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 29, 2015

NEA/DL Capt. Richard L. Spinney

~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA/DL Capt. Richard 'Dick' L. Spinney
February 23, 1944 ~ November 1, 2014
 

Belated notification (as was noted in the recent ALPA magazine) with the passing of retired NEA/DL pilot Captain Richard 'Dick' Lloyd Spinney, age 70.  I was not able to find an online obituary but believe he was born/raised in the Boston area, and was the son of NEA pilot Lloyd H. Spinney who passed in 1983.  Dick graduated from Winthrop Senior High School with the class of '61.  He joined Northeast Airlines 10-04-1965, retired with Delta Air Lines with 35+ years of service, and was based Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and ATL/031.  Dick was widowed in May 2004 with the passing of his wife Diane Edmonds Spinney (obit below). 
Captain Spinney had most recently resided at 6508 Miami Lakes Dr E, Miami Lakes  FL 33014-2755  ...  (978) 661-9070.
Beal & Ames Funeral Home of Hyannis MA was entrusted with arrangements.
Should we receive more information we will be sure to update our memorial site.  Corrections and additional information are always appreciated.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
 
 
 
 
Diane E. Spinney
Date of Birth: Monday  January  01, 1945
Date of Death: Saturday  May  08, 2004

SPINNEY, DIANE (EDMONDS), West Barnstable, MA, 59, died Saturday at her home after a three-year illness with lung cancer.
She was the wife of Richard Spinney.
She and her husband summered in West Barnstable and wintered in Miami, Fla., and Palm Springs, Calif. She enjoyed traveling the world, cooking, shopping and entertaining family and friends.
Besides her husband, survivors include two sons, Charles F. Hafron and Michael R. Spinney; a daughter, Laura D. DeStella; her father, Arnold Edmonds; a brother, David A. Edmonds; and three grandchildren.
Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

NWA/DL Capt. Robert K. Alexander Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA/DL Capt. Robert K. Alexander Jr.
August 25, 1949 ~ January 27, 2015

News has reached us that retired NWA/DL pilot Captain Bob Alexander was involved in a fatal airplane crash yesterday in Washington state.  Captain Alexander joined Northwest Airlines 05-09-1983 and retired with Delta Air Lines I believe in 2013.  His RV7 was registered to ALEXANDER ROBERT K JR.,  877 FOX DRIVE , FOX ISLAND   WA  98333-9723
N747BA Fox Island, WA 98333

http://www.tailnum.net/aircraft/N747BA
We will pass along further information as it becomes known.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol
January 27, 2015 at 6:19 PM
Pilot killed in Hood Canal crash identified
Posted by Christine Clarridge

The family of a Fox Island man has been notified by the Coast Guard that it is believed he was killed Monday when his plane crashed into Hood Canal, a relative said.
Neither the body of Robert Alexander Jr., 65, nor the plane have been recovered from the water near Seabeck, where the depth is around 500 feet deep, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office. A search of the site turned up debris as well as a wallet, the sheriff’s office said.
Reached by phone Tuesday, Alexander’s son that his family was notified his father was likely on the plane. He declined further comment.

Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Ken Dickinson said several calls about an airplane in distress came in to dispatchers around 12:50 p.m. Monday............................................
A spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Tuesday that the only missing aircraft in the area is an RV7, a homemade single-engine two-seat plane, which was reported missing from the Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor.  The plane, which was registered to Alexander, was flying on visual flight rules, so no flight plan was filed, according to FAA spokesman ...........................................

PNA/WA/DL Capt. Charles LaRaux

 
 
Good Bye To Charlie Laraux
            January 27, 2015
 
 
Alaskan aviation lost an old friend with the passing of Charlie Laraux on January 26, 2015.
        The following is courtesy of Michael Meiser.
 
 
Charlie was born in Akiak and grew up in Bethel, learned how to fly, fell in love with airplanes, and went to work as a mechanic at Wien in Fairbanks in the late-1950's. The Cold War was in full swing, and the U.S. Navy realized that America was vulnerable to missile attack from submarines in the Arctic Ocean, about which little was known. They set up Ice Island research stations, and Wien got a contract to supply them. One was barely within C46 flying range from Pt. Barrow. The other was far beyond, and very close to the north pole.  
 
Wien needed a long range airplane, and settled in on the Lockheed Constellation. The Connie had about 4000 nm range, comfortably enough for the round trip. When Wien got the Connie, Charlie left the shop floor to became one of Wien's first FE's; and the next time I saw him he was sitting in that important (and warm) Constellation 3rd seat. 
 
Wien got busier and Charlie moved up to copilot on the DC3 and C46. He flew the DEW Line with George Thiele and Holger Jorgensen. In the early 1960's, a small airline called Pacific Northern Airways, formerly Woodley Airways of Anchorage, started flying Connies to Seattle, and lured Charlie away from Wien. His career became a busy one, as Pacific Northern Airlines was purchased by Western Airlines, then, after deregulation, Western was acquired by Delta. Charlie retired from Delta as a 777 Captain. 
 
Charlie Laraux was a Gentle Man. He brightened the room with his smile and easy manner. He made friends easily and kept them. He had a great career. He flew sweetly. He had a nice family and thousands of friends who won't forget him. Neither will I.
 


The staff and board members of the Alaska Aviation Museum send along their own condolences to the friends and family of Charlie Laraux.
-------------------------


~ IN MEMORY ~
PNA/WA/DL Capt Charles 'Charlie' LaRaux
January 17, 1940 ~ January 26, 2015

Word has reached us that retired pilot Captain Charles LaRaux passed away on Monday the 26th.  Charlie had just had his 75th birthday.  Captain LaRaux first was with Wien Air Alaska and then joined Pacific Northern Airlines 03-15-1965, made the merger with Western Airlines and retired with Delta Air Lines.  Charlie had most recently resided   17604 SE 295th St.,  Kent  WA 98042-5711.
Arrangements are pending and will be advised when known. 
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN 
Facebook folks may want to view Charlie's facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/charlie.laraux  ...  quite a few very nice pictures have been posted.
...........and this taken from the Wien Air Alaska Facebook page................... 
We lost another old friend today with the passing of Charlie Laraux.
His best friend from high school days, Captain Bill Hately, just called me with the sad news.
Charlie was born in Akiak and grew up in Bethel, learned how to fly, fell in love with airplanes, and went to work as a mechanic at Wien in Fairbanks in the late-1950's.
I first met him in Ft. Yukon, when he was changing a R-2800 that had failed on a Wien C46. It was about -40ºf. and No Fun.
About that time, the Cold War was in full swing, and the U.S. Navy realized that America was vulnerable to missile attack from submarines in the Arctic Ocean, about which little was known. They set up Ice Island research stations, and Wien got a contract to supply them. One was barely within C46 flying range from Pt. Barrow. The other was far beyond, and very close to the north pole.
Wien needed a long range airplane, and settled in on the Lockheed Constellation. The Connie had about 4000 nm range, comfortably enough for the round trip. The Connie required 2 flying pilots, a navigator, and a Flight Engineer. The flight engineer was busy, because what the airplane had in speed and range, it lacked in reliability.
I guess the many -40ºf engine changes and airplane rescues had convinced Charlie the better job was flying airplanes, than repairing them. He had passed his Flight Engineer written exam with that and the big airlines in mind. So when Wien got the Connie, Charlie left the shop floor to became one of Wien's first FE's; and the next time I saw him he was sitting in that important (and warm) Constellation 3rd seat. When the Connie wasn't flying to Ice Islands, Wien used it on the longer routes. FAI-FYU-BTI-FYU-FAI was one. Several times, I thumbed jump seat rides, often with Captain Don Peterson, FO Keith Harrington, and FE Charlie Laraux, on the Ft. Yukon to Barter Island leg.
Wien got busier and Charlie moved up to copilot on the DC3 and C46. He flew the DEW Line with George Thiele and Holger Jorgensen. Jorgy had first met Charlie in Akiak, when Charlie was a cute 6-year-old and full of questions and Holger was in the Territorial Guard. Consequently, Charlie and Jorgy were lifelong friends, and they made a delightful, talented team flying together.
In the early 1960's, a small airline, formerly Woodley Airways of Anchorage, started flying Connie’s to Seattle, and lured Charlie away from Wien. That was Pacific Northern Airlines. After he left Wien, I sort of lost track of him.
His career was a busy one, as Pacific Northern Airlines was purchased by Western Airlines, then, after deregulation, Western was acquired by Delta. Charlie retired from Delta as a 777 Captain.
I didn't run back into Charlie until his retirement, when he and Jorgy were just back from a long riverboat trip from Fairbanks to Koyuk and back via the Chena, Tanana, and Yukon rivers and the Norton Sound. Jorgy was going blind at that time, and Charlie was his river boat captain. I would have loved to watch those two rascals on that boat trip! I know they had fun.
So, what's to say about Laraux? He was a Gentle Man. He brightened the room with his smile and easy manner. He made friends easily and kept them. He had a great career. He flew sweetly. He had a nice family and thousands of friends who won't forget him. Neither will I.
His family is planning a memorial service here in Anchorage at a later date, and I will pass along that info when it becomes available. My condolences to all that loved Charlie Laraux. We'll miss him.


-------- Original message --------
Date:01/26/2015 wallybird.com
Subject: Passing of Charlie LaRaux

We received word from Elizabeth Donovan that Charlie LaRaux passed this morning. Services are pending. Will keep you posted on arrangements.  
Pegg Johansen

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

NWA Capt. James Gregory Ochs

Update with services.............
Captain James Gregory Ochs, 55, passed away on January 8, 2015 in Casa Grande, AZ. Born on February 28, 1959 in Evansville, IN he grew up in Speedway, IN where he lived until 1995 when he was hired to serve as a pilot for Northwest Airlines for 19 years. He is survived by his children, Brittany, Elizabeth, Chelsea and Noah; grandchildren, Tyler and Brooklyn; son-in-law, Tom. Greg is also survived by his father, James; siblings, Tracey, Jennifer, Mark, Matthew and Margaret; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at
The Crossroads Inc.
1845 E. Ocotillo
Phoenix, AZ 85016
on January 31, 2015
from 12:30pm - 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Greg's memory to The Crossroads Inc. at the address above or online at www.thecrossroadsinc.org or to Corporate Angel Network at Westchester County Airport: One Loop Road White Plains, NY 10604. www.corpangelnetwork.org/donations/index.html.
======================================================
~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. James Gregory 'Greg' Ochs

February 28, 1959 ~ January 8, 2015

Notification with the passing of NWA pilot Captain James G. Ochs, age 55.  Captain Ochs joined Northwest Airlines 11-18-1985.  The obituary notes that he is survived by his father and his children.  I believe Captain Ochs had most recently resided at 
 3
08 W. Phantom Drive , Casa Grande, AZ 85122-8021   ...  (317) 291-3914  
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/indystar/obituary.aspx?pid=173890776 
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
Online obituary................
James Gregory Ochs, age 55, passed away on January 8, 2015 in Casa Grande, AZ. Born on February 28, 1959 in Evansville, IN he grew up in Speedway, IN where he lived until 1995 when he moved to Arizona to serve as a captain for Northwest Airlines for 19 years. He is survived by his children, Brittany, Elizabeth, Chelsea and Noah; grandchildren, Tyler and Brooklyn; son-in-law, Tom. Greg is also survived by his father, James; siblings, Tracey, Jennifer, Mark, Matthew and Margaret; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway, IN on January 23, 2015 at 11 a.m., with memorial visitation from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., also at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Greg's memory to Crossroads, Inc: 1845 E. Ocotillo Phoenix, AZ 85016 or online at http://www.thecrossroadsinc.org. Contributions may also to be made to Corporate Angel Network at Westchester County Airport: One Loop Road White Plains, NY 10604. http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/donations/index.html.

.Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Jan. 18, 2015
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/indystar/obituary.aspx?n=James-G-Ochs&pid=173890776#sthash.r966iDW3.dpuf

C&S/DL Capt. L. G. 'Sandy' Sandridge

Services for Capt. Sandridge...............

On Jun 16, 2015, at 9:45 PM, Mildred Sandrdge <gsandr9002@aol.com> wrote:
Would you please do me a favor. I am having a celebration of life for my husband, Leonard Graham Sandridge. He passed away on December 3, 2014. The celebration is on July 18, 2015 at 2:00 PM.in Roanoke, Virginia, at Evergreen burial Park. Can you get the word out to the members. Thank you.
Sincerely,  

Mildred Sandrdge
gsandr9002@aol.com
~ IN MEMORY ~
Army Air Corps veteran, C&S/DL Capt. Leonard Graham 'Sandy' Sandridge

February 15, 1921 ~ December 3, 2014 

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member C&S/DL pilot Captain L. Graham 'Sandy' Sandridge, age 93.  Captain Sandridge joined Chicago & Southern Airlines in February 1952 and retired with Delta Air Lines at the mandatory age 60 in 1981, based MSY.  He is survived by his wife Mildred Townsend Sandridge. 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.oakeys.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1470966
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at 16 Zimmerman Road, Blue Ridge, VA 24064-2170  ...  (540) 977-2661  or  (540) 977-5279.
The obituaries below note that a private memorial service will be held at a later date honoring the life of Captain Sandridge.
Should we hear more we will be sure to pass along the information.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary.........................
Leonard Graham Sandridge (Sandy)
On Weds, Dec 3, 2014, Sandy, as he was affectionately known by his friends, died peacefully in Roanoke with his loving wife of 22 years, Mildred Townsend Sandridge, by his side. Sandy was born Feb 15, 1921. Sandy, or Graham, but rarely Leonard, Sandridge was born in Roanoke where he returned in 1992 after having lived in New Orleans from 1947 after serving in WWII in the Pacific for two years as a pilot with the Army Air Corps. He flew with Delta Airlines until forced to retire, kicking and screaming, in 1981 when he turned 60. In his retirement, he volunteered as a pilot for the humanitarian organization Project Orbis for five years. Orbis, an organization supporting an eye surgical air theatre provided treatment across the globe. He remained active in aviation through his late 70's flying single engine airplanes with his daughter, Dr. Amy Leona Sandridge, of Metairie, who survives him. Sandy who was predeceased by his son Roger in 2001 was survived by Amy's daughters Michael Lucinda Jane and Isis Magdalena Greer and his granddaughters, Dr. Layne Sandridge of Phoenix, Ariz and Dr. Lindsay Sandridge Domiano of Hammond, daughters of Roger and Mrs. Roger (Barbara) Sandridge of Hammond. The family will have a memorial honoring the life of Sandy at a later date.
  .Published in The Times-Picayune from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2015
- See more at: http://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=Leonard-Graham-Sandridge&pid=173888347#sthash.9T6lD37k.dpuf
-----------------

BIOGRAPHY   www.oakeys.com 
On Wednesday, December 3, 2014, Leonard Graham Sandridge at the age of 93 took his final flight from home in Blue Ridge, VA in the care of his loving wife of 22 years, Mildred Townsend Sandridge. He was known as “Sandy” by many of his aviation friends. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. during WW II in the South Pacific for two years. Following this, he had a 30-year career as a pilot for Delta Airlines. As a child on the early Roanoke airport, Graham spent time washing planes for local pilots in hopes of hitching a ride. He was always known for his humor and wit. He was member of the Quiet Birdmen and Delta Golden Wings. Following his retirement from Delta, he served as a volunteer pilot for a humanitarian organization, Project Orvis. The airplane was outfitted as a surgical theatre for eye surgery performed in undeveloped countries all over the world, updating the education of the local eye surgeons and restoring vision to many patients. Graham was predeceased by his son, Roger Steven Sandridge, his parents, Leonard Lance Sandridge and Blanche Campbell Sandridge. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Amy Leona Sandridge of Metari, LA and her daughters, Michael and Isis Greer. Also his granddaughters, Layne Sandridge of Phoenix, AZ and Lindsay Sandridge Domiano of Hammond, LA, daughters of Roger Sandridge. The family will have a private memorial honoring the life of Graham at a later date. The family expresses appreciation to Amedisys Hospice Care and a very special thanks to Mary Simpkins, caregiver. Arrangements by Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel, 540-982-2100. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com 

DL Capt. Richard A. Eklund

Update/reminder:  A reminder for Dick Eklund’s services this weekend, SUN, 8 FEB from 1-4 PM at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, Hampton NH.  Additional info is below.  Entombment at West Point Cemetery is now scheduled for MAY 2016, 50th Anniversary for the USMA Class of 1966. reunion of Dick’s classmates.
Link to tribute page with full obituary for Dick:  http://www.remickgendron.com/obituaries/Richard-Eklund/
All my best!
Dino
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Services for Capt. Richard Eklund
 
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Rd., Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Entombment with full military honors will be held at a later date in the columbaria at West Point Cemetery, alongside his fellow soldiers.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the NH SPCA, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 or to Leukemia Research for Dr. Amir Fathi, Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 1310, Boston, Mass. 02114, or online at www.giving.massgeneral.org/donate.
----------------------------------------------------------

Update:  obituary/memorial services for DL Capt. Richard A. Eklund...
Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. “Dick” Eklund, USA, (Ret.), 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA after a valiant battle against leukemia.
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2015 
Subject: Richard Eklund - Obituary and Celebration of Life Service
Hello everyone,

Thank you all for your support of our family at this difficult time.  Lydia is holding up as well as can be expected.  She finally decided upon the date for the Celebration of Life service.  It will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2015, from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Remick and Gendron Funeral Home in Hampton, New Hampshire. 

Lydia asked that I express to everyone that with weather in New England in February and everyone's life events that she wants everyone to know that if you cannot attend this Celebration that she (and the rest of the family) certainly understand.

Attached (below) is a copy of the obituary as it appears on the Remick and Gendron website.  You may also view it online at www.remickgendron.com.

I know I've left many people off this "blast" email list, so kindly share with anyone else you think would wish to know (West Point, Delta Air Lines, Massachusetts General Hospital, etc, et al)

Our love and gratitude to all of you for everything.

Deb
​(Eklund) ​
Costa
​,
on Behalf of the Eklund Family​
Obituary for Richard A. Eklund ..........................................

 Hampton, NH – Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. “Dick” Eklund, USA, (Ret.), 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA after a valiant battle against leukemia.
Dick was born June 10, 1944 in Norwood, MA, a son of the late Oiva and Ann (Waitkevich) Eklund.
Raised in Walpole, MA, he graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1962 where he played hockey and football, was Captain of the football team and Class President. Dick graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1966 where he had been recruited to play hockey and was also a star lacrosse player. After earning his commission, he was deployed to the Demilitarized Zone of Korea. Upon his return he was assigned to the Army Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker, AL, where he earned his pilot wings. Dick was then deployed to Vietnam as a twin engine U-21 pilot and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and the Air Medal for sustained aerial flight in support of combat ground forces. On October 21, 1969, while on leave in Hawaii, Dick married the love of his life, Lydia (Reynolds) Eklund.
Upon his return from Vietnam, he served as an instructor pilot for the U-21 “Ute” aircraft at Fort Rucker. Following his active duty service, Dick flew for Delta Air Lines and continued to serve in the Army Reserve. He earned his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California and was promoted to Delta Captain on the DC-9 in January, 1988, moving up to the 767-ER by the time he retired. While at Delta, Dick served as Council 9 Chairman for the Boston based Delta pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International. A pilot volunteer and advocate, Dick was a mentor to new pilots. His knowledge and leadership benefited fellow pilots in retirement, insurance, strike preparedness and legislative affairs. Dick also served as Chair of New Hampshire Veterans for Wes Clark in his presidential-hopeful campaign.
He and Lydia moved to the NH Seacoast in 1973 where he loved to hike the mountains and boat on Sebago Lake in Maine where they bought a cabin. An avid sportsman, Dick hiked every mountain he could find while on overnights during Delta trips throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He and Lydia travelled all over the world but some of their most precious times were with family, at home, by the pool, or at the cabin where he taught his nieces and nephews to waterski, fish and ice skate. He remained in the Army Reserve and with Delta, until his retirement from both in 2004.
In addition to Lydia, his cherished wife of over 45 years, Dick is survived by his brothers, David and his wife Mary of Tiburon, CA and Kenneth and his wife Tammy of Dallas, TX; his sister, Deb Costa and her husband Tony of Mendon, MA; his nieces, Emily Paasche, Laura Eklund, Alison Eddy, Edie Puig, Trish Cabral, Margot Neufeld and April Richardson; his nephews Jason Eklund, Andy Moseley and Adam Moseley and Dick's most beloved of his nine dogs, his poodle, Lola.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2015 in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Rd., Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Entombment with full military honors will be held at a later date in the columbaria at West Point Cemetery, alongside his fellow soldiers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the NH SPCA, P.O. Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 or to Leukemia Research for Dr. Amir Fathi, Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114, or online at www.giving.massgeneral.org/donate.



~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Richard A. Eklund
June 10, 1944 ~ January 13, 2015

Word has been received with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Richard 'Dick' Eklund, age 70.  Captain Eklund had battled leukemia this past year.  He is survived by his wife Lydia.  Captain Eklund joined Delta Air Lines 02-08-1973 and was based Boston then JFK/031 at the time of his retirement.  Arrangements are not yet known.  Personal condolences may be sent to the family at 243 Woodland Road, Hampton  NH 03842-1536  ...  (603) 601-2641
Should we hear more we will be sure to pass along the information.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
From: George Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 1:10 PM
Subject: Dick Eklund
Hello everyone,
Dick took his final flight this morning at 10:50 AM. 
There will be a Celebration of Life service in NH sometime in the March timeframe.
Lydia needs comfort and love, but right now rest. 
Thank you for everything,
Deb (Eklund) Costa
on behalf of Dick and his entire family and fleet of friends
Cell/Text:  (508) 259-2328
From: George   Sent: Monday, January 12, 2015 4:52 AM
Subject: Update on Dick Eklund's New Location
Took the opportunity late this afternoon to visit our friend Dick Eklund at the hospice facility he moved to yesterday........................... 
For those of you who have replied to me in the last couple of weeks concerning Dick’s health and with kind words to extend to him, I did that this evening during my visit.  I can’t tell you if he has days or weeks ahead on this part of his life’s journey.  But, if you were to speak with him, for now, his voice is strong. 
If you are considering a visit, Dick asks that you first call his cell phone.  If your call is not answered, or the VM box is full, you may want to call the Merrimack Valley Hospice House main number and ask to be put through to the nurses station in Dick’s area to check on whether he is taking visitors.  Contact information is below.
Dick’s cell:  603-957-1377

Merrimack Valley Hospice House
360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830
(978) 377-9100


Lydia & Dick Eklund

243 Woodland Road

Hampton, NH  03842



Home number: 603-601-2641


Dicks brother David returned home today.  His sister Deb and husband Tony, and niece Emily were visiting with Lydia and Dick when I arrived.  
I will be sure to pass along any updates I receive.  I know that both Lydia and Dick appreciate hearing from friends with words of encouragement...................
Dino
From: George   Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2015 11:18 AM
Subject:  Dick Eklund - Somber Health News
Note below from Dick Eklund’s sister Deb. Dick is a former BOS Council 9 Chairman.  Will notify you of any developments as I learn them.

Eklund home address:     243 Woodland Road , Hampton, NH  03842

Dino

Begin forwarded message:    From: Deb Costa  debcosta21@gmail.com
Subject: Dick Eklund - Somber Health News
Date: January 3, 2015 at 10:31:38 AM EST
Please accept my apologies for sending this news electronically, but being able to do it more personally is impossible due to the legions of people who asked to be kept updated.

As you probably all know, Dick has been at Mass General Hospital since before Christmas. His leukemia is back after more than a year's courageous battle.  He also has a fungal pneumonia.  We had a meeting today and the plan is for him to go home to NH probably on Monday.  Palliative care will start and then hospice will take over if needed.  I am sad to say that my "Eye of the Tiger" warrior brother is not going to pull through this.  He will go to NH to his home, his bed, his dog Lola and his wife Lydia where he will finish out his last days or weeks.

He loves his family and friends and told me he is happy that he really lived his life.  He knows about and appreciates everyone's prayers and well wishes.  As he stated himself earlier this year, it is amazing that he survived last year and through both his and Lydia's birthdays in May and June.  He also hung tough for their 45th anniversary in October.  I'm sure Lydia would appreciate any cards or notes and she or other family members can read them to Dick when he's home.

Please share this with other friends and people who know Dick and may want to be aware of this.  Please, hug everyone you love every chance you can.

Love you all,
Deb (and Tony)
(Dick's "Sista")

NEA/DL Capt. Charles H. Kiklis

~ IN MEMORY ~
NEA/DL Capt. Charles 'Chuck' Kiklis
July 22, 1938 ~ January 14, 2015
 
 News has reached us with the passing of NEA/DL pilot Captain Charles Harry Kiklis, age 76.  Captain Kiklis joined Northeast Airlines 01-03-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1998.  He was based Chicago, Boston, then JFK  at the time of his retirement at age 60.
 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home obituary site at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Charles-Kiklis&lc=6869&pid=173873306&mid=6281519 
Survived by his wife Elaine personal condolences may be sent to the family at 
343 First Parish Road,  Scituate  MA 02066-3807  ...  (781) 378-1943
Funeral home website:  www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com
 
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Life story................................................
Charles Harry Kiklis, age 76, of Scituate and formerly Duxbury died peacefully surrounded by his loving family January 14th 2015. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Elaine Kiklis. He will be deeply missed by his children David Kiklis and his wife Gretchen of Framingham, Joanne Hudson and her husband Matthew of Kingston and Kristen Jervey and her husband James of Norwell and his Mother-in Law, Joan Leanos of Duxbury. He was adored by his grandchildren Chris, Mackenzie, Max, Riley, Shelby and Emma who thought of him as a best friend and playmate.
 
He was born in Woburn, MA in 1938. He graduated from Lowell Technical Institute with a degree in engineering. He entered the Air Force pilot training following his graduation and served his country as an Air Force commander pilot during the war in Vietnam . He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the President of the United States following his heroic action to save so many in one of the worst battles in Vietnam. He later went to work for NorthEast Airlines and spent 32 years as a pilot for Delta Airline. He retired as a Captain for Delta 16 years ago.
 
It would be impossible to put into words the man that Charles Kiklis was, he was loved and adored by all who had the good fortune to know him. His kind spirit, his boundless generosity and his love for his family and friends was limitless. He taught those around him the real meaning of loyalty, humility and compassion. His quiet strength was ever present. He was larger than life; his quick wit, his humor and his trusting nature was surpassed only by his unwavering devotion and love for his family.
 
Charles and Elaine grew up in Woburn and met in church when Elaine was 16 and "Chuck" was 20. They had a life long story book romance that spanned over 55 years. They loved each other completely and often referred to each other as "one soul". They enjoyed traveling the world, dancing, taking long walks and spending summers at Sagamore Beach. The Kiklis' house was always overflowing with people; family, friends and neighbors. It was a gathering spot and safe haven. Chuck's door and heart were always open to those in need.
 
Chuck had a love of tinkering, gardening and duct tape. His greatest joys were his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He was an avid pilot, lobster man and golfer. Chuck was an extraordinary man who lived his life full of love and compassion. He was humble and radiated kindness that touched everyone in his life.
 
Calling hours will be 10:30-11:30am on Tuesday, January 20th at St. Michael Church, 62 Main Street Cotuit, MA. The Funeral will be immediately following. He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to  National Kidney Foundation  at  National Kidney Foundation , Finance Department 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016 www.kindney.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 www.woundedwarriorproject.org 
 
-------------------------
From: George    Sent: Friday, January 16, 2015 1:47 PM   Subject: Charles "Chuck" Kiklis
 
........................ Here is the preliminary information for Chuck Kiklis’ funeral arrangements.

Calling hours at the St Michael’s Church from 10:30-11:30 followed by funeral service at 11:30 on TUE, 20 JAN:

St Michael’s the Archangel Orthodox Church
62 Main Street
Cotuit, MA 02635
(508) 420-1113

He will be laid to rest at Bourne National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:15.

Chuck's obituary will be in Sunday's Patroit Ledger Newspaper and the funeral home website:  www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com

Dino
---------------------- 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "George" <oeg1011@comcast.net>       Date: Jan 14, 2015 5:41 PM    Subject: : Chuck Kiklis

....................David Kiklis just called me to notify me that his father Chuck Kiklis passed away earlier today.

Funeral services have not been completed, but the church service will be on Cape Cod at St Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Cotuit, MA.

Will forward along funeral arrangement information as soon as I get it..............................Dino

PNA/WA Capt. Lorin L. Wilkinson

~ IN MEMORY ~
PNA/WAL Capt. Lorin L. Wilkinson
December 2, 1929 ~ January 15, 2015

Word has been received with the passing of retired Western pilot Captain Lorin LaVern Wilkinson, age 85.  Captain Wilkinson joined Pacific Northern Airlines 01-19-1953 and retired with Western Airlines.  Widowed with the passing of his first wife Gail 'Dolly' in 1995 and his second wife Mary in 2004, Captain Wilkinson is survived by his sons Daniel and Donald.  To sign the online guestbook please visit http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Lorin-Wilkinson&lc=7560&pid=173903379&mid=6285700&locale=en_US 
Personal condolences may be sent to the family in care of son Don by email at  2Netsend@Gmail.com  Don is also available by phone... 360-455-8683 or cell  253-670-0772.
Captain Wilkinson had most recently resided in Olympia WA.  Services for Captain Wilkinson will be held January 31st in Tumwater WA.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Life story.......................................
Captain Lorin L. Wilkinson, QB-35352-OLM   (Demitted from TUL & SEA)
   Captain Wilkinson was born on 2 December 1929 in Ogden, Utah to parents LaVern Wilkinson and Martha E. Grosnick. He filed his final flight plan and Flew West into the sunset on 15 January 2015.
   His early years were spent in Utah, Texas, Missouri and finally California where he got his first airplane ride on the morning of 7 December 1941 in a Waco cabin biplane at the Atlantic and Telegraph airfield in Los Angeles. He was 12 years old. Flying was curtailed on the west coast during the war so he devoured every bit of aviation literature available and spent time building identification models for the war effort.
   His flying career began in July 1945 when he was the first kid on Vail Field in East Los Angeles looking for work around airplanes. He logged his first 30 minutes in a J-3 Cub, NC 24806. Flying time was sparse and spotty until he met Gerry A. Casey (QB-23897) a furloughed TWA pilot who was restoring a TG3-A sailplane in Gardena; CA. Gerry put him to work on the glider and took him to the 14th National Sailplane competition in Wichita Falls, Texas. Gerry suggested Lorin join the military for his flight training.
   After enlisting in the Navy V-5 Cadet Flight Training program in September 1947, finishing boot camp at Great Lakes, and awaiting assignment to Pensacola, the program was cancelled as the Navy had enough peace time aviators. Instead, he was sent to Memphis, TN to Advanced Aviation Electronics School where he became an Aviation Electronics Technician, Radar and E.C.M. Operator and aerial gunner. He was then sent to Whidbey Island WA and served in VP-29 (PB4Y-2’s) and VP- 812 (P2V-2/3’s).
   Gerry Casey had become an Air Safety Agent with the C.A.A. at Boeing Field and resumed tutoring Lorin as a pilot. In June of 1949 Lorin sold his 1933 Chevy and his saxophone to buy a 1946 Aeronca 7AC Champion and flying began in earnest, receiving his Private Pilot Certificate on 3 September 1949 and, ten months later, his Commercial Certificate and Flight Instructor Rating. The Examiner was Bob Jones, (QB # n/a). Lorin was discharged from the Navy on 1 September 1951 and went to Olympia, WA where he earned his Instrument Certificate and a Multi-engine Rating then proceeded to Los Angeles where he was employed at Compton Air College as a Flight Instructor for Airplanes and Instruments.
   In December 1952 he was hired by Western Air Lines as a DC-3 Co-pilot and went on the line 19 January 1953 in Denver Colorado. That spring he married Gail Ann (Dolly) Danduran a marriage that lasted 43 years and produced two sons, Daniel L. and Donald L. Wilkinson.
   In April 1955 Lorin transferred to Los Angeles and checked out in the Convair 240 and the Douglas DC-4. In June 1956 checked out in the DC6B and in February 1960 the Lockheed L-188. In September 1960 was type rated in the DC-6/7 and received his ATP certificate. Type rated on the Lockheed L-188 in March 1962, the Boeing 720-B in August 1963 and the Boeing 727 on April 10 1974. Type rated in the Douglas DC-10 in July 1979.
   Captain Wilkinson took early voluntary retirement from Western Air Lines on 1 September 1985 at age 55 then moved to a home and hangar on the Flying “B” Airfield in Yelm, WA where he owned and flew a number of light aircraft and began building a number of homebuilt, experimental aircraft. After his first wife passed away in the fall of 1995, he met and married a WW-II WASP, Mary R. Jones, in Tulsa, OK in February 2000. He built a new home and hangar on Sky Haven Airpark in Collinsville, OK. Lorin became a QB in the Tulsa Hangar in 2001. His new wife, Mary, died in the fall of 2004.
    Captain Wilkinson returned to Olympia, WA where he was instrumental in forming a new QB Hangar (OLM-201). He served this hangar as Beam Man, Alternate Key Man and Governor.
   In addition to the QB’s he was a member of the National Biplane Assn., Founder and President of the Hatz Biplane Assn., A.L.P.A., E.A.A., Midwest Antique Aircraft Club, W.A.L. Silver Chiefs, Delta Golden Wings, OX-5 Aviation Pioneers and on 20 February 2010 received the Wright Brothers Memorial Master Pilot Award from the F.A.A.
   Along with his 23,000+ hour professional flying habit, Lorin was a man of many avocations including rancher, competition sailor, builder of award winning aircraft, house builder, wood worker par excellence and an accomplished BS-er with funny and acerbic comments that delighted many an aviator and drove home a point to others who had screwed the pooch.
   Captain Wilkinson never lost his love and wonder of flying and continued flying into his early eighties. He would often say, “it’s been one helluva great ride and I wouldn’t change a thing!”


From: Barn stormer    Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:42 PM   Subject: Lorin's Service


 Hello All,

Please excuse my doing an "email blast" from my dad's address book.  Many of you I do not know and some may not be personal friends but I wanted to get the word out about his funeral service.  It will be held on Saturday, January 31st @ 11a.  The location is:

Mills & Mills Funeral Home
5725 Littlerock Road SW
Tumwater, WA  98512
360-357-7743

Here is a link to map it, you can enter your address & it will provide a route & travel time:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/5725+Littlerock+Rd+SW,+Tumwater,+WA+98512/@46.996835,-122.92338,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x5491740577d4b469:0x932d58e92b364e76

I do not monitor this email address very often, but have been very touched by the outpouring of love & condolences for my dad.  It is amazing to me how many lives he has touched, even globally, with his generous nature & desire to be there for others.  Pop's did say that, though greatly appreciated, he did not want an abundance of friends sending flowers for the service.  And just like any airplane driver who lived in the left seat, he provided me with a number of checklists to follow after his passing.  One of his regrets was that the funeral home did not serve alcohol as he wanted to provide an open bar to go along with the Irish wake that he wanted to be remembered for.

I can be reached on his house phone: 360-455-8683 or my cell phone: 253-670-0772.  My email address is
2Netsend@Gmail.com  It is quite possible that I have not reached everyone that would want to be notified, so if you could pass the word along it would be wonderful.  When Pop's told me that he had made provisions for 40 at the reception for his service I responded that it would not even begin to cover the amount of friends that will want to attend.  I suggested that he consider renting a larger reception hall, to which he laughed & said he didn't even think that all the snacks for 40 afterwards would get eaten so I should have a box with me to bring the rest home.  It was part of his nature to be humble in ways like this as many of you will remember.  But he embraced you all as only he could.

Thank you again for making him so rich as only dear friends can.

Regards,

Don




From: Barn stormer    Sent: Friday, January 16, 2015 4:14 PM    Subject: Lorin's Passing


Hello Carol,

I am writing you from my father’s computer to pass along some very sad news.  Pops passed on last evening, he is finally beyond the terrible suffering that he had been going through these last few years.  He requested that I send along his biography & photo in hopes that you would notify the necessary departments at Delta Airlines.

Though I will not be monitoring this email very frequently, you can contact me on his house line or here:

2Netsend@Gmail.com
 
Thank you very much,

Don Wilkinson