~ IN MEMORY ~
Decorated Vietnam war veteran
NC/RC/NWA pilot Stephen Doyle Gulbrandson
June 8, 1942 ~ February 4, 2013
Notification of the passing of NC/RC/NWA pilot Stephen
Gulbrandson, age 70. (The obituary notes an early medical retirement.) Online
condolences and remembrances may be posted on the
funeral home website at www.smithfunealchapels.com/
Steve is survived by his wife Diane. To the best of my
knowledge personal condolences may be sent to the family at
2611 W Casas Circle , Tucson AZ 85742-9772 ... (520) 797-1335
or 904 Petrified Tree Pass , Billings MT 59101-7231.
Obituary:
Stephen D. Gulbrandson passed away on Feb. 4, 2013, in Billings. He was 70
years old.
Born in California, Steve grew up in Minnesota and Montana, graduated from
high school in Glendive MT in 1961 and from the University of Montana at Bozeman
in 1965.
He received his Air Force pilot's wings in 1966. With the 435th Tactical
Fighter Squadron, he flew the F-4 Phantom jet out of Ubon Thailand and completed
148 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with
Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart. Steve was a member of the Martin-Baker
Ejection Tie Club.
(Note: you may read his story at http://www.martin-baker.com/clubs/ejection-tie-club ...CF)
In June of 1969, he married Diane Knudson and they moved to Hill AFB Utah
where Steve flew the B-57 Canberra. With the National Guard he flew the B-124
and the F-105 "Thud." Later, he joined the airlines, flying for North Central,
then Republic, then Northwest Airlines, all out of Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minn.
After a medical retirement, he moved to Tucson Ariz., lived on a golf
course, and golfed on a daily basis. Throughout his life he enjoyed being in and
around water, either scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or boating. In his adult
life, he learned to ski, took up backpacking, played tennis and ping pong,
fished, and flew personal aircraft, and he would say, "Let's go poke some holes
in the sky."
Steve traveled widely, was exceptionally knowledgeable about geography,
world and military history, and was a constant reader. He was an interesting
person to know and talk to and was well-known for his dry wit. He lived his life
his way and it was a unique journey.
In 2004, Steve moved to Billings, where he undertook remodeling, building
and landscaping projects, which gave him much pleasure.
Steve enjoyed his friends at Fleming Field in South St Paul, Minn., where
he often went "hangar flying." He and his fellow airplane lessees allowed
everyone to get in some air time. Steve appreciated all of his friends. The
daily "breakfast club" in Tucson was a staple in his life for several years;
thank you for starting the days with great conversations. And to all the golfers
in Tucson, Steve would wish you well at the 19th hole. To all his friends and
family who have followed him on this journey, thank you for your support,
well-wishes, and prayers. Also, thanks to Best Friends Animal Hospital for
caring for pets the last two weeks.
Survivors include his wife, Diane; sisters Stephanie Zimmer and Jane Lexen;
brothers James Shaw and William Shaw; brother-in-law David (Barbara) Knudson;
sister-in-law Janet (Robert) Brackey; and numerous nieces and nephews and their
children.
He was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie; his biological father, Howard
Shaw; and his adoptive father, Leslie C. Gulbrandson.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are in the hands of Smith Funeral
Chapels. You may post remembrances at www.smithfunealchapels.com/
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Billings MT.
The family is grateful for the care and treatment received from the
doctors, nurses and staff at the Billings Cancer Center, Clinic, hospital, and
the RiverStone Hospice staff.
Memorials may be made to the Billings Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 31031,
2917 10th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59107-9945; or to RiverStone Health Hospice
Services at 123 S. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101; or to an organization of your
choice.
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