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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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Wednesday, March 28, 2018

DL/USAFR Col. Robert C. Bess

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Colonel Robert Carl Bess (Ret.)
October 01, 1940 ~ March 04, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of retired Delta pilot USAFR ret. Colonel Robert Carl Bess, age 77.  Colonel Bess joined Delta Air Lines 03-14-1969 and retired with Delta based DFW/030.  Services were held March 9th in Palestine, Texas. 
To view the obituary online please visit the funeral home website at
also 
Should more information be received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary..................................
Colonel Robert Bess
October 01, 1940 - March 04, 2018
Funeral services for Colonel Robert C. Bess, USAFR Retired, age 77, of Palestine, Texas, are scheduled for 1 pm Friday, March 9, 2018, at Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home Chapel. Military graveside services will follow at Buffalo Cemetery under the direction of Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.
Colonel Bess passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018, at his home. He was born October 1, 1940, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Milton Bess and Mildred King Bess. He graduated from Texas A&M College, the USAF Squadron Officer School, the Air War College and the National Defense University.
Colonel Bess served on active duty from 1963-65, as a B-52 pilot and from 1966-67 as a C-7A Instructor Pilot in South Vietnam and stateside. Following active duty he went to work for Delta Air Lines and joined the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1993. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Award and numerous other awards. He retired in 1993 as the Director of the USAF National Security Emergency Preparedness Division for the 5th US Army area. He retired from Delta Air Lines in 2000 as a B757-767 Captain in Dallas, Texas.
Colonel Bess was also an active member of the Civil Air Patrol for 50 plus years. His last duty assignment was as the first CAP Chairman of the Board of Governors from 2002-2004. He joined the CAP Cadet Program in 1955, in Corpus Christi, Texas and later commanded squadrons in Texas and Oklahoma. From 1973-99, he served as Group, Sector, Texas Wing, and the Southwest Region Commander. He served as the National Director of CAP Homeland Security from 1999-2002. His numerous CAP awards include the Distinguished, Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards with clasps, Commanders Commendations and Unit Citation Awards.
He was a life member of the Air Force Association, Reserve Officers Association and a member of the Air Line Pilots Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a Real Estate broker in East Texas, President of the Be-Line Companies, Inc. and a former Director of the Palestine Association of Realtors.
Colonel Bess married the former Brenda Craig, also a long time member of the Civil Air Patrol since 1955. He is survived by his wife Brenda Bess; one daughter; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com

Herrington Land of Memory Funeral Home

DL pilot Scott Charles Houle

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL pilot Scott Charles HOULE
April 13, 1954 ~ March 22, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of Delta Air Lines pilot Scott Charles Houle, son of NEA/DL Norman and Kay Houle. Scott joined Delta Air Lines 12-27-1985.  Scott was 63 years of age at the time of his passing.  A celebration of life event will be held Saturday, March 31st at Tasker Funeral Home in Dover, New Hampshire......please see obituary information below.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral website at 
also at
As we learn more we will be sure to pass along that information.
                Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary......................
Scott Charles Houle, 63, of Dover, NH passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2018 while on vacation in Florida. He was born in Bangor, ME, and spent most of his life in the greater seacoast area.
 
Scott was a hysterically funny, encouraging, and giving man with a passion for aviation. He fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, first for the NH Air National Guard and later for Delta Air Lines. He loved the Red Sox, warm weather, sharing stories, laughing and simply spending time with his family.
 
Scott was incredibly loving and proud of his family: wife and best friend of 39 years, Wen-Huwa Ho; and his children, Trevor Houle, of Caribou, ME; Tyler Houle and his wife Jing, of Dedham, MA; and Lindsay Houle and her boyfriend Tony Qamar, of San Francisco, CA. Though he was a lifelong dog person, his feline friend and little buddy, Lilo, will miss him dearly.
 
Scott is survived by his parents, Norman “Houley” and Kathleen Houle of Barrington, NH; his brother Mark Houle and his wife Sue, of Durham, NH; his brother Craig Houle and his wife Donna, of Milton, NH; and his brother Norman “Chip” Houle and his wife Sharon of Dover, NH; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and infamous animal buddies who knew him as Scooter.
 
Please join us in celebrating Scott’s life on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave in Dover, NH 03820. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Scott’s name to his favorite charity, The Jimmy Fund.
 
SERVICES................................
Visiting Hours:  Saturday, March 31, 2018
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tasker Funeral Home
621 Central Ave

Dover, New Hampshire 03820

Monday, March 26, 2018

NWA Capt. William F. Hochbrunn Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. William ‘Bill’ F. Hochbrunn Jr.
August 21, 1921 ~ March 22, 2018
 
News has reached our group with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain William Frederick Hochbrunn Jr., age 96. Captain Hochbrunn joined Northwest Airlines 02-25-1942.  Widowed in October 2003 with the passing of his wife Bette Lue, Captain Hochbrunn is survived by their children, grand- and great grandchildren. 
Services are planned for this Wednesday, March 28th in Bloomington, Minnesota...please see information below.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 

 
William F. Hochbrunn, Jr.
·         

Hochbrunn, William F. Jr. age 96 of Savage, MN, entered into the loving arms of the Lord on March 22, 2018. Preceded in death by the love of his life, wife, Bette Lue; son Thomas; granddaughter, Kristin and brother Donald Hochbrunn. Survived by daughters, Renee Hall (Donald), Phyllis Hochbrunn and Keely Jo Gregory (Jeff); 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in- law, Junice Hochbrunn; many nieces and nephews. While William's love of flying was evident in his 40 years with Northwest Airlines, he placed the love of his family above all else. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor's choice. Interment Dawn Valley Memorial Park. Visitation 10:30-11:30 AM with funeral service at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 28 all at: Washburn-McReavy.com Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686 9940 Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington MN.

C&S/DL Capt. Richard R. Kite

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, C&S/DL Capt. Richard R. Kite
September 30, 1921 ~ March 18, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of early aviator retired C&S/DL pilot Captain Richard ‘Dick’ Ralph Kite, age 96.  Captain Kite joined Chicago & Southern Air Lines 04-28-1950 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1981, based Atlanta at time of his retirement.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit 
also 
Services for Captain Kite were held this past weekend.  Captain Kite is survived by his wife Helen, their children plus grand- and great grandchildren.  To the best of my knowledge, personal condolences may be sent to the family at
300 Johnson Ferry Rd NE Unit A215 , Atlanta GA 30328-4186  ...  phone (404) 255-8790.
                Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN 
Obituary................................KITE, Richard R.
Sept. 30, 1921 ~ March 18, 2018

Dick Kite, 96, passed away on Sunday, March 18th, 2018 and is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Kite, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Dick grew up in Galesburg, Illinois. Growing up, he liked to visit the airfield where he was fascinated with planes and flying. He was a senior at Knox College when WWII began, he enlisted in the Navy and went through pilot training. During the war, he served in the Pacific and Atlantic. Following the war, he was based in Hawaii, where he met Helen Sturdivant whom he would marry after he flew for 6 months in the Berlin Airlift. When he was released from the Navy, he flew for Chicago and Southern Airlines that was eventually bought out by Delta, and was stationed in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1962, he was moved to Atlanta, where he spent the rest of his career flying for Delta. He used to say that he couldn't believe he got paid for doing what he loved. Dick was a member of St. James Methodist Church where he enjoyed ushering on Sunday mornings. He also enjoyed working on Habitat for Humanity houses well into his 80's. He will truly be missed by friends and family. The memorial service for Dick Kite will be held at St. James Methodist Church at 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Atlanta on Saturday, March 24th. His ashes will be interred in the columbarium at 10am with the memorial service to follow at 11am.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

DL Capt. Wendell Holmes Hamrick Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt.  Wendell Holmes Hamrick Jr.
June 4, 1934 ~ March 19, 2018
 
Word has reached our group with the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Wendell Holmes ‘Shorty’ Hamrick Jr.  Born/raised in Texas and a military veteran, Captain Hamrick was 83 years of age at the time of his passing.  Captain Hamrick joined Delta Air Lines 09-04-1962.  Our information is limited and arrangements are not yet known, but for those wishing
to share memories, an online guestbook is available at
Updates with more information and arrangements will be forwarded when known.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 

------ Forwarded message ----------
From: Ed Shipley <eshipley@live.com>   Date: Thu, Mar 22, 2018   Subject: Re: Shorty


http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/neptune-society/obituary.aspx?n=Wendell-Hamrick&lc=1902&pid=188509413&mid=7797378
Obituary for Wendell Hamrick, Wendell Hamrick passed away on March 19, 2018. Funeral Home Services for Wendell are being provided by Neptune Society - Austin of Austin, TX.
 
 

Thursday, March 15, 2018

DL Capt. Kevin Joseph McNeight

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF Colonel, DL Capt. Kevin J. McNeight  
August 20, 1958 ~ March 10, 2018

Word has reached us with the passing of ret. USAF Colonel and retired Delta pilot Captain Kevin Joseph McNeight, age 59.  Colonel McNeight joined Delta Air Lines 10-14-1988.  You can read more of Colonel McNeight’s aviation career at https://airandspace.si.edu/support/wall-of-honor/col-kevin-joseph-mcneight-usaf   
Colonel McNeight’s obituary has not been posted online yet but we understand that Carmichael Funeral Home of Smyrna, Georgia has been entrusted with arrangements http://www.carmichaelfuneralhomes.com/  Phone: (770) 435-4467.
All available information appears below and as more news is received we will be sure to pass it along. 
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
Service arrangements and celebration of life event:
Celebration of Life Details for Kevin McNeight 
One more note:  The family is asking folks to wear their service dress if possible.
- Open house for viewing Kevin's aviation collection Sat 2-5 and/or Sunday 1-4 (at our home)
3536 Preserve Dr SE , Atlanta GA 30339
- Funeral Home Viewing/Rosary:  Carmichael Funeral Home/(Smyrna location)
2950 King Street , Smyrna GA 30080....(770) 435-4467  Sunday 5-8pm.
- Procession from funeral home to Cathedral: 9am Monday (optional)
- Funeral Mass:  Cathedral of Christ the King - 10 am Monday, March 19th
2699 Peachtree Rd NE , Atlanta GA 30305  ...  (404) 233-2145
- Lunch reception immediately following service:  Delta Flight Museum
Jet Age Hangar  (Adjacent to Delta Headquarters, near Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport)
1060 Delta Blvd, Bldg B  , Hapeville, GA 30354  ...  (404) 715-7886
- Military burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC at date TBD
----------------------------------------
Colonel Kevin McNeight is a Command Pilot with more than 10,000 military and civilian hours. He has served as the Commander of the 700th Airlift Squadron from April, 2004 to present. The 700th is the only C-130 Formal Training Unit in the United States Air Force Reserve and is responsible for the formal training of pilots, navigators, flight engineers and loadmasters from Active duty, Air Reserve and Air National Guard units throughout the country who directly contribute to the Global War on Terrorism.
Colonel McNeight earned his Bachelor of Science degree in management as well as his commission as a second lieutenant from the Air Force Academy in 1980. He earned his pilot wings at Reese Air Force Base, Texas in 1981. After completing initial C-130 pilot training, he was assigned to the 774th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. After upgrading to instructor pilot, he was assigned to the 16th Tactical Airlift Training Squadron at Little Rock, Arkansas. He transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and joined the 700th Airlift Squadron at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in 1989. After serving in several Group and Wing level jobs in the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Lieutenant Colonel McNeight became the 700th Airlift Squadron Commander in 2004.
Colonel McNeight is also a Captain for Delta Air Lines, where he has been employed since October, 1988. There he has flown the Boeing 727 and the McDonald Douglas MD88. He has also worked in Delta’s training department for seven years as a Senior Instructor for B727 Second Officers, three years for Delta’s Fuel Conservation Program, one year as a B727 Second Officer Simulator Instructor and one year as Second Officer Line Check Airman.
He flew the B727, his favorite airliner, for Delta until the airline discontinued its operation and has flown the C-130 aircraft for the Air Force his entire military career. In Air Force training, he also flew the Schweitzer Glider, T-41, T-37, and T-38.
He grew up in the small town of Stratford, Wisconsin and is the son of the late Allison and Adella McNeight. He earned the designation of Eagle Scout as a young man and the honor of appointments to both the Air Force and Naval Academies. He knew that he wanted to be a pilot since he was eight years old and has been blessed to be able to live his dream.
-----------------------------------------
CARES AND CONCERNS
Thank you to retired LTC Mike Manning for forwarding the sad message below of the death of former 700 AS Commander, and retired Delta Captain, Colonel Kevin J. McNeight, 59.  He was born 8/20/1958 and was hired by Delta 10/14/1988. 
You may view or sign the online Guest Book at http://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/georgia/smyrna/carmichael-funeral-homes---smyrna/fh-3466    I will send an obituary when it is printed.
Dave
-----Original Message-----
From: CHRISTIAN, MICHELLE C CIV USAF AFRC 22 AF/CCA  Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 3:19 PM
Subject: Funeral Arrangement for Col Kevin McNeight
One more note:  The family is asking folks to wear their service dress if
possible.
Thanks again,
Michelle
-----Original Message-----
From: CHRISTIAN, MICHELLE C CIV USAF AFRC 22 AF/CCA Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2018 11:11 AM  Subject: Funeral Arrangement for Col Kevin McNeight
I am saddened to inform you that Col Kevin McNeight passed away yesterday, 10 March 2018, at 0100.  He had been fighting a health issue for years.  The funeral arrangements are on Monday, 19 March 2018, at 1000, at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, GA. 
Thank you,
Michelle Christian, Civ, DAF
Executive Assistant, 22 AF

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

DL Capt. Milton Ross McMurray

 
~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. Milton Ross McMurray
January 28, 1931 ~ March 10, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Milton Ross McMurray, age 87.  Captain McMurray joined Delta Air Lines 12-03-1956 and retired in January 1991, based Atlanta.  Captain McMurray’s obituary notes that he is survived by his children plus grand- and great grandchildren.  Online condolences may be shared at the funeral home’s website
 A partial obituary tribute may be viewed at
Visitation:  March 14, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home, 820 South Church St.,  Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
Should more information be received, we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary for Milton Ross McMurray........................................
Milton Ross McMurray, age 87, passed away March 10, 2018 at St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. He was born in Memphis and has lived the past 20 years in Rutherford County. Milton served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a pilot for Delta Airlines for 35 years.
 
Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ola McMurray. He is survived by his son, Charles Ross McMurray of Texas; daughters, Marie McMurray of Murfreesboro; Jennifer McMurray of Murfreesboro, Teresa Hagewood of Memphis; grandchildren, Houston, Hagewood, Hunter Hagewood, Hudson Ross McMurray and Harrison Victor McMurray; and two great-grandchildren.
 
Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38101-9908; www.stjude.com and St Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Special thanks to staff at Adams Place and St Thomas Rutherford Hospital ICU.
 

Arrangements are under the direction of Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation, 820 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-2422. Please leave online condolences at www.jenningsandayers.com

Friday, March 9, 2018

NWA Capt. Hal G. Wick

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NC/RC/NWA Capt. HAL G. WICK
October 31, 1944 - March 8, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of retired Northwest pilot Captain Hal Gerard Wick, age 73.  Captain Wick’s obituary notes he began his commercial flying career with North Central in 1972 and retired with Northwest Airlines in 2004.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit  http://www.millerfh.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=2080820
For those wishing to send a personal note to the family, whitepages lists a home address of
3009 W. Donahue Drive, Sioux Falls SD 57105-0153.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary........................
Hal Wick , 73, peacefully passed away with his family present on March 8 at Sanford Hospital after a well-fought battle with cancer. He was born on October 31, 1944 to Roland T. and Esther (LaFontaine) Wick in New Ulm, MN. His family moved to the Cathedral District of Sioux Falls where he attended St. Joseph Cathedral School and then graduated with the first senior class at O'Gorman High School in 1962.
 
While attending SDSU, he fell in love with flying. Hal served in the Air National Guard for 24 years, where he trained as a Fighter Pilot in the F-100, and A7 planes, was a C-131 and C-12 flight instructor and Chief of Command Intelligence Division. Hal retired in 1994 as a Lt. Colonel. In addition to serving with the SDANG, Hal lived out his career dream as a commercial airline pilot, beginning with North Central Airlines in 1972, and retiring in 2004 with Northwest Airlines.
 
Passionate about our country, he served the people of South Dakota as a State Representative for 20 years, spanning five decades. He was an active member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). Hal spent many years working on a Balanced Budget Amendment for the United States. This is work of which he was incredibly proud.
 
Hal was active at Christ the King Catholic Church, the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools, and with the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of several organizations throughout his life, including Hartford Lions, Sioux Falls Downtown Lions, National Guard Association of the United States, American Legion Post 15, and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Board.
 
His faith and family were truly his greatest passions. Hal married Jane Rance on September 4, 1965. He and his wife of 52 years were blessed with four children: Daughters Anne Nelson, Paula (Dan) Hagen, and Betsey Wick (significant other, Dave Carlson) all of Sioux Falls, and Son, Ross Wick (fiancé, Aja Jackson) of New Haven, CT. He dearly loved his grandchildren: Karin (Kyle) Brashler, Sioux Falls, Ellen Nelson, Minneapolis, MN, Hannah Valentine, James Nelson, and Samuel Hagen, Sioux Falls, and great-grandson, Benny Brashler, Sioux Falls. Hal was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Kaye Fatland, and nephew Todd Fatland.
 
Open visitation will be on Monday, March 12 at Miller Funeral Home, Downtown, with family present at 5:00 PM, and Scripture Vigil at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 13, 10:30 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to be directed to the Sioux Falls Catholic Schools or Christ the King School Building Projects.
 
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Sanford USD Medical Center and the Sanford Cancer Center for the care provided to their husband and father.

Published in The Argus Leader on Mar. 10, 2018

WA/DL Capt. Richard L. Curtis

Captain Richard L Curtis


May 16, 1935 – Mar 1, 2018
   


~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Richard L. Curtis
May 16, 1935 ~ March 1, 2018




Word has reached our group with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Richard L. Curtis, age 82.  Captain Curtis joined Western Airlines 08-29-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in August 1994, based 030/SEA.  He is survived by his wife Nadya. 
Services for Captain Curtis are planned for March 12th at 12:30 PM, Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
All available information is posted below.
To the best of my knowledge, personal condolences may be sent to the family address per whitepages listing at  
27319 10th Place S. , Des Moines WA 98198-9353.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN


From: Wallybird eNews Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 1:14 PM Subject: Passing of retired WAL/DAL Captain Richard Curtis


Passing of retired WAL/DAL Captain Richard Curtis

Retired Western/Delta Cap Richard L Curtis passed away on March 1, 2018. At the age of 82. Captain Curtis joined Western Airlines on 08-29-1966 and retired with Delta Airlines in 1994. He was based in Los Angeles then Seattle before he retired. He is survived by his wife and favorite flight attendant (as he used to say) Nadya, his two daughters and son-in- law’s, his two grandchildren, his brother and sister in law, his brother in law in Texas & sister in law in Florida, countless nieces and nephews and many friends he made throughout his flying career and after he retired.


Services will held on Monday March 12, 12:30 PM at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.






Our mailing address is:
Wallybird
6555 Gillis Dr
San Jose, Ca 95120

WA/DL Capt. Robert W. Spielman

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran WA/DL Capt. Robert W. Spielman
June 15, 1937 ~ February 25, 2018

Word has reached us with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Robert William Spielman, age 80.  Captain Spielman joined Western Airlines  04-07-1969 and was based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Debbie, their children and grandchildren, plus many dear friends and aviation colleagues.  All obituary and available information appears below. 
For those wishing, personal condolences may be sent to the family at
250 River Bend Drive, Reno NV 89523-9515.
You may also contact son Mike at spielmanmj@yahoo.com
            Thank you,
                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rgj/obituary.aspx?n=robert-w-spielman-bob&pid=188408730

Obituary and service information ....from son Mike Spielman spielmanmj@yahoo.com
Dad's ceremony (not to be confused with a funeral which he was adamantly against!) is to be held:
Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 3:30 p.m.
Reno Air National Guard
1776 National Guard Way, Reno, NV 89502
Reception immediately following at the SANGA (Dad's all time favorite bar on the National Guard grounds)
Please forward this to all friends and family as I do not have everyone's email.
Obituary......................
Colonel Robert W. “Bob” Spielman glided away from us on February 25, 2018. Born June 15, 1937 and known lovingly as “Spiels,” “Chukar,”  “Dad,” and “Jiji,” he left a deep imprint on the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have crossed his path. He was an adventurous man with an infectious laugh and boundless energy.
Born with a playful spirit in South Windsor, CT., son of the late Arthur and Agnes Spielman Sr., he graduated from Ellsworth Memorial High School and Trinity College where he first experienced flying. His “addiction” to flying was made possible by “borrowing” $7 from his mother’s wallet to fly for an hour at the local airport. Bob went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force flying F-100 Super Sabres and then his favorite fighter, the F-105 “Thud” Thunderchief in Fukuoka, Japan where he met his lifelong love and future wife of 54 years, Debbie. His most memorable mission in Vietnam was the bombing of the Doumer Bridge in Hanoi, which earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also earned the top graduate from the Nellis Air Force Fighter Weapons School.
After the Air Force, Bob spent his career flying for Western Airlines, flying F-4 Phantom IIs for the Nevada Air National Guard, and finally retired from Delta Airlines in 1997. Never one to stay on the ground for long, he embarked on a 25-year journey flying gliders as a member and former club president of the Nevada Soaring Association. He shared his enthusiasm, expertise, and experience with pilots from around the country and has been recognized with the prestigious Glattly Award for his involvement in glider flying. He also broke many regional and national soaring records.
The FAA presented Bob with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of safe flying. Shortly after, at the age of 77, he can be vividly remembered floating from the sky above downtown Reno in a blue parachute after his glider’s wings snapped off, earning him yet another nickname, “Lucky Bob.”
Bob was also an avid outdoorsman, and most content chasing chukar all over Nevada. He taught his family a love of the outdoors and an endless sense of adventure. He can also be remembered wood cutting, skeet shooting, feeding wildlife, laughing out loud, and having an unbridled enthusiasm for life.
Bob’s family meant the world to him (when there was not good soaring conditions). Just last week, he looked at Debbie and remarked how beautiful she was and how truly lucky he was. He is survived by his children, Michael married to Aiden Gould and Kimi married to Mike Riter; grandchildren Evan, Kita, and Kaia; siblings Arthur Spielman Jr. and Janet Prior, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Nevada Air National Guard on March 15, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to the  Jim “”Billy Goat”” Hayes Youth Soaring Scholarship Fund. http://www.airsailing.org/fundraising2017.html (Click on the bottom “Donate” button and write “Chukar” in the “what is the donation for?” box. ) Checks can be mailed to Ty White, Treasurer ASI, 5973 Kolb Ranch Drive Pleasanton, CA  94588.
With eternal gratitude for your love and friendship for him,
Kimi and Mike
-----------------------------------------
 
Robert W. Spielman
Preferred Name: Bob
Nickname/Call Sign: Spiels
Date Of Birth: 06-15-1937
Highest Military Grade Held: Lt. Col, O-5
Hometown: South Windsor, CT
Civilian Education
Trinity College 1955-1959
USC 1964
Military Education
USC Safety School 1964
Fighter Weapons School F-105 1966
Units Assigned
1959-1960 Primary – Spence AB T-34, Basic – Laredo AFB, TX T-33
1960-1961 Luke AFB, AZ Nellis AFB, NV – F-100
1961-1963 36TFS Itazuke AB, Japan, F-100
1963-1965 334th TFS Seymour Johnson AFB, SC F-105,
1965-1968 35, 36, 80 TFS Yokota AB, Japan, F-105, F-4, (they couldn’t make up their mind.)
1966 TDY 354TFS Takhli AB, Thailand F-105 (Of 5 TDY pilots from Yokota, Art Mearns MIA, Vic Viscarra and Bob Keller rescued)
1967 TDY Takhli AB, Thailand F-105
1968-1969 434TFS George AFB, CA F-4
1969-1997 Western Airlines/Delta Air Lines  (WAL hire date 04-07-1969)
-------------------------------------
Feb. 26.....From: Wallybird eNews Subject: Passing of WAL/DAL & Wallybird Captain Bob Spielman
It is with great sadness that I pass along the information from chief Pilot Tim Tobin.
Sadly, our good friend and former WAL pilot Bob Spielman passed away Sunday morning from a heart attack.  Please spread the word.

Dick

WAL Lou Jean Larzelere, widow of Capt. Bill Larzelere III

~ IN MEMORY ~
former WAL stewardess Lou Jean Larzelere, widow of WAL Capt. William ‘Bill’ Larzelere
February 29, 1928 ~ March 1, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of Lou Jean Ray Larzelere, widow of Western Airlines pilot Captain William Remsen Larzelere III who passed in December 1986.  To view/sign the online guestbook for Lou Jean please visit
Memorial services are planned for later this summer...please see obituary information below.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary.........................Lou Larzelere (1928 - 2018)

Lou Jean Larzelere
1928 - 2018
Lou Jean Larzelere, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully in her home, March 1, 2018, with her son and daughter by her side.
Lou Jean was born February 29, 1928, in Los Angeles, California, but soon, thereafter, moved to Weston, Idaho, the birthplace of her mother, Lyla A. Ray. In the early 1930's, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, with her mother and father, Thomas L. Ray. She eventually would graduate from Judge Memorial High School, and then St. Mary of the Wasatch College, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1949.
Not long after, Lou became a stewardess (flight attendant) for Western Airlines, where she would meet the love of her life, Captain Bill Larzelere. Together they enjoyed the people, skiing, hunting, and all that the Intermountain West had to offer. On August 22, 1953, they were married in Elko, Nevada, and then in 1955, welcomed their son, Robert, and three years later, their daughter, Anita.
In 1960, career opportunities led to the family move to Northridge, CA, where they enjoyed a wonderful life for many years and the love of many friends and family, including her stepson, Bill Larzelere Jr., as well as mom-in-law, Anita Warner. They never lost their connection to the mountains and important relationships of Utah and Idaho, and in 1970, built a vacation home in Ketchum, ID. In 1978, with retirement now in full swing and their children on to adulthood, they made the move to their Idaho home, where they would continue to enjoy many amazing friends and very active life style for the rest of their beautiful lives. In 1986, her beloved Bill went to meet the Lord, and with the love and companionship of many friends in her community, the support of her family, and, of, course, her incredible spirit, strength, and independence, she remained in their beautiful home.
Lou Jean always enjoyed an amazing creative side, with her painting and gardening, in particular. She supported and participated in the rich variety of arts and music of her community. But what she will be remembered for was the love and generosity that she shared with her family and her many wonderful friends.
Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband, William R. Larzelere III, and her parents, Thomas L. Ray and Lyla A. Ray. She is survived by her son, Robert W. Larzelere, her daughter, Anita Larzelere Nelson, her stepson William R. Larzelere IV, as well as her grand children Peter, Chris, Kyle, Kristen, Olivia, Jesse, and Christian-Michael, and her four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for August 2018. Love, memorials, and information can be left and found at
www.woodriverchapel.com 
In lieu of flowers, Lou and her family would ask you to consider a donation to the wonderful people at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, P.O. Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340, and
www.hpcwrv.org.

Funeral Home

Wood River Chapel
403 North Main Street Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788-2244

Published in Idaho Statesman on Mar. 7, 2018
 
------------------------------------------------
Capt. William Remsen Larzelere III
(WAL hire date 02-26-1941)
Birth:  7 Aug 1916 
Death:  8 Dec 1986 (aged 70) 
Burial:  Ketchum Cemetery
Ketchum, Blaine County, Idaho
 
Obituary..............William Remsen Larzelere died Monday at his residence following a long illness.
Born Aug. 7, 1916 in San Francisco, California, he was raised in San Francisco.  He worked for Western Airlines for 33
years. He married Lou Jean Ray on Aug. 22, 1953 in Elko, Nevada. They came to the Wood River Valley in the 1970s and
become permanent residents in 1978.  He was a member of the Silver Chief, the Quiet Bird Man ... Fraternity of
the Los Angeles Hangar, the Blaine County Gun Club, the Shoshone Indian Trap Shooters, the Masonic Lodge Acacia No. 17 of Salt Lake City, Utah..................................

 

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

NWA pilot Dale R. Liesch

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, NWA pilot Dale R. Liesch
May 16, 1942 ~ March 1, 2018
 
Word has reached us with the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Dale Roger Liesch, age 75.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at 
Services are planned for Monday, March 12th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 13901 Fairview Dr., Burnsville MN.  Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 13th....please see obituary information below.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
From: RNPA News Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2018 10:06 AMSubject: RNPA News: Dale Liesch Has Flown West.
 


Dale Roger Liesch 
(May 16, 1942 - March 1, 2018)
U.S. VeteranDale Roger Liesch was born May 16th, 1942, in Wausau, WI (a native Cheesehead!) to Ehardt and Leona Liesch. He grew up in the small town of Wittenberg, WI, and graduated from Wittenberg High School in 1960. Growing up, Dale was a 3-sport athlete, enjoying football, baseball and basketball. In 1965, he graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He continued his passion for sports throughout college competing in football and baseball, and was selected as Honor Athlete in 1964. Dale completed his AFROTC at St. Olaf College and entered the USAF after graduation. 
In 1965, Dale married his high school sweetheart, the former Sharon Hartleben, from Wittenberg, WI. He completed USAF Pilot Training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX. In 1967, Dale was called to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He flew 100 missions in the F-4C over North Vietnam, and 33 missions over South Vietnam. Dale and Sharon then headed to Vance AFB in Enid, OK, where he was an Instructor Pilot in the T-37. This is also where they began their family...Marne was born in 1968 and David in 1970. In 1972, the Liesch family moved to the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where Dale taught Physical Education and instructed Cadets in the T-41. In 1976, he graduated from the University of Denver with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education. They completed their family when Katie was born in 1976. The Liesch family spent the next 4 years at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX, where Dale was an Instructor Pilot in the T-38. 
In 1980, Dale, Sharon, and the kids were stationed at Kl Sawyer AFB in Upper Michigan. Dale was a KC-135 Pilot and later became Commander of the 46th Air Refueling Squadron. In 1988, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the USAF after 23 years. His next adventure included working for Northwest Airlines as an Aircrew Training Manager in the 747-200 Program in Eagan, MN. Dale was then selected to fly for Northwest Airlines as a 727 pilot through the internal hiring program and flew until his retirement in 2002. In November of 2000, Dale was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) and in April of 2003 he received a Stem-cell Transplant...a gift of life from his sister, Marilyn. 
During a Bible-study group at church in 2004, a woman caught Dale’s eye and the rest is history. Marilyn Kressin and Dale were married in June of 2005 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. They enjoyed traveling, volunteering, going to the movies, and watching their beloved Green Bay Packers. But most of all, their life together was all about the 3 F’s...Faith, Family & Friends. Dale is preceded in death by his parents, first wife (Sharon), and step-grandson (Donavon). He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children: Marne (Greg) Martin, David (Sara) Liesch and Katie (Matt) Ebbighausen, step-daughters: Tonya (Rick) Caughey, Gina (Michael) Hacker, and Heidi Brunkow. Dale is also survived by his many grandchildren: Ashley, Abby, Jesse, Sadie, Sterling, Demi-Lynn, Grace, Tyler, Hanna, Eve, Zach, Hunter, Jackson, Alyssa, Aric, Anna, Ren, Benjamin, Wilson, Hannah and great-grandson, Jaxon. Siblings are Donald (Noy) Liesch, and Marilyn (Bob) Stankowski. 
Funeral Service will be held at 4PM on Monday, March 12th, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Dr. Burnsville, with a Visitation starting at 2PM prior to service at the church. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 13th, 2018, at 1:45pm. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Prince of Peace Mission OutPost or Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, C/O Fairview Foundation, Development Office, 2450 Riverside Ave., Mpls, MN 55454 (Checks to BMT Program). 

White Funeral Home 952-894-5080 condolences: www.whitefuneralhomes.com 
-------------------
From: RNPA News Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2018 10:06 AMSubject: RNPA News: Dale Liesch Has Flown West.
 
.....Would you please send this notification of the passing of our friend Dale Liesch.  I worked with Dale in the NWA training department from 1988-1994.  Dale was hired as a pilot at that time and flew on the 727 until 2002.
Many thanks,

Doug Weiler, B757 f/o, retired

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

NEA Ella Francis, widow of Capt. Robert I. Francis

~ IN MEMORY ~
former NEA stewardess Ella MacKenzie Francis, widow of NEA Capt. Robert I. Francis
June 6, 1921 ~ March 1, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of Ella Lillian MacKenzie Francis, age 96, widow of Northeast Captain Robert Ignatius Francis who passed December 30, 2000.  Captain Francis joined Northeast Airlines 03-01-1942.  Ella is survived by their children, grand- and great grandchildren, plus many other extended family members. 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home
Obituary below notes services for Ella are planned for Saturday March 10th, with visitation the evening prior, in Scituate, Massachusetts.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary.........................Ella L. Francis
Ella Lillian (MacKenzie) Francis, of Scituate, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2018, at the age of 96.
 
Ella was a strong, independent and spirited woman.
 
She was born and raised in Arlington, Mass. In her early twenties she became a flight attendant (in that era known as a Stewardess) for Northeast Airlines, through which she met Captain Robert I. Francis. Airline employees were not allowed to be married to each other, but her love for Bob was greater than her love of flying, so she grounded herself when they married in 1946.
 
They settled in Scituate, Mass., built their family home and raised three boys, each with their own distinct set of interests.
 
None of her boys played the same sports, but she got each one to their own activities and cheered each one on.
 
She advocated for a place for youth to hang-out and was a founder of a drop-in center for teens. She took great joy in her journeys around the country to visit her grandchildren and be part of their daily lives and milestone events. With the boys successfully on their own, her own interests blossomed. Her solid start in real estate began with the Jack Conway Agency.
 
She then co-founded Martin and Francis Real Estate. Her loyal customers followed her as she continued her career as an agent with Lucy Locke Gallery of Homes, Hallmark Reality, and finally with Bragga and Associates, selling homes into her 80's.
 
Ella relaxed by tending her beautiful flower gardens. She discovered golf in her mid-50s and was an avid player into her 90s. She again took flight and enjoyed both international travel and visiting religious sites. She was centered throughout her life in her Catholic faith and was a longtime communicant of St. Mary of the Nativity Church.
 
Ella is survived by two sons and their spouses, Robert M. Francis and Peggy Francis of Danville, Calif., and Terence Francis and Janet Francis of Hinesburg, Vt. She is also survived by six grandchildren, their spouses and 9.5 great-grandchildren.
 
Her nieces and nephews will greatly miss their Aunt Ella. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Robert I. Francis, her middle son, Timothy P. Francis, her sister, Jeanne MacKenzie Perry, her parents, Alexander and Gertrude MacKenzie, nephews and many cousins.
 
The family gratefully thanks the wonderful caregivers and supporting staff at Life Care Center of the South Shore, with special heartfelt appreciation to Patrice and Tina.
 
Visiting hours will be Friday, March 9, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd., Scituate. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 10, at 9 a.m. at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate. Interment to follow at New St. Mary's Cemetery.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Covenant House, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, NewYork, NY 10108-0900.
 
For online guest book, www.richardsongaffeyfuneralhome.com
 
Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home 781-545-0196
---------------------------
Captain Robert I. Francis Death Record
    Date of Birth: Monday  September  23, 1918
    Date of Death: Saturday  December  30, 2000

    Age at Death: 82 years, 3 months, 7 days