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

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Friday, June 30, 2017

DL Capt. Kenneth Lorne Kobs

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth Lorne Kobs
January 26, 1960 - April 29, 2017
 
Obituary for Kenneth Lorne Kobs 
Kenneth Lorne Kobs passed away peacefully on April 29, 2017. Ken was born in New Richmond Wisconsin on January 26, 1960 to Roger and Adeline Kobs. Ken was a straight A student in high school while playing multiple instruments in the band, marching in the Presidential Inaugural parade in 1977, playing on the football team and working. Ken attended the University of Minnesota as a double major in History and Political Science, maintained an A average and graduated in 1982. Ken joined the Air Force after college where he was selected to fly fighter aircraft, and flew the T37 and T38. While on active duty with the Air Force Ken achieved the position of Chief of Standards and Evaluation. Ken transferred to the Air National Guard where he flew the A7 and F16, first in Sioux City, Iowa and then in Denver, Colorado. While a member of the Colorado Air National Guard, Ken was activated for the war, flew several combat missions and earned a multitude of decorations, medals and awards. Ken retired from the military in 2009 with 26 years of service as a Lt Colonel.

Ken was hired at Delta Air Lines in 1990, where he flew the Boeing 727, Boeing 737, and the Boeing 757/767. Ken was a Check Airmen on the 727, and had just recently been selected to serve as Check Airmen on the 757/767. Ken enjoyed skiing, boating, hunting with his brothers, going to the mountains, spending time with family and “pushing it up with the boys”.

Ken is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susie, a close and loving family that includes his brothers Dave Donna), Rod (Pat), Tom (Chris), and Marlin, his three sisters Corrine (Jim), Rita (Craig), and Angie (Bob), a sister in law Marilee, a brother in law Jeff, an aunt Verna, an uncle Eugene and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins. Ken was a loving husband and devoted friend. Ken had a heart of gold, a big smile and a kind word for everyone he met, and is dearly missed.

PLEASE HAVE ALL FLOWERS AND PLANTS DELIVERED TO CHERRY CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. THANK YOU.

 ....as noted in ALPA publication...........................
Deceased Delta list as reported in the June/July ALPA magazine's In Memoriam column.


KEY  NAME              STATUS    DIED         ALPA    CO. SOURCE
ALPA Kobs, Kenneth L.  Captain   in Apr 2017  Jul-17  DL  A

retired USAFR LT. COL on this web site:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?435472-Kenneth-L-Kobs-Retired-USAF-USAFR-GW-ODS-WoT-Denver-Colorado-18-May-2017

DL Capt. Robert Scott Brooks

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Robert Scott Brooks
May 7, 1961 ~ April 9, 2017


ROBERT SCOTT BROOKS 1961-2017

Robert Scott Brooks was born on May 7, 1961, at 11:05 a.m., in Richmond, Virginia, as the third child of Austin and Jo Ann (nee Thurston) Brooks. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 20″ long.
Even as a young child, “Scott” exhibited an eager enthusiasm, vibrant intelligence, and boundless energy; characteristics that, as he grew and matured, continued to serve him in all of his endeavors and relationships as the man of passion, integrity, commitment, and honor that everyone who encountered him knew him to be. 
His parents recall that as soon as he could run, walking anywhere would not suffice; Scott’s childlike exuberance compelled him to RUN.  Anywhere and everywhere he needed to get to, he was excited and determined to get there immediately. 
Eager to learn and with a keen intelligence, Scott always easily excelled in academics and was naturally driven and ambitious.  His mother, Jo Ann, recalls having taught Sunday School at Branch’s Baptist Church where the family attended in Richmond, Virginia, with a 7-year-old Scott in her class; by the end of the hour, she always marveled that he could recount her entire lesson by memory better than she!
His parents delighted in their energetic little boy with the myriad talents and bright spirit, who was drawn to the ocean and the beach from an early age.  Scott played quarterback in Little League football, and was on the wrestling team at Meadowbrook High School in Chesterfield County, Virginia. It was during his high school years that Scott’s love of the ocean and patriotic passion for his country was cultivated and fostered through joining the Sea Cadets, an organization run by the Navy League of the United States in which Scott was exposed to Navy life and taught how to sail; a fierce passion and a nascent patriot was born.
With his newfound respect for and fascination with the Navy, Scott turned his focus onto the goal of being admitted into the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and upon graduating at the top of his high school class in 1979, Scott’s dedication to academic excellence and his deep yet well-rounded resume paid off. He earned appointment to both the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy, but the Navy won out.  During his four years at the Naval Academy, Scott continued to develop his love of sailing, he learned the skill of boxing, and his spirit of patriotism, discipline, and integrity was sharpened, becoming embedded into the very fiber of his being.
He graduated with Honors in the Naval Academy Class of 1983, from which he was commissioned as an officer and embarked on his eight years of service to the United States of America as a Navy pilot, with the highly dangerous and specialized skill of flying F/A-18 jets and landing on aircraft carriers in the middle of a heaving ocean in the black of night. Scott served as a naval aviator, flight trainer, and Lt. Commander of a US Navy F/A-18 squadron.  It was his class of fighter pilots who were culled to fly as the stunt pilots in the movie Top Gun.  Scott Brooks was one of these courageous real-life Top Gun heroes.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1991, Scott parlayed his military-trained, precision flying skill into a career flying commercial airplanes for Delta Airlines, where he safely carried thousands of passengers all over the world for over 26 years.
While flying as a pilot for Delta Airlines in his early years, Scott was based in Los Angeles where God placed the most beautiful woman he had ever seen at a party with him in Malibu Beach on the Fourth of July (befitting of his patriotic heart), where he spun around and literally bumped into Lisa Marie Borges, a model, actress, and producer who lived in Santa Monica, CA.  He knew exactly who she was, as he had seen her three years prior, and had tried to locate her since then, but to no avail.  Their eyes locked, and as Lisa Marie said, it was literally love at first sight.  When asked by Scott’s mother what his new love looked like, Scott replied, bemusedly, “She looks like me.” 
Their romance deepened as they recognized in each other the same depth of soul and character that they each themselves possessed, and delighted in the unfolding discoveries of each other’s passionate spirits, generous hearts, fierce love and loyalty in their relationships, values and goals for their future, and ideals of a family.   With excited approval from all of their family and dearest, most trusted friends, Scott proposed to Lisa … and they were married on May 13, 2000 on a perfect, sunny, Southern California day, in the idyllic Wayfarer’s Chapel on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, under a Cyprus tree grove atop cliffs that overlook the Pacific Ocean.  This magical setting was the beginning of a fairy tale marriage and true partnership in life, with their only son, Logan Scott Brooks, born nearly a year later, on February 26, 2001. 
Scott had a magnetic personality and an infectious joie de vivre, and his life with his beautiful wife and son was filled with adventure.   As a family, they delighted in traveling the world together and experiencing the beauty of different lands and cultures. While living in their first home together as a family in Atlanta, Georgia, Scott and Lisa began to invest in vacation properties in the idyllic coastal resort community of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, where the family has made their home for the past ten years.
In 2009, Scott founded, along with his wife Lisa and her father, David Borges, Borges Brooks Builders, a business which designs and builds luxury custom homes.  With Scott at the helm, Borges Brooks Builders quickly became known for building homes of incredible integrity, beauty, and quality in the community, with eighty-seven projects completed and/or underway when he died.  The entire community is enhanced by the gorgeous homes that Scott built, and his professional legacy will live on forever through the families who are blessed to inhabit a Borges Brooks home. 
Scott’s steadfast, reliable character and his commitment to excellence and honor, honed by his years in the Navy, was magnified in every single aspect of his life.   He cared deeply about his clients who hired him to build their dream homes for him, most of whom grew into deep friendships.  Each new home he built was viewed as an exciting opportunity to create something perfect and beautiful, a haven of an environment for a family who would live within the walls he built with such care and precision.  He didn’t stop until every detail of perfection was achieved, and he honored and respected every client and every single person who worked for him.
None of this striving for excellence was ever a burden to him; he woke up each morning cheerful and energized, brimming with vim and vigor, excited to tackle every project, detail, and responsibility set before him, which were always myriad and plentiful.  Another man may have felt overwhelmed or stressed; not Scott! He loved accomplishment and was invigorated by tasks and challenges; productivity fueled him and stimulated him. This was his true God-given gift. 
In addition to flying, traveling the world, and making new building projects come to life, Scott loved running, discussing and debating politics which he studied avidly, and toys that go fast, including his Harley Davidson motorcycle which he loved to ride with his beautiful wife Lisa Marie. 
He was Christian by faith, and with all of the wonderful opportunities and blessings given to him by God in his life, his greatest pride and joy was Lisa and Logan.  They did everything together as a loving and tightly-knit family.  Scott was a hands-on and devoted father who enthusiastically supported Logan in all of his endeavors:  academic, athletic, and artistic.  Scott loved nothing more than cheering Logan on at all of his cross-country and track meets which he runs for South Walton High School, and is ranked the fastest 3200m freshman runner in the state of Florida.
A recent sweet triumph for Scott was to have won his age category in the 2016 Annual Seaside School 5k, while his son, Logan, was the Champion of the entire race, a field of 2000 runners. 
A great man is marked by the strength and depth of his relationships, by his impact on those whose lives were intertwined with his and even those with whom he had brief encounters.  Scott was such a man.  He was an instant friend to all with his magnetic personality and relational spirit. He was a born leader and a pillar of his community. He had a magnanimous heart of deep generosity, and mentored many young people with passion and enthusiasm, guiding them, believing deeply in them and exhorting them to be the best version of themselves. 
One of Scott’s dear friends from the Navy, Marc Manzelli, said of him, “…he was a North Star for so many…Some men plant trees for others to sit under; I think of Scott this way.”  He was proud without being arrogant, a man of honor and of his word, a courageous Veteran of this great country which he loved fiercely.  Scott was a loyal and fun-loving friend who loved to socialize and laugh, and he deeply impacted everyone who encountered him in all walks of his full yet too-short life. 
But of all of Scott’s accomplishments, and the roles Scott played in the lives of so many, he was most proud of Lisa Marie and Logan; and they, likewise, were so proud to call him theirs. 
Scott was the epitome of a true American hero, and the loss of his vibrant self on this earth will be deeply mourned.
In addition to his wife and son, Scott is survived by his parents, Austin and JoAnn Brooks of Shacklefords, Virginia, and his three siblings and their spouses:  Timothy Brooks and his wife Maria Brooks, of Newport Beach, California; Daniel Brooks, of Chicago, Illinois; and his sister, Kelly Brooks LeBlanc and husband Glen LeBlanc of Stony Creek, Virginia. 
“I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, I have kept the faith.” 
2 TIMOTHY 4:7
Graveside services for family and close friends will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station, 80 Hovey Road, Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida. For those attending this service, it is imperative that you arrive at noon at the WalMart parking lot located at 501 North Navy Blvd., in order to join the formal procession by police escort onto the Naval Base.  Latecomers cannot be admitted onto the base so please be prompt.
The following day, Friday, April 21, will be a casual Sunset Celebration of Life and bonfire on Grayton Beach in Santa Rosa Beach, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
While the family is accepting a limited amount of floral arrangements, Scott would be honored for donations to be made to a charity close to his patriotic heart, No Greater Sacrifice.
The charity website will have a special donation page dedicated to Scott Brooks. 

 ...as noted in recent ALPA publication.....
Deceased Delta list as reported in the June/July ALPA magazine's In Memoriam column.


KEY  NAME              STATUS    DIED         ALPA    CO. SOURCE
ALPA Brooks, Robert S. Captain   in Apr 2017  Jul-17  DL  A

DL Capt. Edward H. Finkbeiner

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. Edward H. Finkbeiner
*June 27, 1935 ~ June 23, 2017
 
Notice with the passing of retired Delta pilot captain Edward Herbert Finkbeiner, age 82.  (*our sources indicate DOB 06-27-1935, but I see other sources that mention DOB 01-27-1935)  Captain Finkbeiner joined Delta Air Lines 03-04-1964 and retired with Delta based 030/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Barbara. 
For those wishing to send personal condolences, Whitepages lists the family residence as
1535 Waterwood Drive, Lutz FL 33559-6909  ...  (813) 909-7190.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at
The obituary may also be viewed at
Memorial services will be held tomorrow July 1st at noon,  at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, Florida.
Church website:  http://stclement.net/main_wp/ 
Arrangements entrusted to MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33612....(813) 933-4950.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary......................

Edward H. Finkbeiner, 82, of Lutz passed away June 23, 2017. He was an USAF veteran and retired Captain with Delta Airlines (36 years). Preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Lunsford, and survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Brad, Dale (Eleanor) and Sharon Pearson; grandchildren, Austin Lunsford and Kevin Finkbeiner. Step family, Larry and Gloria Hernandez; grandchildren, Alicea Hernandez and Eileen (Aaron) Edwards; two great grandsons, Jameson and Weston Edwards. A memorial service will be held at 12:00, July 1st at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, Tampa. Memorials may be given to the Children’s Home, 10909 Memorial Hwy., Tampa, FL 33615.

DL Capt. John Henry Lersch Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. John Henry ‘Sparky’ Lersch Jr.
December 31, 1951 ~ June 23, 2017
 

News has reached our group with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain John Henry Lersch Jr., age 65.  Captain Lersch joined Delta Air Lines 11-08-1985.  An online photo gallery and guestbook is available at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-Lersch&lc=4945&pid=185909262&mid=7460106 
Services are planned for this Saturday, July 1st in Marietta, Georgia.  Should we receive further information we will be sure to pass it along.
                Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN 
Online notice.............................
A Celebration of Life for John H. Lersch, Jr. will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 1, 2017 at H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Directors, 1157 Old Canton Rd., Marietta, GA 30068. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations made in John's memory to a charity of one's choice.
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Spellissy [mailto:bjpspell@bellsouth.net] Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2017 10:27 PM   Subject: Passing of Sparky Lersch
 
Just wanted to pass along the sad news about the passing of Sparky Lersch. He was a retired Delta pilot and fellow BSF'er. His service is this Saturday, July 1st. It will be held at H.M.Patterson & Son which is located at 1157 Old Canton Road in Marietta. Here is a link to his obituary:  http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-Lersch&lc=4945&pid=185909262&mid=7460106 
........

Brian Spellissy

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

NWA Capt. Michael J. Tovey Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, NWA Capt. Michael J. Tovey Jr.
July 6, 1936 ~ June 22, 2017
 
News has reached us with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Michael J. Tovey Jr., age 80.  Captain Tovey joined Northwest Airlines 09-05-1967.  He is survived by his wife Joyce, their children and grandchildren. 
Personal condolences may be sent to the Tovey family at:
16313 33rd Street Court Kp N,   Lakebay WA 98349-9513.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.havenrest.com/notices/Michael-Tovey
A funeral mass for Captain Tovey will be held on Friday, June 30th at 11:00 AM, at St. Nicholas parish with a reception to follow in the parish hall.  Church information:  St Nicholas Catholic Church, 3510 Rosedale St NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335  http://www.stnicholasgigharbor.org/ 
                Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN
 
RNPA News: Mike Tovey Obituary
 Tuesday, June 27, 2017 8:40 AM  
 
Michael Tovey, Jr.

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Mike was the fourth of five sons born to Michael and Velma Tovey in Dickinson, ND. He grew up in a variety of towns in the west as his parents moved following teaching jobs—towns such as Ringling, MT, Goldendale, WA, and Dufur, OR. Eventually they settled in Spray, OR where he graduated from Spray High School in 1954. He then attended and graduated from the University of Portland, where he joined the Air Force ROTC. While at the U of P he met Joyce, who despite repeated attempts to ignore him, eventually agreed to a date. Mike married the love of his life, Joyce Thomas on August 13, 1960. Together they raised 5 sons—Michael (Linda), Mark, Shawn (Marie), Brian (Nica) and Chris (Jamee). There are 13 grandchildren who miss their grandpa, and a great grandson expected in October. Mike served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years following graduation from the University of Portland. It was here that he learned to fly, something that would be central to his life in the future. He was stationed in Harlingen, TX and Seattle, then served a year in Vietnam from 1966-67 prior to his discharge. After leaving the Air Force, Mike began his commercial flying career with Northwest Airlines in 1967, a career that continued for 29 years and took him across the country, to Europe and to Asia.  In 1975 Mike moved his family to Lakebay, another small town, with a view of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound on one side and the woods on the other. When not flying, he was working around the property—he always was working on something! With five boys he put them to work as well—chopping wood, mowing lawns, hauling, moving, digging and planting. While he was away at times flying, he made the most of his time at home, coaching his sons, camping, fishing, playing tennis and golf, and growing beautiful Dahlias in the garden. After retiring in 1996, he spent time on the golf course, travelling with his wife and enjoying time with his boys and his grandkids. He loved to golf—playing with his regular group most weeks and his sons whenever he could. He and Joyce travelled as often as possible, taking trips across the country and around the world, eventually seeing all seven continents. He also supported many civic groups on the Key Peninsula and found time to serve others during retirement by delivering Meals on Wheels for over 10 years throughout the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula area. He was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Nicholas parish. Most of all he loved his wife and his family and is greatly missed by all of them. A funeral mass will be held on June 30 at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

DL Capt. Carl Wayne Raymond

Update with service arrangements for DL Capt. Carl W. Raymond...set for this Saturday, July 1st...please see below...
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN   
 
From: Sue Zino Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 6:13 PM  Subject: Service arrangements for DL Capt. Carl W. Raymond, age 75
 

............... service arrangements for Captain Carl Raymond from his son, William.

Address for his wife, Kathy Russell Raymond (retired Delta flight attendant) 120 High Hampton Dr., Pelham, AL 35124 | kcray2@msn.com  | FA class 06/01/1970

From: William Raymond [wraymond@savannahtech.edu] Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 11:04 AM
Subject: Service arrangements for Capt. Carl W. Raymond

It is with great sadness to announce Capt. Carl Wayne Raymond passed this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Services will be held Saturday July 1st in Mobile AL

Viewing will begin at 12:00pm with services to follow at 2:00pm

Flowers or well wish may be send to: RADNEY FUNERAL HOME MOBILE, 3155 DAUPHIN STREET, MOBILE, AL 36606 | 251-479-4547

William



~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Carl W. Raymond
May 31, 1942 ~ June 28, 2017


News from the family of Captain Carl Raymond has been received...Captain Raymond has passed on due to complications of MDS and leukemia.  He was 75 years of age at the time of his passing.  
Please see obituary information below. 
Service arrangements are not yet known.....more information will be forwarded when received.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
From: Kathryn Raymond Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 
Subject: Death of Delta Pilot Carl Wayne Raymond
Carl Wayne Raymond passed away June 28, 2017 in Pelham, Alabama.
He is survived by his Wife Kathryn Russell Raymond; children William Carl Raymond (Mitzi Raymond), Natalie Raymond Padovano (Gerry Padavano) and Cathy Raymond Morris; grandchildren Carl Raymond, Amber Morris, Stephen Raymond, Emma Padavano, Joshua Padovano, Crissy Grizzle and Daniel Raymond. He is also survived by his brother Charles Turner (Beth Turner), his sisters Charlotte Skelton (Rick Skelton) and Brenda Bruce (Sam Bruce). He was predeceased by his sister Virginia Amschler.
Carl Wayne Raymond was born May 31, 1942 in Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas to Ruby Teague Raymond and Carl Marvin Raymond. He graduated from Embry Riddle University. He went to work for Delta Airlines as a mechanic in 1965. After 5 years, he became a Ground Training Instructor for pilots at Delta. In 1972, he became a Delta Airlines Pilot. He enjoyed a 30 year pilot career at Delta retiring in 2002. After retirement from Delta, he became a real estate broker and continued his love of flying with his Bonanza.
-------Original Message-------
From: captcarl1942@yahoo.com    Date: 6/24/2017 Subject: Carl Raymond Retired Delta Pilot
Carl Raymond battled lymphoma in 2006 through 2008.  He was cancer free until September of 2015. Since then he has fought MDS then leukemia. He was fighting his leukemia with chemo at Emory for 45 days until it was apparent that the leukemia did not go into remission. Now Carl has gone home on hospice. The chemo that Carl suffered through did not get rid of his leukemia. The leukemia cells have reappeared in his blood.
We wanted him to be in his home instead of in a hospital or rehab. So we are back home in Pelham.  We will see how he feels in the next days, but is not up for any visits.
You are all welcome to call, write, message or email.
Thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers throughout this difficult time for us.
Kathy Raymond

Retired Delta F/A

Sunday, June 25, 2017

NWA William J. Hampton

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NWA Capt. William J. Hampton
August 15, 1941 ~ October 23, 2016
 
 Sunday, June 25, 2017 2:58 PM 
From:  ~ Carol for the PCN 
Subject: UPDATE/OBITUARY to: RNPA News: Bill Hampton Has Flown West.
 

Hampton, William J. (Bill) Retired Northwest Airlines Captain, died on October 23, 2016. Bill battled Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia for five years and was finally free to make his last flight home. Bill is survived by his loving and very loved wife Laura of St. Paul, MN, his daughter Wendy Kennedy (Todd), one sister Janice Mattingly (Bruce) and two brothers, Tom (Sue) and Robert and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His son Billy and his mother and father, Josephine and William Hampton, preceded him in death. Bill was born on August 15, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up there and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. While there Bill completed Air Force ROTC, followed by 5 years in the Air Force and 2 years in the Air Force Reserves. Bill became a commercial airline pilot for Northwest Airlines, flew for 28 years and retired in 1996. Bill and Laura were married in July 1979. They had an adventure filled marriage. They lived in Bloomington, MN from 1979-1985 then moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In the summer of 1991 they bought and restored an old Victorian house in Moultonboro, NH and commuted between Florida and New Hampshire for the next 22 years, spending winters in Florida and summers in New Hampshire. Lots of domestic and international travel kept Bill and Laura on the move, in between work trips. During their East Coast years, Bill was very active in the Lauderdale Yacht Club, several Air and Sea shows in Florida; First Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Center Harbor New Hampshire Congregational Church; and the Barnstormer's Summer Theatre in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Bill loved boats, cars, and projects. During his life he sailed his 1969 Allied Sea Wind ketch on the Atlantic Ocean, motored his 1937 Chris Craft runabout on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and traveled the highways in his 1963 Mercedes convertible. Later Bill and Laura took many road trips in their Airstream. Their two cats, Crinkle and Thor (both rescued from shelters) were always included in these trips. Bill had a very soft side, and his family, including his two cats, were very important to him. As Bill's Health declined, Bill and Laura returned to MN in 2015 and Laura cared for Bill for many months. When Bill needed additional care, he lived at Prelude Memory Care Center in Woodbury, MN where he was cared for by a very loving and competent staff, and also received much love, care and support from Laura, until he died. He continued to bring smiles to staff and visitors alike with his witty words and telling looks. The Prelude and Hospice staff members were a wonderful source of comfort and care to both Bill and Laura. Bill's body was donated to the University of Minnesota's Anatomy Bequest Program for research, with the hope that someday there will be a cure for both Parkinson's Disease and Lewy-Body Dementia, two diseases that took the life of this unique, loving and brilliant man. A memorial service will be held at Ft Snelling National Cemetery on June 20th at 11 AM. As a veteran and a very patriotic soul, Bill would be honored to know he has flags and fellow servicemen surrounding him. He'll also be able to hear those beloved planes roaring overhead.
 
 
 
From: RNPA News Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2016 10:00 AM     Subject: RNPA News: Bill Hampton Has Flown West.
 
Ron Potter writes. 

Retired NWA pilot Bill Hampton passed away Sunday, Oct. 23rd.


Thursday, June 22, 2017

DL Capt. Jerry E. Duncan

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Jerry Duncan
October 11, 1932 ~ June 16, 2017
 
News has reached our group with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Jerry Eugene Duncan, age 84.  Captain Duncan joined Delta Air Lines 07-25-1960 and retired in 1992, based Ft. Lauderdale at time of retirement.  Friends and family will be gathering to celebrate his life on Monday, June 26th in Key West, Florida. 
To view the obituary online and sign the guestbook, please visit
                Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary......................................
Jerry Eugene Duncan, age 84, passed away June 16, 2017, in Miami, Florida. Jerry was born October 11, 1932, in Anderson, Indiana, to Fred and Mavis Duncan. He is survived by his children, Kevin Duncan, Kelly Moore and John, Keri McDaniel, Heather Mueller and Karl; grandchildren, Colt, Greyson, Taylor, Michael, Kinsey, Ashley, Shea, Spencer, Jared, Brendan, Evan and Hayden; and his sisters, Bev Almquist and Judy Muirhead. He was predeceased by his grandson, Gregory Moore. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1950 and continued his education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he graduated in 1954. After college he joined the United States Air Force and served for 6 years, retiring as 1st Lieutenant in 1960. Immediately following, he was hired by Delta, where he enjoyed a 31-year career doing what he loved most ... flying. Memorial services will be held Monday, June 26, at 4 p.m. at his home in Key West, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Friends For Sight: www.friendsforsight.org 

Arrangements by Dean-Lopez Funeral Home   (305) 294-1066

Friday, June 16, 2017

NEA/DL Capt. William K. 'Bill' Dustin

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NEA/DL Capt. Wm. K. ‘Bill’ Dustin
August 19, 1932 ~ November 16, 2016
 
Belated notification with the passing of retired NEA/DL pilot Captain William King Dustin, age 84.  Captain Dustin joined Northeast Airlines 06-09-1958 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1992, based Boston.  He is survived by his wife Anne, their children and grandchildren. 
Captain Dustin’s obituary notes no services as was his wish. 
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at
36 Shore Drive, Laconia NH 03246-3042 .... (603) 527-0933.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 

William K. Dustin, 84
 
MEREDITH — William K. Dustin, son of Clifton H. and Ruth (Pulsifer) Dustin, executed his final approach on Nov. 16, 2016, at Forestview Manor in Meredith, at the age of 84.
 
Bill was a native Granite Head, spending his early years in Dover, and graduating from Goffstown High School. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1954, he served three years in the Air Force, flying for the Military Air Transport Service out of Dover, Delaware. He went on to work for Delta Airlines, where he operated heavy equipment, retiring in 1992 after 34 years.
 
He and his wife, Anne, made their home in Hampton during his working years, where they raised five children. They moved to Laconia after retirement.
 
Bill was an avid Boston sports fan, following the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots. He enjoyed fishing, fly-tying and boating on Lake Winnisquam.
 
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Anne; son John (Lanie) of Oamaru, New Zealand; daughters Nancy Phillips of Salem, New York, Donna (Rob) Williams of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and Debra (Dan) Fuller of Rupert, Vermont; three grandchildren, Tim, Ben and Jamie Phillips of Salem, New York; and Dennis Whitcher, who was like a son to Bill.
 
He was predeceased by his oldest son, James William, in 2012.
 
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Forestview Manor, most especially, his buddy, Jen, for the kind and compassionate care he received during the past year.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations to the James Dustin Memorial Scholarship at the Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland, Maine 04101 would be appreciated.
 
In keeping with Bill's wishes, no services are planned.
 
"To fly West, my friend, is a flight we all must take for our final check." (author unknown)

Thursday, June 15, 2017

DL Capt. Clifford Peter FitzGerald

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. C. ‘Pete’ FitzGerald
January 23, 1939 ~ June 13, 2017
 
Word has been received with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Clifford Peter FitzGerald, age 78.  Captain FitzGerald joined Delta Air Lines 06-02-1969 and was based Atlanta at the time of his retirement.  Captain FitzGerald was widowed in February 2007 with the passing of his wife Virginia Grace ‘Ginnie’.  He had most recently resided at
356 Glenbrook Drive, Lake Worth FL 33462-1017.  Services for Captain FitzGerald will be conducted Thursday June 22nd with viewing the evening prior, in Mattapoisett, MA....please see obituary or visit the funeral home website for more information. 
Condolences may be shared online at the funeral home website: 
Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home entrusted of Mattapoisett entrusted with arrangements...(508) 758-2292
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
   
Life legacy............................
Clifford Peter FitzGerald, 78, of Atlantis, FL and Mattapoisett, MA passed away at his home on June 13, 2017, from natural causes.
 
Born in Newton, MA, the son of the late Helen (Carey) FitzGerald and John Joseph FitzGerald, he attended Newton High School where he met the love of his life, Ginnie Milott, on Christmas Eve. At Boston University, he was an outstanding hockey player who became Captain of the team. In his honor, his family created the Clifford P. FitzGerald Scholarship which is awarded annually to a top rising junior or senior Terrier defenseman.
 
After graduating from Boston University in 1962, he and Ginnie were married and young Peter headed off to pilot training at Craig Air Force Base near Selma, Alabama as a Second Lieutenant. He went on to distinguish himself flying with the Strategic Air Command as well as the Tactical Air Command in Plattsburgh, NY, and Columbus, Ohio. During the Vietnam War, Captain FitzGerald flew more than 100 missions over Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam. Flying the WC130-A out of Udorn, Thailand and the Island of Guam, he was an integral part of a then-classified “Weather Modification” program to create thunderstorms to washout Vietcong supply routes like the Ho Chi Minh trail.
 
After two tours of Vietnam, Captain FitzGerald left active duty with the Air Force in 1969, to fly for a new southern upstart company named Delta Airlines. With a brief stint as an Engineer on the DC-8, he quickly progressed to co-pilot of the DC-9, Boeing 727, and L-1011. He was then promoted to Captain on the MD-80 and finally the Boeing 757/767. During his tenure with Delta, he assumed increasing positions of responsibility in the Air Force Reserves which culminated with him leading the Florida Civil Air Patrol and being promoted to Colonel.
 
Throughout his over 20 years of military service, Colonel FitzGerald served his country with honor and distinction. By the time he retired from the Air Force in 1992, Colonel FitzGerald had been awarded numerous medals including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze star for participating in over 29 campaigns, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He then retired from Delta Airlines in 1995 to enjoy life as a full-time racing aficionado, golfer, and summer time lobsterman.
 
Preceded in death by his wife Ginnie, survivors include two daughters, Jacqueline “Lyn” Brown, and her husband Lawton, of McLean, VA, and Karen “Kira” Langolf, of Atlantis, FL; one brother, Paul Carey FitzGerald and his wife Jane of Sandy Hook, CT; and four grandchildren, Bradford FitzGerald Brown, Garrett Lawton Brown, Carey Amelienne Brown, and Brigette Adrienne Langolf.
 
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, June 22nd at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church in at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, June 21st from 4-8 PM. Colonel FitzGerald will be buried with military honors in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com 
-----------------------
Wife Ginnie’s obituary................Virginia Grace "Ginnie" (Milott) FitzGerald, 68, of Atlantis, FL and Mattapoisett died February 3, 2007 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Newton, MA, the daughter of the late Adrienne (Messier) Milott and Paul E. Milott, Sr. She attended Newton High School where she met the dashing young captain of the hockey team on a blind date on Christmas Eve. Her high school sweetheart became her devoted husband of 45 years, Clifford Peter FitzGerald. She received her BA in Economics from Regis College in 1961 followed by her Masters of Arts in Education from Boston State College in 1962. She also taught special education students in the Needham School System.

After marriage, she enjoyed the life of a military wife living in Selma, Alabama; Plattsburg, New York; Columbus, Ohio; and, the island of Guam. In 1969, the family moved to Miami, Florida. After several years as a homemaker, Mrs. FitzGerald returned to teaching at Pinewood Acres School and then became a school administrator. In 1978, the family moved to Palm Beach County. Mrs. FitzGerald became a volunteer at J.F.K. Hospital in Atlantis, FL and later retired as Director of Volunteers. Mrs. FitzGerald and her family have been summer residents of Mattapoisett since 1950. Surviving Hurricane Carol prompted her to write a book about the powerful 1954 storm entitled "Hurricane Carol: 50 Years Later - A Collection of Memories Past and Present." She donated the proceeds from the book to the Crescent Beach Improvement Association.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jacqueline "Lyn" Brown, and her husband Lawton, of Arlington, VA and Karen "Kira" Langolf, and her husband Michael, of Atlantis, FL; two brothers, Paul E. Milott, Jr., and his wife Edith, of Mattapoisett and Jupiter, FL and J. Everett Milott, and his wife Carole, of Wayland, MA and Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico; four grandchildren, Bradford FitzGerald Brown, Garrett Lawton Brown, Carey Amelienne Brown, and Brigette Adrienne Langolf...............................
---------------------------
 
From: Kira Langolf   Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2017 5:45 PM   Subject: Death of retired Delta Captain Pete FitzGerald
 

My father, Pete FitzGerald (aka Clifford P. FitzGerald) who is also a retired Delta Captain and Air Force Colonel.
Pete passed away peacefully at his home in Massachusetts this week. He had seemed in fine health, so it was quite a shock.
...................My dad was a retired Delta Captain and served over 25 years with Delta, a company and job he truly loved.
The funeral/obituary are linked below:
http://www.saundersdwyer.com/ObituariesM.html

Kira (Karen FitzGerald-Langolf)  
 

Monday, June 12, 2017

Ruth Goddard, widow of WAL Capt. Harold Val Goddard

~ IN MEMORY ~
Ruth Goddard, widow of WAL pilot Capt. Harold Val Goddard
 




Ruth Shurtliff Goddard
August 11, 1921 ~ June 5, 2017 (age 95)
 

Capt. Goddard joined Western Airlines  12-21-1945 and retired with Western in 1979.  He was based SLC then LAX at the time of his retirement. 
Born November 30, 1919, Capt. Goddard passed on May 19, 2011.  Obituaries appear below. 
Services for Ruth were held June 9th in Bountiful, Utah.  Ruth is survived by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary.....................
Ruth Shurtliff Goddard passed away peacefully on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Bountiful.

She was born August 11, 1921 in Ogden, Utah the daughter of Ervin Rolan Shurtliff and Della Shaw. Ruth was reared and educated in Ogden, graduating from Ogden High School June 1, 1929. She married Harold Val Goddard December 12, 1941 just five days following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Following her marriage to Val they immediately drove to Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas where Val was assigned as a flight instructor. Following the end of the war, Val accepted a job with Western Airlines and they moved to Bountiful where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Ruth was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in various callings and always serving as a dedicated visiting teacher.

Ruth was an excellent cook and loved to can everything from peaches to mustard pickles. She was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and embroidery and was very skilled. Ruth was a frugal shopper and truly loved to stalk and capture great bargains. She also loved to read and enjoyed going to the Bountiful Library to check out books. Ruth and Val had the opportunity to travel frequently and enjoyed their many trips together. She loved spending time with family especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Later in life when Val's health was failing, she was a loving caregiver and they enjoyed a special relationship during that time.

She is survived by one daughter Susan Crosby (Arnold), two sons Scott (Janette) and Kim (Kristie), seven grandchildren, Nathan, Erin, Jennie, Ben, Emily, David, Annie, 16-1/2 great-grandchildren and a sister, Jeannine. Preceded in death by parents and a sister Marilyn.

Special thanks are extended to the nurses, aids and staff of the South Davis Home Health and Hospice and to the aids and staff of the Welcome Home Assisted Living Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 9 at the Bountiful 31st Ward Chapel, 600 E. Center Street. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery. Online guest book at
www.russonmortuary.com  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obituary............................................
Harold Val Goddard     1919 ~ 2011

Harold Val Goddard passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2011 in Bountiful, Utah. He was born November 30, 1919 in Ogden Utah, the son of Harold Tribe Goddard and Agnes Farr. He married Ruth Shurtliff December 12, 1941 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Val was reared and educated in Ogden, graduating from Ogden High in 1937. He received his degree from Weber College in 1939. He then entered the Army Air Corps Flying Cadet School, graduating from Randolph and Kelly Field in 1941. During World War II, he served as a pilot and flight instructor, receiving the rank of Major before he was discharged in 1945. After the war he became a pilot for Western Airlines, flying for 35 years and retiring in 1979. He then continued flying as a Corporate Pilot for an additional four years. He was an active member of the LDS church, serving in many callings. Although flying was his passion, his favorite time was spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by his wife Ruth; one daughter Susan Goddard Crosby (Arnold); two sons Scott (Janette), Kim (Kristie); seven grandchildren, Nathan, Erin, Jennie, Ben, Emily, David, Annie: and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents and brother Grant. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Bountiful 31st Ward Chapel, 600 East Center St. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary 727 N. 400 E. and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment Bountiful City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the LDS Church Humanitarian Center. 

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

WA/DL Capt. Don E. 'Tex' Stevenson

Celebration of Life event will be held July 15th, what would have been Tex’s 86th birthday. 
Location: The Villa, 510 East Katella Ave., Orange, CA 92867

Time:  1700-2200
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

per scanned copy of obituary................................

Donald Eugene "Tex" Stevenson 
July 15, 1931 ~ June 4, 2017
         Following a brief illness, Donald "Tex" Stevenson left our earthly home June 4, 2017. 
         He is now resting comfortably with our Father, having earned a new set of wings. "Tex" was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 15, 1931 to Odes Pervat and Fawn Taylor Stevenson. He spent his early years in San Antonio, where in the fourth grade he met Billy Sledge. Theirs was the definition of a lifelong friendship, with weekly phone calls right up to last month. During his high school years, the family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon and the new kid in school got a lifelong nickname. He attended Lewis & Clark College on a Football Scholarship. After graduation in 1950, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served as an aviator in the Marines in both active duty and the reserves until his retirement as a Lt. Colonel in 1972. Many of his most cherished friendships were formed while in the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, always a Marine. In addition to his military service, Tex flew for Western/Delta Airlines from 1959 to 1991. Not known to be idle, Tex was a Volunteer Fireman in Villa Park, and worked for the L.A. County Jail. Yes, he was an Airline Pilot, Fireman, AND Policeman. Most little boys only dream of this, but Tex made his dreams come true.
            Tex went on to dream and live even bigger. During a summertime party, he met Marcella "Martie" Saasta, a TWA Hostess, the girl who laughed at all of his jokes. Following a four month courtship, they married on January 26, 1957. It was Martie who suggested Airline Pilot as an occupation after he completed his military duty. Throughout their 60 year marriage, they shared a love for world travel, voracious reading, and challenging crossword puzzles. They created loving homes in Anaheim and Villa Park California, Park City Utah, and ultimately in La Quinta, California. They explored each of these cities with gusto, made many friends and lasting memories. Tex was an avid journal writer, runner, skier (both snow and water), a so-so golfer, good tennis player, and an amazing friend. His humor and wit, his big laugh, and his giving heart will be missed.
              Tex often shared that his greatest success was his loving family. He was destined for greatness, and the legacy of family and friends is a testament to what a great life he lived. Always curious, always learning, he made a better life for himself and his family. He is survived by wife Martie, their three children; Patti S Sims (Randy), Michael Stevenson (Debbie), Barbie Stevenson-Rodriguez (Omar "Joe"), six grandchildren, Nolan, Stephanie, Taylor, Andy, Ashleigh, and Spencer. And three Great-Grandchildren, Hunter, Grey and Harper. 
               A Memorial Service will be held in Orange County at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Soldiers Organized Serves. SOS is a local La Quinta charity serving service members and their families. Always one to take to the skies, we know Tex is soaring in heaven.
Semper Fi
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries
Published in The Desert Sun on July 2, 2017.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL CAPT. DONALD EUGENE 'TEX' STEVENSON
July 15, 1931 ~ June 4, 2017

News has reached us with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Don E. ‘Tex’ Stevenson, age 85.  Captain Stevenson joined Western Airlines 06-22-1959 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Martie.  The family writes that  
a Celebration of Life event will be held later on July 15th in California on what would have been his 86th Birthday.  More details on that will follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Capt. Stevenson’s memory to Soldiers Organized Services/SOS, a nonprofit organization that supports Marines and their families:   SOS, 57539 Santa Rosa Trail, La Quinta, CA 92253.... (760) 777-8955.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at
  45160 Seeley Drive Lot 140 ,  La Quinta, CA  92253-6890.
As more information is received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
Date received: Sun, 4 Jun 2017 21:37:07 
Subject: A Life Well Lived - Donald "Tex" Stevenson
It is with heavy hearts that we share this news, Donald E. ‘Tex’ Stevenson
passed away peacefully this morning. Several of you were aware the last
several months have been a struggle for Tex.  He was a fighter until the
very end, but God had other plans.  In his final days, it appeared he was
still trying to fly planes and we know he is now soaring in heaven.  His
decline was quite sudden, he first took ill in November of 2016.  He had
several bouts of infection, hospital stays, falls, and ultimately his mind
was great but his body failed him.
Many of you have reached out, called, and emailed.  We let him know of your
calls, we read him the cards, letters, and all of the emails.  Your love,
thoughts and prayers strengthened us and made an impact on Tex.  We’ve
always known he was a great Husband and Dad, but your notes and stories
only confirmed he was a wonderful friend, Marine, and airline captain. He
passed surrounded by family.  Not many people are as lucky and blessed as
Tex to be surrounded by love when he came into this world, and surrounded
by love when he left this world.
A Celebration of his Life will be held later this summer in Orange County,
CA on (what would have been) his 86th Birthday, July 15, 2017.  More
details to follow once we have pulled ourselves together.   In lieu of
flowers, please send donations to Soldiers Organized Services.  SOS is a
local La Quinta charity supporting Marines and their families in the area.
Again, we thank you for your friendships, your prayers, your love and your
kind thoughts and stories.  They mean more than we can express at this
time, but you all know how much he meant to us. We thank you for your
support, cards may be sent to Martie at:  45160 Seeley Dr. #140 La Quinta, CA  92253.
All the best,
The Stevenson Family