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, July 31, 2014

PAA/DL Capt. Joseph W. Haselby

Update...obituary for PA/DL Capt. Haselby....

Joseph William Haselby: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Pharos-Tribune (Logansport, IN) - Monday, October 13, 2014

Deceased Name: Joseph William Haselby

 
 
Joseph William Haselby
 
BERLIN, Germany — Joseph William Haselby, 79, Berlin, Germany, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, in Berlin, of acute heart complications following surgery for a pancreatic mass.
 
He was born May 22, 1935, to Cloyne and Grace Haselby in Detroit, Mich. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science, and was a member of the championship swim team.
 
He joined the Navy after graduating from college and became a fighter pilot, flying the F4 Phantom. He was hired by Pan Am airlines in 1963 and flew out of San Francisco until 1976, when he moved to Berlin, Germany, to fly Pan Am's internal German service. When Pan Am folded in 1991, he transitioned to Delta's transatlantic service until his retirement in 2003.
 
Joe split his time between his Florida home and Berlin, Germany, having taken up golf seriously in the last 10 years.
 
He is survived by his wife Ulla, a German woman, who was his companion for 38 years. A first marriage to Lois Gibbons ended in divorce in 1975, but a life-long friendship remained; he is survived by her and their two children: Mark Joseph, who lives in Whitefish, Mont., and Alicia Herring, who resides in Fremont, Calif. A brother, Ray, survives him in Marshfield, Wis. Joe cherished spending Christmases with his maternal relatives, the families of Ken and Tracy Beebe in Jackson, Miss, and Don and Leslie Cramb in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was also close to, and is survived by, his cousin Joan Lindquist of Jackson, Miss.
 
Joe was a handy fellow, influenced by working at his father's service station and growing up with time spent on the farms of Herd and Dale Haselby. He built a house in Tahoe, Calif., and renovated his condo in Berlin, Germany. He was an avid reader with in-depth knowledge of politics, culture and technology. Joe touched many lives in a loving and positive way, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
 
He will be interred at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at Indian Creek Presbyterian Cemetery, 8318-8998 N. 275 West, Lucerne.
 

Arrangements were entrusted to Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Homes, Royal Center.



~ IN MEMORY ~
PAA/DL Capt. Joseph William Haselby
May 22, 1935 ~ July 23, 2014


News has reached us with the passing of Navy veteran retired PAA/DL pilot Captain Joe Haselby, age 79.  I have not yet seen an online obituary, but from what am able to determine Joseph William Haselby was born/raised in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area.   He attended the University of Michigan and was a Navy fighter pilot ( USS Coral Sea , CVA-43 ). 
I found an interesting archived news article from 1962.....
“Date: October 19, 1962 ....The Modesto Bee And News-Herald from Modesto, California · Page 4.....Pilot Crash Lands Jet Successfully .....MOFFETT FIELD, Santa Clara Co.--UPI--A Navy pilot escaped uninjured last night after he crash landed his F3H Demon jet fighter here. The plane's landing gear was damaged during takeoff from the carrier USS Hancock. A Navy spokesman said the pilot, Lieutenant Joseph W. Haselby of San Diego, landed the plane with the wheels up and only eight minutes of fuel remaining. The Hancock was 50 miles off the coast when Haselby took off.” 
Lt. Haselby went on with his aviation career and joined Pan American 01-31-1966.  The June 1997 issue of DeltaDigest notes his retirement: “Joseph Haselby...030/JFK, Second Officer, 31 years”.  I believe Captain Haselby flew the Berlin routes during much of his time with Pan Am, circa 1976 until the merger with Delta in 1991, and he had been living in Berlin these past years.  The most current address that I could locate for Captain Haselby and wife Ulla Wittenberger is at  
Pariser Str 9, 10719    Berlin  Germany ...   Phone:   8   030    / 88    115    08
Additional information/corrections are always appreciated.  Should we hear more we will be sure to update our memorial site 
        Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

DL Capt. Walter S. Richardson

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. 
Walter S. Richardson
January 26, 1950 - March 11, 2014  

The July issue of ALPA’s magazine notes the passing of USAF veteran retired DL Captain Walter Sampson Richardson, age 64.  Captain Richardson joined Delta Air Lines 12-08-1978 and retired with 26 years of commercial flying, based 030/ATL.  Survived by his wife Gwendolyn personal condolences may be sent to the family at
896 Old Railroad Bed Rd.,  Taft, TN 38488-5253  ...  (770) 461-7357
 
The family has downloaded a wonderful video tribute at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eA_AfS8LBE 
Captain Richardson’s online obituary may be viewed at   http://valhalla.tributes.com/our_obituaries/Walter-Sampson-Richardson-100893270
Arrangements were entrusted to Valhalla Funeral Home of Huntsville AL.
         Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN
 ==================================================
Walter Sampson Richardson, 64, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 surrounded by the love of his family. He sees dimly no longer, he sees face to face. He knows fully and is fully known by the Lord. He is predeceased by his parents Rev. Jarrett Wood Henry Richardson, Jr. and Dr. Margaret Sampson Richardson.
Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years; Gwendolyn Richardson, and his adoring children; Heather Stone, Matthew Richardson, Margaret Richardson, and Austin Richardson; son-in-law, Israel Stone; daughter-in-law, Jessica Richardson, and daughter-in-law Haley Richardson. Walter was devoted to his six grandchildren; Tristan, Rowan and Greyson Richardson, Gwynda and Varissa Stone, and Walker Sampson Richardson.
Walter was a missionary kid (MK) born and raised in Nigeria, Africa. He was proud of his missionary kid roots and learned a passion for travel at an early age. This passion for travel led to his career as a commercial airline pilot. He flew for Delta Airlines for 26 years and retired as a well-respected Captain. He also served in the United States Air Force on active duty from 1972-1977. He then served Alabama National Reserves for 15 years. Walter loved to fly airplanes. Walter also loved Auburn University football. He was a proud graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He also met the love of his life, Gwen while they both attended Auburn. Their first date was to the Auburn-Alabama football game. He relished seeing Auburn beat Alabama one last time this past fall! War Eagle! Walter also enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fly-fishing. He was a Godly and loving man as well as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was known for his gentle spirit and servant's heart. His greatest pleasure in life was caring for others, especially for his dearly loved family. He made the world a better place just by being in it. He will be greatly missed!
    Please join his family and friends in a celebration of his wonderful life on Saturday, March 15, 2014. Visitation will be held from 1-3 pm with the memorial service from 3-4 pm. Both will be held at Flint River Baptist Church in Hazel Green, AL. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Walter's name to:
Nigeria Faithful Works, Inc. Saki Water project or general contribution, 2513 Buckingham Drive, Heath, TX 75032- www.nigeriafaithful.org. This is a 501c3 organization.
 
Arrangements entrusted to Valhalla Funeral Home and Valhalla Memory Gardens
698 WINCHESTER RD NE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35811 | 256-852-8500

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

NEA/DL Capt. Robert L. Smythe

 
~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA/DL Capt. Robert L. Smythe
October 27, 1926 ~ July 25, 2014
 
Word has been advised with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired NEA/DL pilot Captain Robert Linwood Smythe, age 87.  Captain Smythe joined Northeast Airlines in June of 1955, and retired with Delta Air Lines at the mandatory age 60 in 1986, based Miami.  Captain Smythe was widowed in March of 1994 with the passing of his wife Marilyn.  He had most recently resided at
79 Wild Acres Road , Gilford  NH 03249-6960   ...    (603) 524-1818 
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.wilkinsonbeane.com/Obituaries/obituaries.html 
The wake and service will be held Saturday, August 2nd with private burial as is noted in information below.
You may also contact the family by email at lasmythe3@gmail.com 
 
Please follow us on our memorial site at http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/  
        Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert “Bob” L. Smythe, 87, of 79 Wild Acres Road, formerly of Thornton, died Friday, July 25, 2014 in his home after a long illness.
 
He was born on October 27, 1926 in Lynn, Mass., the son of Joseph and Louise (Shillington) Smythe. Bob was a commercial airline pilot for Delta Airlines for over 30 years.
 
He is survived by one son, Robert E. Smythe of Rochester, NH, two daughters, Lesley Smythe of Ipswich, Mass and Lindsey Hyslip of Billerica, Mass., 5 grandchildren, Scott Leonard of Gilford, NH, Matthew Grande of Kaiserslautern, Germany, Justin Grande of Londonderry, NH, Erica Grande of Northfield, NH, Haylee Hyslip of Billerica, Mass, and 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (O’Sullivan) Smythe in 1994.
 
Calling hours will be held from 10AM to 11AM on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11AM, also at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
 
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 Main St, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.;
 
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Wilkinson Bean Funeral Home
164 Pleasant Street
Laconia, NH   (603) 524-4300
 
Wake:  10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Service:  11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch - 79 Wild Acres Road, Gilford, NH
 
 
 
From: Lesley Smythe <lasmythe3@gmail.com>
Subject: Bob Smythe
Date: July 26, 2014 at 12:43:40 EDT
 
Hi George,
I think you already know that my Dad passed away yesterday.  I have been waiting to solidify arrangements before I contacted you.  We are just waiting to hear from my nephew who is stationed in Germany to confirm everything.  The Red Cross is looking into flying him home for the services but we are not sure if they have restrictions on when he can arrive and/or needs to go back so that may cause us to rearrange our plans.  Our plans so far is as follows:
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Wilkinson Bean Funeral Home
164 Pleasant Street
Laconia, NH
Wake:  10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Service:  11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch - 79 Wild Acres Road, Gilford, NH
I will confirm everything with you as soon as I know more.  In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information at this point.
Best wishes,
Lesley


 

Monday, July 28, 2014

Celeste Singleton, widow of DL pilot Joe Singleton

~ IN MEMORY ~
Celeste D. Singleton, widow of DL pilot Joe Singleton and mother of DL employee Patricia
1918 ~ 2014

Notification with the passing of Celeste D. Singleton, widow of WWII veteran DL pilot F/O Joseph Browning ‘Joe’ Singleton.  I believe Celeste was born October 9, 1918 and was 95 years of age at the time of her passing.  She was widowed twice having lost her first husband during WWII (Battle of the Bulge).  Second husband DL F/O Joe Singleton, born May 19th of 1919, passed on May 5th of 1977.   Celeste had most recently resided in Miami, Florida.    
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
 
Thank you,
 ~ Carol for the PCN
 
======================
SINGLETON, CELESTE D. was an extraordinary woman, with sky blue eyes and red hair, who possessed an infectious smile, one that all remembered who ever met her. She was a child of the Great Depression, who grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and outside Arlington, Virginia with her beloved sister, Joan, and her mother and father who worked hard to make ends meet, although they scraped enough to buy the family a second-hand piano and send Celeste to lessons. A significant family member was her great uncle John, who was a doctor who had a winter home in Miami Beach. He and his wife had no children, so they sent generous gifts to their family, Celeste included. Celeste's first glimpse of South Florida was during visits to his home. When Celeste turned 20, her uncle was named president of the American Medical Association, and he invited Celeste to prepare a musical presentation for his installation in Atlantic City. He also gave Celeste and her sister $2000 each, and Celeste wisely used that money, supplemented by seven years of part-time jobs working for professors and government agencies in Washington, D.C., to go to college. She had joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority in 1937, and graduated from George Washington University in 1942 as a political science major. In 2012, she was honored as a 75 year member of Pi Phi, and she was active in the Miami Women's Panhellenic Association for many decades. Toward the end of college, during World War II, Celeste fell in love with a summer classmate, Lew Sasser. Lew was drafted and sent to Ft. Knox, where he trained to be part of a tank battalion. Celeste and Lew were married in November 1942, and four months later, he was sent to Europe. Celeste filled a three ring binder with love letters from Lew, which the family has fondly kept. Tragically in January of 1945, Lew was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge. When Lew went overseas, Celeste moved back home to Virginia and worked for Standard Oil in their D.C. office. After her husband's death, the young beautiful widow bravely applied for a transfer to New Orleans to begin her life over. There she met Joe Singleton, who had returned safely from the war as an Air Corps pilot, and was applying as a pilot with Delta Airlines. Celeste helped Joe type his resume, he got the job, they fell in love and married and they moved to Chicago, where daughter, Patricia was born. In 1948, they left for the tropical breezes of Miami, where daughter Martha was born. They became members of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church just after that new congregation moved out of a tent and dedicated Rantz Hall. Husband Joe flew for Delta for 15 years but was grounded with emphysema at a young age, and Celeste cared for him for many years with this chronic illness until his death in 1977. She remained active in Pi Phi, and had joined the Coco Plum Women's Club in 1953, where she was involved in volunteer office duties and community outreach. Always glamorous, she attended church every Sunday in a dress, high heels, hat and white gloves. She managed the St. Thomas Thrift Shop six days a week for decades, and her contributions to both the church and the community are worthy of notice: in October 1975 the Herald wrote an article entitled "Debts Paid, Church is Consecrated" which described a large ceremony of 500 plus who witnessed as the church's mortgage was officially burned, as Celeste had submitted the final payment of the $38,000 mortgage from funds she raised! During this time Celeste also enjoyed extensive world travel through airline passes from her husband Joe and daughter, Pat, who also worked for Delta. She traveled to over 30 countries, including Japan, Spain, Portugal, the British Isles, and Russia. She visited King Tut's tomb in Egypt and kissed the Blarney stone in Ireland. She also traveled with friends to the Caribbean, traveled from New York City to Iceland and then Scandinavia, and later took a month long cruise to Alaska via the Panama Canal. Celeste was a beautiful soul with a heart for service to others who was born ahead of her time, as she never fell under the influence of the prejudices of many of her generation. She never saw a person by the color of their skin, their age, culture, or financial circumstances. She believed in the equality of women, and she raised two strong independent daughters. She instilled in them the love of a back road trip with a picnic, sunrises and sunsets, and the local treasures like Matheson Hammock and the islands of Biscayne Bay and the Keys. She treasured her family until the day she peacefully died at home, surrounded by family and the things that she loved. In her last decade Parkinson's Disease had slowed her down, but she found companions to help her live life fully to the end: Maria Cristina, Maritza, Brenda, Adriana, Maria and Paola were all her "earth angels" for many years. Celeste is survived by her beloved sister, Joan; nieces, Dianne and Barbara; her daughters Patricia and Martha and son-in-law, Walt; three grandchildren, Joy, Brian & Holly, and five great-grands: Dillon, Sabrina, Avery, Ethan, and Lilliana, born just two months ago. A private celebration of her wonderful life will be held at St. Thomas. In lieu of flowers, Celeste and her family request that donations be made to either the American Parkinson's Disease Association, or the Tropical Audubon Society.
  .Published in the Miami Herald on July 27, 2014

DL Capt. Robert L. Rimoldi

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Robert L. Rimoldi
August 9, 1935 ~ July 7, 2014
 
Notification with the passing of USAF veteran and retired DL pilot Captain Robert Louis Rimoldi, age 78.  I have only the obituary information to go by and was unable to determine Captain Rimoldi’s commericial flying time.  I believe Captain Rimoldi had most recently resided at  
8501 SW 112th St.,  Miami  FL 33156-4322.
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
 
If anyone has more information that we can add, please advise and we will update our memorial site
        Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN
----------------------------------------
RIMOLDI, ROBERT L. 08/09/1935 - 07/07/2014
A retired Delta Airlines Captain, Bob was a resident of South Florida since the late 1960's. Before becoming a Captain with Delta, Bob earned a Bachlor's degree in education from The University of Miami and served in the Air Force. Bob had a great love for animals and spent much of his time caring for them. Over the last 20 years, Bob not only rescued, but spayed and neutered over hundreds of cats and dogs. He found many of good homes for those he rescued. His large property allowed him to tame wild cats that he rescued so that they might also be adopted. His second love was his property, which hosted an abundance of mango and avocado trees, in which he shared graciously with everyone he knew. He is survived by nephew Danny Edwards of Miami and with cousin Harvey Minton, wife Jane of Ohio.
  .Published in the Miami Herald on July 24, 2014

Mesaba/NWA/DL Matthew G. Van Ort

 
~ IN MEMORY ~
Mesaba/NWA/DL pilot Matthew G. Van Ort
December 20, 1961 ~ July 24, 2014 

Notification with the passing of Mesaba/NWA/DL pilot F/O Matthew Gerard Van Ort, age 52.    I don’t have any other information other than the obituary notice.  It appears that friends and family had been following his caringbridge website for some time prior to his passing   http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewvanort  
I believe the Van Ort’s residence address would be
1062 Heather Drive , Saint Paul (or Woodbury)  MN 55129-8573  ...  (651) 436-3909 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.bradshawfuneral.com/index.shtml 
If anyone has more information that we can add, please advise and we will update our memorial site 
        Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Obituary .....................
Matthew VAN ORT
Passed away July 24, 2014 Surrounded by loved ones Age 52, of Woodbury. Survived by loving wife, Holly of 21 years; children, Benjamin (21), Katelyn (19) and David (14); mother, Margaret; siblings, Michael (Jeannie), Maureen (Bruce) Hatteberg, Mark, Margaret (Tom) Thron, Michelle (Tom) Ray, Maria and Mary Kollander; 17 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by father, William. Matthew served 26 years for the Army National Guard, and retired in 2011 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He spent 8 years as a pilot for Mesaba Airlines and 15 years as a pilot at Northwest/Delta Airlines. He loved riding his motorcycles, working on his vintage cars, spending time with his family and generally loving life. We will miss his spirit that he generously shared with us here on earth. We know he has moved on to a far better place. Special thanks to the staff at U of M BMT Clinic and Dr. Bachanova for their loving care. Memorials are preferred to Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Services are pending.
Complete notice to follow. 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater 651-439-5511
.Published in Pioneer Press on July 27, 2014
Arrangements entrusted to Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services
2800 Curve Crest Boulevard
Stillwater, MN  55082
(651) 439-5511

Friday, July 25, 2014

DL former pilot Duriel Lee O'Kelley

~ IN MEMORY ~
Korean war veteran, early DL pilot Duriel Lee ‘DL’ O’Kelley
July 19, 1929 - July 22, 2014
 
 
 
Notification with the passing of former Delta pilot Captain Duriel L. O’Kelley, age 85.  The obituary notes that Captain O’Kelley flew for Delta from 1957-1970 and was based Atlanta.  
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com/  or 
 
Should we receive additional information we will be sure to update our blogspot 
        Thank you,
            ~ Carol for the PCN
==============================
Duriel Lee O’Kelley 
Obituary.............................
EASLEY, S.C.-Duriel Lee O'Kelley passed away in Easley, SC on July 22, three days after his 85th birthday.
He was born in Pisgah Forest, NC, the son of the late Donald Lee and Canty Bryson O'Kelley of Hendersonville, NC. His three younger sisters, Betty Israel, Jody Young and Sara O'Kelley are still living in the Ashville area.
He graduated from Candler High School in 1947. He studied electricity but joined the Navy and served at sea in the Korean War. He was eventually tapped for pilot training and served in the Mediterranean theatre flying submarine reconnaissance in the Navy P2V.
After his discharge, he was hired in 1957 by Delta Air Lines and served as Captain flying and training until 1970.
He married Beverly Ann Cronk and had two sons who survive him, John Howard of Tucker, Georgia and Brian Lee of Easley, SC. He is survived by four grandchildren…Will, Luke, Anna Rose and Peyton O'Kelley and one great grandchild, Joseph Beniah O'Kelley.
Based in Atlanta most of his flying career, he purchased approximately 1000 acres, once one of the largest cotton plantations in pre-civil war era Coweta County, near Blackjack, and Sharpsburg. Here "DL" raised his family and bred Morgan horses, going to Vermont to locate the purest blood lines. Fairmead Damian was his most successful horse; a national champion for many years.
DL continued to do business and own property in Coweta County until the late 1980s. He spent the later years of his life in Pensacola, Florida and Hendersonville, NC.
He was a jack of all trades, exhibiting do-it-yourself success in electricity, carpentry, farm management, animal husbandry, land investment and piloting. He was a modest golfer but avid Braves fan. He liked bourbon and water until diabetes required an immediate cessation and he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ that allowed him to gain control.
He was interested and proud of his Western N. Carolina pioneering ancestry.
Graveside Services will be held 3pm, Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory in Pisgah Forest, NC. The family will receive friends at 2pm at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home in Brevard, NC.
On line condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
 
  .Published in The Times-News on July 24, 2014.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

NWA/DL Capt. Mark Alan Wagner

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA/DL Capt. Mark A. Wagner
December 27, 1950 - July 19, 2014


Notification with the passing of NWA/DL Captain Mark Alan Wagner, age 63.  Captain Wagner joined Northwest Airlines 05-17-1979 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2010.  A memorial service for Captain Wagner will be held Friday, July 25th in Ann Arbor MI as is noted in his obituary. 
Survived by his wife Linda personal condolences may be sent to
681 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor  MI 48103-6124  ...  (734) 665-6843 
 
Should we receive additional information we will be sure to update our blogspot 
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary..............................
WAGNER, MARK A.
Age 63, passed away suddenly Saturday, July 19, 2014 in Ann Arbor, surrounded by his family. Mark is survived by his wife of 34 years, Linda; his devoted son, Scott (Marie); his parents, Lawrence E. and Joyce Wagner; and his brother, Lawrence E. Wagner, Jr. (Donna). He is also survived by two nephews, several cousins, aunts and uncles, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law. Mark grew up in Kalamazoo, MI, moved to Ann Arbor and graduated from the University of Michigan. He retired in 2010 after 31 years as a captain for Delta Airlines. Mark spent his fall Saturdays attending University of Michigan football games, a joy he shared with his son. In retirement, Mark enjoyed his Lake Michigan vacation home and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends. His loving and caring nature will be remembered by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 11 AM at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the American 
Heart Assoc.  , Salvation Army or Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, P.O. Box 252, Traverse City, MI, 49685.
Please sign Mark's guestbook at  www.muehligannarbor.com
 
Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel
403 South Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor  MI 48104 | 734-663-3375
 
  .Published in Kalamazoo Gazette from July 22 to July 24, 2014

NWA/DL Dr. Jerome A. LeMieux Jr., Colonel USAF

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA/DL pilot Dr. Jerome A. LeMieux Jr., Colonel USAF
July 9, 1957 - July 4, 2014


 
Notification with the passing of USAF veteran NWA/DL pilot Dr. Jerome A. LeMieux Jr., age 56.  Colonel USAF Jerome Anthony LeMieux Jr. began his commercial flying career with Northwest Airlines on 04-30-1991.  His obituary notes “Jerry was interred July 8th in the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ with full military honors. A memorial marker will be placed at Calvary Cemetery, Fond Du Lac, WI”.
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit
 
No other information was available to me.  If anyone has more information to add, please let us know and we will update our blogspot 
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
--------------------------------------------
Obituary...............
LeMieux Jr., Dr. Jerome, Colonel USAF
 
Family and friends mourn the passing of Dr. Jerome A. LeMieux Jr., 56, who died unexpectedly of natural causes in Phoenix, AZ on July 4th. Beloved son of Jerome A. LeMieux Sr. (Ruth), Fond du Lac, WI and Janet Ann (Lehman) LeMieux, Menasha, WI. Beloved father of Angela LeMieux and Jerome LeMieux III (both Nashua, NH). Beloved brother of Jeffery (Ann) LeMieux, Brunswick, GA, James LeMieux, Ft. Atkinson, WI, Julie LeMieux, Quinnessec, MI, Mark LeMieux of Fond du Lac, WI., sister-in-law, Sonoko LeMieux ,Okinawa Japan, with many nieces, nephews and relatives. He was predeceased by brothers, Tom LeMieux and Martin (Todd) LeMieux.
 
Jerry grew up in North Fond du Lac, WI, and was a 1975 graduate of Sheboygan South HS. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1980 with a BS in Electrical Engineering, he was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force, where he underwent pilot training. While on active duty, Jerry earned his engineering MS and PhD from Mississippi State University. He rose to the rank of Colonel and was a senior pilot with over 2500 hours as a combat-ready fighter pilot, instructor pilot and wing commander.
 
After leaving active duty military service, Jerry worked as an airline pilot for Delta Air Lines for over 20 years with more than 10,000 hours of domestic and international operations. He loved to fly. For 10 years he was the Executive Safety Chairman for the Airline Pilots Association in Washington DC, where he was responsible for resolving airline safety issues for airports across the United States.
 
Jerry was a gifted teacher and mentor and served more than 20 years teaching aeronautical, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and advanced mathematics courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels at major universities and aviation schools including; Boston University, University of Maryland, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Daniel Webster College.
 
Jerry was a tireless and groundbreaking entrepreneur and most recently was the founder and Executive Director of Unmanned Vehicle University the nation's first commercial university level training institution for unmanned vehicle (drone) operation and maintenance. As a national expert, consultant, and author, "One Bird Strike' & You're Out," he regularly consulted on numerous aerospace issues for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the US Air Force, Army, Navy, NASA, DARPA and all major defense contractors.
 
Jerry was interred July 8th in the National Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ with full military honors. A memorial marker will be placed at Calvary Cemetery, Fond Du Lac, WI.
 
  .Published in Fond du Lac Reporter on July 27, 2014

Saturday, July 19, 2014

NWA Capt. John J. Guerrero Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA pilot  Lt. Col. John J. Guerrero Jr. USAF Ret.
May 22, 1945 ~ July 17, 2014


Notification with the passing of retired pilot NWA Captain John J. Guerrero Jr., age 69.  Captain Guerrero joined Northwest Airlines 02-01-1979 and retired in 2005 as is noted in his obituary.  Survived by his wife Sandra Ruth Seeley Guerrero, personal condolences may be sent to the family at
6500 Kestrel Circle ,  Ft Meyers FL   33966-1360    (239) 768-7316
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.quinn-shalz.com/    or 
 
Additional information if received will be posted on our blogspot at http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/   
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
 
===============================================
LT. COL. JOHN J. GUERRERO, JR.
 
Lt. Col. John J. Guerrero, Jr. USAF Retired, age 69, passed away on July 17, 2014. In addition to a distinguished career in the USAF retiring in 1990, John retired again in 2005 as a Senior Captain/Flight Instructor with Northwest Airlines.
 
John had a life-saving Lung Transplant in October 2011 and was a survivor of 2 years and 9 months.
 
He is survived by his lovely and caring wife of 45 years, Sandra Ruth Seeley Guerrero; daughter, Krista Lizak; sons, Sean Guerrero and Morgan Guerrero; mother, Becky Back Guerrero; sisters, Cheryll Guerrero and Laurel Henry; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; as well as a host of loving family members and friends.
 
In lieu of flowers, John requests that a donation be made to the Gabriel House of Care, 4599 Worrall Way, Jacksonville, FL 32224, located on the Mayo Clinic Campus.
 
Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com  Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL.
 
  .Published in The News-Press on July 21, 2014
 
Funeral Home:  Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home
3600 Third Street South Jacksonville Beach, FL  32250

(904) 249-1100

DL Capt. Larry D. Deppe

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF Vietnam war veteran, DL Capt. Larry D. Deppe
March 7, 1947 - July 16, 2014
 
Notification with the passing of retired DL pilot Captain Larry D. Deppe, age 67.  Captain Deppe joined Delta Air Lines 05-09-1977.  First based in Chicago, Captain Deppe was based 030/CVG for the majority of his commercial flying career.  Visitation and services will be held tomorrow and Monday July 20th and 21st in Illinois. 
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.knappjohnson.com/  or 
 
Survived by his wife Elizabeth ‘Liz’, personal condolences may be sent to the family at  
115 Maple Ridge Drive ,  Morton  IL 61550-1121  ...  (309) 263-0464 
 
Please follow us on our blogspot  at   http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/  where this and any additional information will be posted. 
Thank you,
~Carol for the PCN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obituary for Larry D. Deppe.......................
Larry D. Deppe, 67, of Morton, passed away at 9:23 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born March 7, 1947, in Chester, Ill., to Dale and June (Hetherington) Deppe. He married Elizabeth “Liz” Schaffner on Sept. 27, 1969, in Baldwin, Ill.
Surviving are his wife of Morton; two daughters, Alicia (Kevin) Kavanaugh of Frankfort, Ill., and Lauren Deppe of Morton; two sons, Dr. L. Matthew (Amy) Deppe of Red Wing, Minn., and Nathan (Kari) Deppe of Mahomet, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, Katelyn, Collin, Cameron, Coleman, Carson, Jonah, Anna, Trevor, Eva and Lila; and his mother, June Dewey of Pinckneyville, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Larry graduated in 1968 with a degree in Aeronautical Administration from Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology, a division of St. Louis University.
He was a United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam War as a pilot. In 1990, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 182nd Tactical Air Support Group of the Illinois Air National Guard in Peoria.
Larry worked as a pilot for Delta Airlines for 27 years. He began his career based in Chicago and later in Cincinnati, Ohio. He retired in 2003 as a Captain, flying the Boeing 757 and 767.
He was an active member of Morton United Methodist Church, where he had served as president of the United Methodist Men. He was a faithful participant in Bible Study Fellowship. He also was a member of American Legion Post 318 in Morton.
Larry loved the Lord and his family. He enjoyed traveling with his family, watching movies and pursuing his interests in American History and aviation.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2014, at Morton United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Gary Motta and the Rev. Paul Walles officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 20, and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, both at Morton United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton, where full military rites will be conducted.
 
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.   http://www.knappjohnson.com/ 
 

Memorials may be made to the Morton United Methodist Church Building Fund, 420 N. Tennessee Ave., Morton, IL 61550 or to the Wesley United Methodist Church, 607 W. Pine St., Percy, IL 62272.

Friday, July 18, 2014

WA/DL Capt. E. Douglas Hellwig

Update:  address/phone information for the family...thank you/Cf
 

Phone:  (702) 395-2021
Address :
5305 Rim View Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89130-3646

==============================================
Tribute to Vietnam war veteran medal holder, WA/DL Capt. Erwin Douglas Hellwig
---as written by Ret. Capt. Charlie Quilter, Colonel, U.S. Marines (Ret), PhD
Below find what I call an "elegy" for my Western classmate, Doug Hellwig.  I know that his widow, Loretta, tried to give out as much information as she had about Doug's combat tour in Vietnam and his career at WAL and DAL, but I was moved to put it into some kind of context.  Attached is the word version and a photo of Doug at Bien Hoa forwarded by Loretta that I cropped.  Feel free to use it anyway you like.  Permission to use the photo was already granted by Loretta.
Best, Charlie Quilter
949-494-4180
-------------------
Doug Hellwig:  Elegy for Rustic-14

My Western Airlines classmate, Doug Hellwig, died on July 16 at the age of 71.  As far as I know, he was the first of our group of eighteen to “fly west.”  On May 9, 1972 we formed the second full class that Western hired after the industry-wide Great Furlough of 1969-72.  Although nearly all of us were veterans of the Vietnam War, we were lucky to have gotten airline flying jobs at all. The big hiring boom had been in 1965-68, and consequently, our careers over the years progressed very slowly as it would for most of the veterans of that war.  At first, we had high hopes.  We flew with pilots who had become captains in less than four years.  Some of them had actually been under thirty years old.  But for us, Seniority was to be a cruel god, and it would take eighteen or twenty years to get into the left seat of the most junior aircraft like the Boeing 737.  It was probably a good thing that so many of us like Doug loved the pure art required of up-and-down short-haul flying.
One of the ironies of the airline business is that, unlike military squadrons, we never got to fly with each other.  We didn’t get to know each other’s stories, let alone each other’s families.  We knew Doug as our good-looking contemporary with a ready smile and quiet sense of humor but who never called attention to himself.  So, it saddens me to learn only lately just how compelling Doug’s own story had been.
Erwin Douglas Hellwig was the holder of two Silver Star Medals, the nation’s third highest award for gallantry.  Like some of us, he had had a checkered academic experience.  He started high school in Bakersfield in the San Joaquin Valley but actually graduated from the Capitol Page School at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. where students served as messengers for congressmen, senators, and Supreme Court justices.  He attended New Mexico Military Institute, the University of North Carolina, and in 1965 graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in economics.  This was followed by a commission and pilot training in the U.S. Air Force.  At that point, the sausage factory for pilots in Southeast Asia was rapidly cranking up to full speed.
In 1970 and 1971, Doug was flying twin-turboprop North American OV-10A Broncos doing visual reconnaissance and forward air control as call-sign “Rustic 14” with the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron out of Bien Hoa near Saigon.  Most of his missions were highly classified because—as had been the case in neighboring Laos—we were involved in undeclared combat operations in Cambodia in an attempt to shut down the strategically vital Ho Chi Minh Trail while also supporting what was then a friendly Cambodian regime.  Friendly “troops-in-contact” with the enemy was the order of the day.
The challenges were many.  Maps were copies from French colonial days.  There were no navigation aids.  Communications with Cambodian forces on the ground were via hastily recruited non-rated officers and enlisted men who could speak French and were not afraid to ride on the Bronco’s rear ejection seat.  And, as anyone who flew missions over the route will testify, it was heavily defended by a variety of anti-aircraft weaponry.  The Air Force would eventually lose 63 of its some 157 OV-10s in the theater, 47 of them in combat.  Moreover, the underpowered Bronco—surely the internally noisiest and worst-ventilated turbine aircraft of all time in my opinion— was hardly ideal for the mission.
Yet Doug and his fellow Rustics carried on in appalling conditions.  Doug managed to get his battle-damaged Bronco home on a number of occasions.  Apart from vaguely worded unit citations, the Rustics went intentionally unheralded.  I don’t know how many missions Doug flew, but it was probably on the order of several hundred.  Eight-leg days on the prairies and in the mountains in an early Basic 737 were a piece of cake in comparison.  And so, another Vietnam veteran has left us.  Our tribe diminishes.  I am proud to tell a small part of the story about Captain Doug Hellwig.  But, there are many such stories.  We should remember them all.

---written by Retired Captain Charlie Quilter, Colonel, U.S. Marines (Ret), PhD, who suggests reading “Call Sign Rustic: The Secret Air War over Cambodia, 1970-1973” by Richard Wood/Rustic 11, (Smithsonian, 2002).




~ IN MEMORY ~
Vietnam war veteran, WA/DL Capt. Doug Hellwig
October 2, 1943 ~ July 16, 2014


           
                                           

Notification with the passing of USAF veteran retired WA/DL pilot Captain Erwin Douglas Hellwig , age 70.  Captain Hellwig joined Western Airlines 05-09-1972 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2002 as is noted in his obituary. 
Captain Hellwig is survived by his wife Loretta.  Our records indicate their home address as   
 5208 County Road 51 ,  Torrington  WY  82240-7738 
(307) 532-2195 ...  (307) 575-1031

Thank you,
~Carol for the PCN
================================
Erwin Douglas Hellwig passed away on July 16, 2014. He was born on October 2, 1943 in Gastonia, North Carolina to Ruth and Erwin Hellwig. He attended Bakersfield California High School and graduated from Capitol Page School, June of 1961. Doug then attended New Mexico Military Institute from 1961-1963; University Chapel Hill North Carolina from 1963-1964; and graduated from University of California Santa Barbara 1965 with a BA in Economics. Doug began his military career in 1966. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain and a pilot proudly and honorably, flying combat missions from August of 1966 through February of 1972. He served in the Republic of Vietnam and Cambodia with the original OV-10 Rustics; call sign Rustic 14, from March of 1970 to March of 1971. Among many medals that he received were two Silver Stars and two Distinguished Flying Crosses for bravery while completing his missions under fire and safely landing his aircraft. After his service, Doug became a Captain with Western Airlines and Delta Airlines from May of 1972 through 2002; flying a Boeing 737 / MD88. He was courageous and his humor and spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta; sister, Janet Kristen Hellwig; daughter, Kristen Hellwig; and three adopted children: Brian, Dian, and Mike. He will be laid to rest privately at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City, Nevada.
Arrangements entrusted to
Palm Northwest Mortuary and Cemetery
6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131

702-464-8460

Monday, July 14, 2014

NWA Capt. Loran D. Gruman

 
 

Loran D. Gruman

Gruman, Loran D. "Gru" Retired 35 year Captain for NWA Age 74, of Apple Valley, passed away on July 12, 2014 after a 9 year struggle with a brain tumor. Gru is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Gruman. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 yrs., Lucie "Pixie"; mother, Norma Gruman; sister, Nan Brown; children, Keith (Catrina), Greg (Carrie), Linda (Mark); grandchildren Layne, Katie, Max, Allie, Ellie, Megan Annie, Chloe, Sophie, and Kendra. Funeral service will be held 2 PM Saturday, July 26, 2014 at River Hills United Methodist Church, 11100 River Hills Dr., Burnsville with visitation 1 hour prior to the ser-vice. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Mon., July 28 at 11:30 AM. Memorials will be donated to River Hills United Methodist Church and Twin Cities Bridge Center.
Published on July 20, 2014







From: RNPA News Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 7:15 AM
Subject:  Loran Gruman Arrangements.
Bob Vega Writes.

Retired NWA Captain Loran Gruman passed away July 12, 2014 at 5:00 PM.

Memorial Service,
July 26 at River Hills United Methodist Church
11100 River Hills Drive
Burnsville, MN

1:00 PM -Visitation
2:00 PM - Memorial Service

Bob Vega


~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, NWA Capt. Loran D. Gruman
April 17, 1940 ~ July 12, 2014
Word has been received with the passing of Naval aviator, RNPA member retired NWA pilot Captain Loran Dean Gruman.  Born/raised in the San Mateo-Burlingame area of California, Captain Gruman was 74 years of age at the time of his passing.  The January 29, 1962 San Mateo newspaper notes “LORAN D. GRUMAN, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Gruman of 144 North San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, receives his designation as a naval aviator from Rear Adm. M. H. Tuttle USN, after successfully completing the Naval Air Training Command flight training program at the Naval Air station, Pensacola, Fla.”  Captain Gruman joined Northwest Airlines 06-21-1965 and retired with Northwest in 2000.
Survived by his wife Lucie personal condolences may be sent to their residence at
12775 Foliage Ave.,  Apple Valley  MN 55124-5337  ...  (952) 432-1170 
Arrangements will be advised when know.  Please follow us on our blogspot for updates at   http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/
Thank you,
~Carol for the PCN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Loran Gruman
We are sad to report that Loran Gruman passed away on July 12th.
Loran was a pilot for Northwest Airlines. When he retired, Loran discovered bridge. Not only did Loran fall in love with the game; he also became a "regular" around the Twin City Bridge Center. Loran studied to become a certified teacher and director. He was a favorite with the "chat bridge" crowd. Loran's own bridge game improved.
Then, Loran received a diagnosis of a serious brain tumor. Surgery was performed, and Loran was never quite the same afterwards.  Still, Loran remained a very sweet and wonderful guy. Though he had great difficulties with concentration, loyal friends Gary Rowland and Dave Bryant continued to play with Loran.
Some months ago, the tumor had grown and more surgery was necessary. Unfortunately, not enough could be done to help Loran.
He will be missed.
~ Peg
From: William & Lynn Day    Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2014 9:09 AM   Subject: Delta/NWA plot Loren Gruman has flown west 

NWA pilot Loren D. Gruman, age 74, passed away on July 12 after an eight year battle with brain tumors. Loren served as a Naval Aviator and was hired by NWA on June 21, 1965.

No further information available at this time.

William ‘Bill’ Day
Contrails Obituary Editor
Ferndale, Washington
360-933-1312
360-303-6020 

DL Capt. S. Dave Reno

Samuel David Reno (1931 - 2014)
 
 Obituary..............
Reno, Samuel David
Captain "Dave" Reno
MAY 5, 1931 - JULY 14, 2014
He flew solo at the age of 13. A veteran of the Air National Guard. Married the love of his life for 60 years and flew 35 years for Delta Air Lines. A great loving husband, father, friend, and mentor. Someone who would always greet you with a warm smile, handshake, or hug and was truly glad to see you. He would want you to smile when you think of him. One of god's beloved children. Survived by his wife Sue. His son Dave, grandsons Chris & Matt, sister Marion Turner, and his niece & nephews Nick & Pat Luongo & Sue Shrout. "Sing like no one is listening, Love like you've never been hurt, Dance like nobody is watching, and Live like it's heaven on earth." -Mark Twain- "Hoist the mainsail and raise the rudder, let's do a 360 and get out of here!" -Moldy Sherrell-
 
  .Published in Dallas Morning News on July 23, 2014.


~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. S. David ‘Dave’ Reno
May 5, 1931 ~ July 14, 2014
                                      
We have been advised that Delta Golden Wings member retired DL Captain Dave Reno passed away this morning.  Captain Reno had been battling medical issues of late.  Born May 5, 1931 Samuel David Reno Sr. was 83 years of age at the time of his passing today July 14th.  Captain Reno joined Delta Air Lines 01-02-1956 and retired in 1991, based DFW.
Survived by his wife Sue Rhodes Reno, personal condolences may be sent to their residence at
4618 Gulfstream Drive , Dallas  TX 75244-7626  ...  (972) 239-6196 
At this time no services are planned but should we hear more we will be sure to post the information on our blogspot at
  
Thank you,
~Carol for the PCN
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7/11 update on Dave Reno from John Oglesbee ... I just wanted to let everyone know that Dave Reno was admitted to Medical City Dallas on 10 July in very serious condition.  He has been taking both Chemo therapy and Radiation therapy in his fight with cancer.  He is not doing well at all.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to him.   

7/14 ... With great sadness! Retired Delta Air Lines Captain Dave Reno passed away today at Medical City Dallas. Dave's wife Sue advised me that she was not planning a funeral or memorial service.   She's just was not physically able to handle anything like that at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue at this very difficult time of her life.       

Dave Reno's address is 4618 Gulfstream Dr. Dallas TX 75244
Golf4willy@aol.com  
------------------------------------------

A visitor to your Web site has filled out the form located at:  http://PCN.homestead.com/Death_Form.html

 Deceased full name     Dave Reno
 Date of Death     7/14/2014
 Relationship     Pilot
 Active Retired     Retired
 Domicile     DFW
  Living Spouse     Sue
  Airline    DL
  Comments Obit    1 Retired Delta Captain Dave Reno passed away this morning.  Arrangements have not been determined.
 Contact Name    1 Dave Ewing
 Contact Email    1
davidewing767@gmail.com
 Contact Phone    1 2145440532