Division in World War II. Long into adulthood, before acting Dan would think of what Al or Floyd would do in the same situation.

Dan was a deeply religious man. He and Gail were especially moved by their experience with the Via de Cristo (Cursillo) movement. Dan was an ardent student of the New Testament, and deeply committed to his relation with Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife Gail, son Bob, grandson Aaron (Jessica), and great-granddaughter, Rebecca. His surviving family also includes Dan’s brother Bruce Ross-Sheriff (wife Fariyal, daughter Tasanee, son Ben, granddaughter Nyla). His surviving Godchildren are: Melissa (Majors) Steele, Mary (Smetanka) D Aversa, Andy Paul Smetanka, Rachel Smetanka, Aaron Heidebrink, Joshua Heidebrink, Sarah (Heidebrink) Niskala, Russell Grau, Shannon Reigel, Jessica Reigel.

Visitation: Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, 4-6 p.m. at the Carroll Funeral Home in Deer River, MN. Funeral Service: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, 2 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Deer River, MN. Burial: Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, 12:00 Noon Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, MN. Memorials in-lieu-of flowers.

Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, MN.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Mary 'Tut' Estes, wife of DL Capt. Jack Estes

~ IN MEMORY ~
Mary ‘Tut’ Estes, wife of DL Capt. Jack Estes
November 29, 1920 ~ January 3, 2013
 
Notification of the passing of Mary ‘Tut’ Estes, wife of retired DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Capt. Jack L. Estes. Born Mary Josephine Evans on November 29, 1920, ‘Tut’ was 92 years of age at the time of her passing January 3rd. Mary was working as a secretary at Delta Air Lines where she met her husband to be. Jack had hired on with Delta 01-01-1946. Captain Jack and ‘Tut’ have been married now for 60 years.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.davisstruempf.com/ or

Survived by her husband Jack
personal condolences may be sent to the family at
4695 N CHURCH LN SE APT 10105
SMYRNA GA 30080-5003
(404) 355-9071 .. (770) 433-0581

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

ESTES, Mary MARY "TUT" ESTES Mary "Tut" Estes, 92, formerly of Vinings, died January 3. Born Mary Josephine Evans on November 29, 1920, Tut grew up in Hapeville as the sixth of seven children in a remarkably close-knit family. A natural beauty, she was twice crowned "Miss Hapeville", in 1937 and 1938. She worked for ten years as a secretary at Delta Air Lines, where she met her husband Jack Estes, a pilot. Tut and Jack enjoyed traveling, tennis, and running well into their 70s, and Tut also loved to take long, early morning walks in their Cochise neighborhood. A woman of kindness, beauty, laughter, faith, and strength, she will be missed by the many who loved her. Surviving relatives include her devoted husband of 60 years, Jack, her daughter Leigh and husband Jeff Schlichting, and their two daughters, Nicole and Emma. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 12, at 2:00 PM, at Presbyterian Village (Lakeview Chapel), 2000 East-West Connector, Austell. Further details: http://www.davisstruempf.com 

.Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on January 6, 2013

DL Capt. Leon M. Jones

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Leon M. Jones
August 29, 1939 ~ January 3, 2013

News has reached us that Navy veteran and retired DL pilot Captain Leon M. Jones passed away on the afternoon of January 3rd. Captain Jones hired on with Delta 10-03-1966 and retired May 1997, based ATL. He was 73 years of age at the time of his passing.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8th, at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 5015 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody GA, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception following. Interment services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veteran's Cemetery Road, Canton GA.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Leon-Jones&lc=2330&pid=162147989&mid=5369175

Survived by his wife Sue personal condolences may be sent to the family at
1822 OLDE VILLAGE RUN, DUNWOODY GA 30338-5114 ... (770) 396-5921

Obituary:
Leon M. Jones, 73, of Dunwoody, GA died on January 3, 2013. He was born in Norwich, NY, and raised on a dairy farm in the picturesque town of Hamilton, NY. He graduated from Colgate University in 1961, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon and the football team, and went to Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL that fall. While in the Navy, Leon was a member of VA-15 based on the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt, CVA-42, where he flew the AD Skyraider. He married his wife, Sue Summerville, in Jacksonville, FL in 1965. Leon was hired by Delta Air Lines in 1966 where he flew ten different airplanes over a 31-year career. He lived a life of service and was respected for his character and integrity. He was an extremely generous man with both his time and talents. Leon was a devoted member of Kingswood United Methodist Church, and was the volunteer jack-of-all-trades for the Kingswood Pre-School as well as an AARP tax volunteer for twelve years. He lived in the Village Mill neighborhood in Dunwoody for 42 years. The Leon Jones Pool House was named in his honor as a thank you for his many hours of dedication to the neighborhood pool. Leon was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Marian Jones and his sister, Eleanor Emanuel. Leon is survived by his beloved family: wife Sue, son Allen (wife Nancy), and daughter Emily, and two grandchildren, Carly and Stewart Jones, whom he adored. He is also survived by his brothers Elwyn of Hamilton, NY and Carl (wife Marilyn) of Lancaster, PA, and his sister Madeleine Daubert (husband Bob) of Flat Rock, NC, and many nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 5015 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Kingswood United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service at the church. Interment services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

From: Julian Black Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 7:08 PMSubject: DAL Retired Captain Leon M. Jones
DAL Retired Captain Leon M. Jones passed away on January 3rd in the afternoon. He was in the hospital at the time for a blood clot in his lungs. He was taking blood thinner for this reason but it is suspected that a blood clot got loose and went to his heart.
His wife is Sue Jones and their address is:
1822 Olde Village Run
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Friday, January 4, 2013

WA/DL Capt. F. Neil Beckstead Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. F. Neil Beckstead
October 23, 1931 ~ January 3, 2013


Word has been received with the passing of retired WA/DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Ferrell Neil Beckstead Jr., age 81. Captain Beckstead hired on with Western 07-22-1957 and retired with Delta at the mandatory age 60 in 1991. Captain Beckstead was based SEA at the time of his retirement, but for most of his career he was based LAX and SLC. Captain Beckstead passed on the flying gene to his children as all four are also in aviation careers.

Funeral services for Capt. Beckstead will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Willow Creek 7 Ward, 2115 E. Creek Road, Sandy UT, with a viewing one hour prior to services and on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm. Interment will be on January 9th at the Grace Idaho Cemetery.

To view/sign the online obituary and guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://larkinmortuary.com/obituary/ferrell-n-beckstead Survived by his wife Roma ‘Lee’ personal condolences may be sent to the family at
2204 E Farm Brook Way, Sandy UT 84093-6478 ... Home (801) 943-0531

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

Our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend died at his home on January 3, 2013. Neil was born in a two bedroom farmhouse on what was known as Beckstead Lane on October 23, 1931 in Preston, Idaho to Ferrell Neeley Beckstead and Helen Towers Beckstead. He grew up farming and ranching at a time when there were still 5 day cattle drives to take the cows up to the summer range land. He learned early the value of hard work and commitment and these values became a part of his nature that carried him through his life of work and service to his Family, Church & Profession.

A graduate of Utah State University in 1953, Neil attended ROTC throughout college. His dream was to fly airplanes even though he was passionate about the farm. He married Roma Lee McGregor in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on March 13, 1953. After graduation, he went to Mississippi for flight school and spent the next 4 years flying the C-124 to Japan out of Travis Air Force Base. After finishing his commission, he went to work for Western Airlines in 1957 and flew for Western and Delta until his retirement in 1991.
Neil was very active with his family, supporting his daughters love for horses, camping trips with his sons & grandsons, family boating trips in the summer, and during the last few years, hardly missing a game played by his very active sports minded grandsons. All of his children followed his aviation passion to some degree, his daughter flying corporate jets, one son flying for Delta, another son working for Northwest Airlines, and another son flying privately. His three boys each earned Eagle Scout honors. During retirement, Neil and Lee were avid travelers and constant companions. They shared many precious moments, funny stories and were inseparable.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Neil served in many capacities including Hosting Missionary at Temple Square and serving at the Draper Temple.
Neil is survived by his wife Lee of Salt Lake City; daughter Leslee Reed (James) of Buhl, ID; son Michael N. Beckstead of Fort Collins, CO; son Patrick Beckstead (Terri) of Woodberry, MN; son Kory Beckstead (Kelleen) of Alpine UT; 12 grandchildren: Brian Beckstead, Jennifer Beckstead, Nick Beckstead, Adam Beckstead, Lara Jago, Ryan Jago, Ian Reed, Emily Reed, Chase Beckstead, Carly Beckstead, Conner Beckstead and Cole Beckstead; his sisters Sharron Hanson of Reno NV; Gail Saxton of Ames, IA; and Rosanne Johnson of Portland OR.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 under the direction of Bishop Kimo Esplin at 1:00 pm at the Willow Creek 7 Ward, 2115 E. Creek Road, Sandy, with a viewing one hour prior to services and on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00pm. Interment will be on January 9th at the Grace Idaho Cemetery.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

WA/DL Capt. George O. Maguire

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. George O. Maguire
December 27, 1933 ~ January 1, 2013

On New Years Day, we received news of the passing of WA/DL retired pilot Captain George Owen Maguire. I have not yet located an obituary, but I believe George and sibling John Jr. were born/raised in Brockton MA, born to parents John Norris Maguire Sr. and Helenor Hurley Maguire. George’s brother John passed away just one month ago on November 27th at the age of 82.

Captain Maguire hired on with Western Airlines 10-28-1957, and retired with Delta Air Lines October 1993. I believe he was based LAX for most if not all of his career. Captain Maguire just celebrated his 79th birthday on December 27th, and the Maguires celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary having married December 28, 1972. Captain Maguire is survived by his wife Beverly Hoff Maguire.   
The Maguires had most recently resided at
76905 AVENIDA FERNANDO
LA QUINTA CA 92253-2545 ... (760) 771-6752
 
Arrangements are not yet known. Additional information and/or corrections are always appreciated. Should we receive any further information, we will be sure to post it
on our blog spot at http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Thank you,
~ Carol Faulkner, PCN death notice communicator
death@pilotcommunication.net
http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/