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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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Tuesday, June 26, 2018

DL Capt. Mark Kevin Snider

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Mark Kevin Snider 
February 17, 1951  ~  June 16, 2018
 
Notification with the passing of Military veteran Delta pilot Captain Mark Kevin Snider, age 67.  Captain Snider joined Delta Air Lines 12-29-1978 and was based DFW/030.  He is survived by his wife Kelli, their children and a granddaughter, plus many other family members.  Captain Snider’s obituary reads: “His five brothers are also commercial airline captains.”
To view the obituary and video tribute online please visit
Obituary information indicates that services for Captain Snider were held this past weekend in Tomball, Texas. 
If more information is received we will be sure to update our memorial site.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary............Mark Kevin Snider 
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana
 
Preceded in death by his parents Dale K Snider and Carol Miedema Snider, his brother Darryl Todd Snider, and his son Patrick Joseph Snider.
 
He is survived by his wife Kelli, son Kevin, daughter Alexandra and her husband Daniel J Anthony, and his beloved granddaughter Kylie Ashlynn Anthony. Brothers Dale K Snider, Jr. (Diana), Terry L Snider (Nancy), Kim A. Snider (Janell), Robin K Snider (Jone), and multiple nieces and nephews. Lifelong buddies, Gerry Reinhardt, Garry Smith, and Ralph Moore.
 
Mark achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13. He graduated from Indiana University with a business degree. Mark had a passion for flying, inherited from his father who was a military pilot as well as a captain for USAir. He was a fighter pilot, flying the F-100 and F-4 for the Indiana National Guard.  Mark had a career as a Captain for Delta Airlines where he flew the MD-80, The Boeing 727, 757, 767. His five brothers are also  commercial airline captains.
 
As described by his daughter, he was the All-American Fighter Pilot, extreme sports junkie, extended road trip navigator, spontaneous adventure lover, steadfast partner to his wife, sayer of yes to all things asked of by his granddaughter Kylie, fierce protector of his family, lovable bad influence to his five brothers, their wives, and numerous nieces and nephews. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix, build, or accomplish. He was remarkably loyal and trustworthy, and a defier of doctors' predictions. Mark’s incredible wit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
 

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Klein Funeral Home - Tomball, 1400 W. Main, Tomball, TX 77375. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23, in the funeral home chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Klein Memorial Park - FM 2920, Tomball.

NWA Capt. Donald A. Lundvall

~ IN MEMORY ~
MAJ USAFR ret., NWA Capt. Donald A. Lundvall
June 27, 1939 ~ October 29, 2017
 
As noted in the June-July 2018 Air Line Pilot ALPA publication In Memoriam column, belated notice with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Donald Alvin Lundvall, age 78.  Captain Lundvall joined Northwest Airlines 02-27-1967.  He is survived by his wife June, plus their children and grandchildren and many other family members.
Obituary information may still be found online at 
If more information is received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary.................Donald A. Lundvall

Donald Alvin Lundvall, 78, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, went home with his Savior to heaven October 29, 2017. He was born June 27, 1939, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Harold Algot and Ebba Astrid (Saleen) Lundvall. Don grew up on the Saleen family farm south of Ogallah, Kansas, where he became an avid outdoorsman at an early age. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church (a.k.a. Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel Church) south of Ogallah, Kansas, where he played the piano regularly. He attended Sunny Slope School through eighth grade, a one room country school house, located south of Ogallah, Kansas. In 1957, he graduated from Trego Community High School in Wakeeney, Kansas, and enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Michigan State University the fall of 1957. On September 10, 1960, Don married June Yvonne Metzger in Saginaw, Michigan. In 1961, Don graduated from Michigan State University and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In February 1962, he reported to Vance Air Force Base (AFB) in Enid, Oklahoma, training in Class 63E. He graduated with distinguished honors and remained at Vance AFB as a flight instructor in the T-37 fighter jet and the AT-33 fighter jet. He was also a flight instructor while stationed at Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico, flying the F-100 Super Sabre fighter jet. He finished his military career in the 185th Tactical Fighter Group Sioux City Air National Guard in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, flying the F-100 Super Sabre fighter jet, and served as an Air Force Academy and ROTC recruiter in the Air Force Reserve retiring as Major in 1984. During his civilian career, Don flew Boeing and Douglas commercial jets B727, B707-320, B707-720, DC-10, B747-100, and B747-200 for Northwest Orient Airlines (now Delta) for 28 years retiring as Captain in 1995. He and wife, June, also operated the family farms in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and Ogallah, Kansas. Don was a member of English Lutheran Church for many years and a Life member of the American Legion Post 204. He was a devout Christian, husband, and father who loved spending time with his family, flying, and engaging in many outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. Don is survived by his wife, June Yvonne (Metzger) Lundvall; three children, Dr. Julia (Steve) Hager, Apple Valley, MN, Jeanne (Mark) Scharf, Madison Lake, MN, and Judy (Joseph) Nunn of Farmington, MN; four grandchildren, Alexander, Brooke, and Cameron Hager, and Jaeden Nunn; one sister, Ruth (Arnold) Steifel of E. Lansing, MI; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Algot Lundvall, his mother, Ebba Astrid (Saleen) Lundvall, and step-mother, Florence (Davidson) Lundvall. The visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the O'Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home at 130 North Grant Street, Ellsworth, WI. The funeral service will be at 12:00pm at the O'Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Private burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota at a later date. Memorials may be given to Gideons International or English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Services entrusted to the O'Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI. 715-273-4421

Friday, June 15, 2018

NC/NWA Capt. Richard M. Irgens

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NC/NWA Capt. Richard M. Irgens
December 09, 1931 ~ June 08, 2018
 
News has reached us with the passing of retired North Central/Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Richard Markus Irgens, age 86. 
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, plus many other family members and friends.
Obituary information for Captain Irgens may be viewed online at
also at
Services have taken place in Minnesota....please see information below.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN  
 

from RNPA News.....
Richard M. Irgens 

http://apps.startribune.com/circulars/images/blank.gif
Irgens, Richard M. Richard M. Irgens, 86, of St. Paul passed away surrounded by the love of his family on June 8, 2018. Richard was born in Glenwood, MN to Chester and Mary (Fischer) Irgens in 1931. He was a graduate of Glenwood High School. After High School he joined the military. Serving as a Lt. Col. In the Marine Corps, he flew helicoptors. And upon his retirement he flew as a commercial pilot for North Central Airlines. Richard was a Civil Defense Coordinator for Prior Lake, as well as a councilman. He was a member of the Lions Club in McGregor. He was an avid sportsman and a lover of nature, often wishing to sit outside and watch the deer in the field. Richard is survived by his five children: Kimberly (Frank) Rose-Pannell, Linda Irgens, Richard (Rachel) Irgens Jr., Lisa Irgens, Michael (Brenda) Irgens, grandchildren: Christopher Nicosia, Sarah Nicosia, Antonio Chirpich, Angela Chirpich, siblings: Robert Irgens, and Donald (Linda) Irgens. Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Chester Irgens Jr., who died at birth. A visitation for Richard will take place on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Roseville Memorial Chapel. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM with a short time of visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Richard will be buried in his hometown cemetery, Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Glenwood on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Roseville Memorial Chapel 651-631-2727
Published on June 10, 2018


NWA Capt. Roger Lee Marlatt

~ IN MEMORY ~
Naval veteran, NWA Capt. Roger Lee Marlatt
January 12, 1941 ~ April 29, 2018
 
Word has reached us with the passing of retired NWA pilot Captain Roger Marlatt, age 77. 
Death notice and a brief obituary may still be viewed online at
Captain Marlatt joined Northwest Airlines 05-06-1968. 
Our information is limited....if more news is received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol or the PCN 
 
Obituary.....................
Roger Lee Marlatt of Doral, Florida passed away on Sunday April 29, 2018 at the age of 77.
Arrangements entrusted to Barbara Falowski Funeral and Cremation Services.
---------------------------
(believe that spelling should read Marlatt...thx/CF)
 
From: RNPA News Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2018 4:18 PM
Subject: RNPA News: Roger Marlot Has Flown West.
 

I have been asked by the Marlot family to make the NWA retired group aware of the passing of Roger Marlot in Florida a few weeks ago.

Yours truly,
Gary Knutson
Retired NWA pilot.

WAL Capt. James Luther Hobson

  ~ IN MEMORY ~
WWII veteran, WAL Capt. James ‘Jim’ Hobson
January 12, 1925 ~ June 11, 2018
 

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Western pilot Captain James Luther Hobson, age 93.  Captain Hobson joined Western Airlines 08-20-1947 and retired with Western in 1985, based LAX.  He is survived by his wife Judy, their children plus grand- and great grandchildren.
To view/sign the online guestbook and view photos, please visit the funeral home website at
Services for Captain Hobson are planned for tomorrow June 16th in Carthage, Missouri. 
Should more information be received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary..................... James 'Jim' Luther Hobson
James "Jim" Luther Hobson, age 93, Carthage, MO passed away Monday, June 11, 2018 at Mercy Hospital Joplin, MO.
 
He was born on January 12, 1925 in Cardin, OK the son of Luther and Hazel Hobson "Dunn." Jim was a 1943 graduate of Carthage High School.
 
He was a veteran serving his country during WWII in the United States Navy. He married Wanda Hensley on March 30, 1948 in Pampa, TX, she preceded him in death on July 3, 2008.
 
He then married Judy Williams on October 10, 2009. Jim went to work as a mechanic for Western Airlines in 1947 then as a pilot in 1951, he became Captain in December of 1957 until his retirement in 1985.
 
He and Wanda returned to Carthage, MO in 1991. Jim truly loved flying and golfing.
 
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister. Survivors include his wife Judy; a daughter Susan Olinger and husband Neil of LaMesa, CA; a step daughter Tracy Garber, granddaughters, and great grandchildren.
 
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018 at the Knell Mortuary. Private graveside service will be held at Dudman Cemetery.
 

The Family suggests contributions to a charity of one's choice and may be left in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed though www.knellmorutary.com 

Monday, June 11, 2018

Bette Swenson, widow of NWA Capt. Chester 'Chet' Swenson

~ IN MEMORY ~
Bette Swenson, widow of NWA Capt. Chet Swenson
April 3, 1924 ~ May 30, 2018
 

Notification with the passing of Bette Swenson, widow of Northwest pilot Captain Chester ‘Chet’ Swenson who passed in 2010.  Both obituaries appear below.  To view Bette’s obituary online please visit 
Bette’s obituary notes that no services are planned.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary............BETTE SWENSON
Bette Darlene Swenson Together Again Age 94,
died peacefully on May 30th, 2018 at her adult care home in Bothell, WA. Born on April 3, 1924 to Odean and Mildred (Quimby) Jerlow in Huron, South Dakota, she lived and worked on the family farm with her three younger brothers near Carthage. After high school graduation she attended college briefly in Estherville, Iowa. Bette later moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she worked in a munitions factory supporting the war effort. It was here she met her future husband, Chester Swenson, after his discharge as a pilot from the Army Air Corps. They married in October of 1945 and were together for 65 years until his passing in 2010. Chet was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1945 and moving the family every few years soon became a way of life. Chet was based in St. Paul, Seattle, Spokane, and Seattle once again. The family moved to Tacoma in 1961 and soon became involved with the Fircrest Golf Club and Fircrest Swim Team. Although Bette had her hands full raising three boys while her husband was often away on long trips, she still found time to chaperone for the Daffodil Festival and loved taking ";her girls"; around Tacoma for their appearances. A fantastic cook, she loved cooking for her sons and their friends from the neighborhood, sports teammates and fraternity brothers. When the boys were grown and gone she turned her culinary skills to the grandkids with sumptuous main dishes, casseroles, cakes and pies. Shortly after Chet retired, they bought a seaworthy trawler, christened her the Option B, and enjoyed cruising Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands with family and friends. In her later years she and Chet enjoyed many winters in the Arizona sun. Bette had a wonderful sweet nature, a caring disposition, and a positive attitude. Her tough South Dakota roots and deep faith enabled her to survive three bouts of cancer over the years. She will be greatly missed by friends and family in Minnesota, South Dakota, Washington and Arizona. She is survived by her sons Gary (Sally), Craig, Dave (Jill) and grandchildren: Jamie, Sam, Davy (Jake) Goetze, Brooke, Heather (Trevor) Uhler and Luke, and eight great grandchildren. A special thank you to Blueberry Gardens Senior Care of Bothell who provided superb care and friendship to Bette for the past five and a half years. No service is planned at this time.
-----------------------------------
Obituary Capt. Chet Swenson..............Chester H. Swenson
 March 15, 1922 ~ Aug. 21, 2010

On August 21, 2010 we lost another hero from our greatest generation. While in the hospital recovering from a fall, Chester H. Swenson died peacefully in his sleep. Chet was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Archie and Florence Swenson. He grew up in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota for one year. The winds of war changed his focus from college to aviation, and he traveled to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, planning to become an aircraft mechanic. But the attack on Pearl Harbor altered his training from repairing planes to flying them, and he completed his flight school training in 1943. He was sent to the Pacific and became part of the 405th squadron of the 38th Bomb Group. Chet saw action in the Northern Solomon Islands, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Philippines. As a Captain in the famous "Green Dragon" squadron, he flew 74 missions in a B-25 Mitchell and was awarded the Air Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he returned to Minnesota where he met the love of his life, Bette D. Jerlow, and they were married later that year. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by Northwest Airlines as a co-pilot. His career took the family from St. Paul to Seattle, Spokane, and finally, Tacoma in 1961. His career with Northwest spanned 37 years and he piloted just about every aircraft in their inventory: the DC-3, DC- 6 and DC-7, L-188 Electra, L-1049 Constellation, and the Boeing 707 and 727. He retired a senior 747 pilot in 1982, highly respected by his peers. He was a member of the Fircrest Golf Club and volunteered for the Fircrest and Tacoma Swim Clubs. Moving from Captain of the sky to Captain of the water, he purchased a 38 foot trawler and he and Bette and family roamed Puget Sound, the San Juans and Canadian waters in the beloved Option B. They also enjoyed traveling to Arizona in the winter and had many friends in Mesa and Scottsdale. Chet had a generous spirit and was a friend to many. He lived his life with grace, honor and dignity. We will miss him every day and he will live in our hearts forever. Although Chet never considered himself a hero, to his family he was. He is survived by Bette, his wife of 65 years, his sister Sylvia Nelson, and sons Gary (Sally), Craig and Dave (Jill). Grandchildren include Jamie, Sam, Davy (Jake), Heather (Trevor), Brooke and Luke. Great-granddaughters are Rubie and Paisley. Chet's remains will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, in a private family ceremony. A public celebration of Chet's life will be held Sunday, Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Fircrest Golf Club in Tacoma, Washington.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

David Pickron, son of DL Capt. Charles Pickron

~ IN MEMORY ~
David C. Pickron, son of DL Capt. Charles Pickron
October 29, 1962 ~ May 19, 2018
 
Sad news has reached our group with the unexpected passing of David Pickron, son of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Charles and Peggy Pickron.  David, age 55, succumbed to a massive heart attack on May 19th.  He is survived by his wife Dana and their young daughter Olivia, as well as his parents Charles and Peggy plus many other family members.  Services for David were held May 25th in Florida. 
To view the obituary online and sign the guestbook, please visit the funeral home website at
Captain Pickron can be reached by email at cpickron@comcast.net 
or better yet, personal condolences may be sent to the family at
 6380 Westchester Court,  Cumming  GA 30040-7065.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary....................David Charles Pickron, age 55, of Delray Beach, FL and a former resident of Stone Mountain, GA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 19, 2018.   Mr. Pickron was born in Hollywood, Florida on October 29, 1962 to Charles and Peggy Pickron.  He lived his early years in Plantation, Florida before moving to Georgia in 1976.  In 1981 he graduated from Tucker High School. 
 
After high school, Mr. Pickron attended George College and State University in Millegeville, Georgia.  From 1988 to 1992 he was a Corporate Pilot with A.L. Williams Insurance.  In 1992, he moved to Delray Beach, Florida and started and operated City Pest Control, Inc.  In 1996, he married his longtime love, Dana Guthrie.
 
He is survived by his wife, Dana, of almost 22 years; his beloved daughter Olivia; his parents Charles and Peggy Pickron of Cumming, GA; a sister Cindy Kunis and her husband David of Suwanee, GA; a brother Robert Pickron and his wife Janice, of Deerfield Beach, FL; nieces Abby and Brooke Kunis, Kristen Buck, and nephew Kenneth Rutledge and a great niece and two great nephews.
 

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm at Glick Family Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00am, Friday, May 25, 2018 at Spanish River Church - 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

DL Capt. John A. R. Peart Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, DL Capt. John Albert Ralph Peart Jr.
February 7, 1933 ~ June 4, 2018
 
News from family has reached us with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain John Albert Ralph Peart Jr., age 85.  Captain Peart joined Delta Air Lines 07-09-1956 and retired in May 1988, based DFW.  He is survived by his wife Sue, their children and grandchildren. 
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at
The obituary may also be viewed online at
Visitation is planned for this Saturday June 9th at Ourso Funeral Home located in Gonzales, Louisiana. 
If more news is received we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary.................................John Albert Ralph Peart, Jr. passed away on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the age of 85. Al was born in Alexandria and resided in Maurepas. He was a graduate of Bolton High School, Alexandria, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, Tulsa, OK. Al was a US Navy veteran during the Korean Conflict and a retired pilot for Delta Airlines with 32 years of service. Al is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sue Sharon Peart of Maurepas; children, Evelyn Peart Evans and Paul of McEwen, TN; Jerry Peart Willis and Todd Sibley of Prairieville, John A. R. (Johnny) Peart, III of Baton Rouge, Marty Peart Carmichael and Clint of St. Amant, David and Cindy Bergeron of Denham Springs, Steven Bergeron of Baton Rouge and Johnny and Stacy Bergeron, Baytown, TX; granddaughters, Jessica Ramirez Bailey and McKinley of Gonzales, Casey Peart French and Lang of Charlotte, TN, Jessica Bergeron, Shannon Bergeron, Mikayla Bergeron, Jolie and Angelle Bergeron; grandson, Zeth (Bubba) Bergeron; two great-granddaughters, Kamryn and Kelsey Bailey and one great-grandson, Aiden French. Al was preceded in death by his adoptive parents/grandparents, John Albert Ralph Peart, Sr. and Ruth Elizabeth Adams Peart; mother, Alberta Ruth Peart Holman Church; father, George Irvin Holman. Visitation will begin at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 4:00PM until a celebration of Al's life at 5:30PM followed by cremation. Acting as honorary pallbearers will be Paul Evans, Todd Sibley, Clint Carmichael, Johnny Peart, Johnny Bergeron, Jason Lapp and David Bergeron. Mrs. Sue would like to personally thank her sister Barbara Jones and dear friend Betty Sellers for their outstanding care and support. The family would like to especially thank Chaplain Michael Mann and nurses Monica Ned, Jamie Ross and his CNA Betty Dixon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassus Hospice, 6700 Jefferson Highway, Building 1, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Please visit www.oursofh.com  to leave messages of condolences.
Ourso Funeral Home of Gonzales is in charge of arrangements.
Ourso Funeral Home:  13533 Airline Highway | Gonzales, LA 70737 | (225) 647-8608
 
 
 
From: marthapeart   email:  marthapeart@cox.net
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:36 PM
Subject: Death of retired Delta Pilot
 

 
John Albert Ralph Peart  passed away June 4th 2018 at home.
 
 

NWA Capt. Dennis 'OB' Charles O'Brien

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Dennis ‘O.B.’ O’Brien
May 6, 1942 ~ May 18, 2018
 
News has reached our group with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Dennis Charles O’Brien, age 76.  Captain O’Brien joined Northwest Airlines 08-29-1966.  He is survived by his children and grandchildren plus many other friends and family members.
A celebration of Captain O’Brien’s life is planned for August 4th in Seattle.... please see information below. 
Obituary information may also be found online at
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN
 
Obituary..............................Dennis Charles O'Brien
Dennis Charles O'Brien ("O'B"), airline pilot, sports fan, friend, father, brother and grandfather, passed away on May 18, 2018. He was 76 years old. Born in Renton, Washington to Leo and Kay O'Brien, he attended St. Anthony School, St. Edward Seminary, O'Dea High School and the University of Washington, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. After college in 1966, he joined Northwest Airlines as a pilot. He was initially based in Minneapolis and later moved with his young family to Bellevue, where he lived for the balance of his life. His 36 year career with the airline included time as second officer, copilot, and captain, flying domestic and international routes from bases in Seattle, New York, Minneapolis, Detroit and Honolulu. During the later years of his career, he split time as a 747 captain based in Hawaii flying to Asia and the West Coast, and as a flight instructor for the airline, training new captains. Mr. O'Brien was a deeply devoted friend, brother, father and grandfather. He enjoyed skiing, fishing, golf, and spending time in Washington, Colorado and Arizona with family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, Mike and Jeff, his six grandchildren, Elliott, Wyatt, Lexi, Colin, John and Tory, and his three sisters, Diane, Doreen and Donna. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be directed to Northwest Harvest (northwestharvest.org). A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 4th @ 1:00PM at Ray's Boathouse 6049 Seaview Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107.
 
 
 
From: RNPANEWS    Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 6:35 AM
Subject: RNPANews: Dennis (O. B.) O'Brien Has Flown West
 

Friends and Colleagues, 
 
I am sorry to inform you that Dennis (O.B.) O’Brien has passed away. O.B. was hired by NWA on Aug. 29, 1966. He died Thursday/Friday night peacefully in his sleep. O.B. had turned 76 years old this month. He was a RNPA member and resided in Bellevue, Washington. 
 
More information and details to follow. 
 
Bill Day 
Obituary Editor eContrails

Monday, June 4, 2018

Linda Long, wife of DL Capt. Howard A Long

~ IN MEMORY ~
Linda Long, wife of DL Capt. Howard A. Long
August 2, 1941 ~ June 2, 2018
News has reached us with the passing of Linda Carol Long, wife of retired Delta pilot Captain Howard A. Long.  Captain Long has provided us with all arrangement information... please see below.
To share online condolences please visit the funeral home website at 
For those who wish, personal condolences may be sent to the family at
5150 Hampton Lake Drive, Marietta GA 30068-4316.
            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary...............LONG, Linda Carol
Linda Carol Hickson Long, of Marietta, Georgia, sixth child of Fenton Paul Hickson and Ethel Adele Rice Hickson, passed away on June 2, 2018. Linda was born on August 2, 1942 in Big Spring, Texas. She attended high school in Big Spring, attended Howard County Junior College in Big Spring, and then attended Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. She met her husband, Howard Arthur Long, at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring and they were married on December 20, 1964. They eventually settled in the Atlanta area to raise three sons as her husband pursued a career with Delta Air Lines. In the middle of raising her young family, Linda studied Art History at Kennesaw College, making an "A" in every course that she studied. Linda is preceded in death, by both of parents, four of her siblings; Marie Hull, Robert Hickson, Edwin Hickson, and John Hickson; and one son, Roger Christopher Long. She is survived by her husband, Howard Long; two sons, Brian Delos Long, spouse Lara, of Fayetteville, Georgia, and Nathaniel Paul Long, spouse Heather, of Kennesaw, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Ansley, Hayden, Addison, and Ella Long of Fayetteville, and Xander, Gillyan and Kynsie Long of Kennesaw; and one sister, Joanna Hansrote of Garland, Texas. Linda loved her church, her flower garden, her bridge groups, visited numerous art museums and traveled with her husband to all 50 states an over 50 foreign countries. For several years, she was president of her ladies circle at Sandy Springs UMC and later co-president of the Lynn Smith Circle here at Mt. Bethel UMC. She was founder and leader of the local chapter of Red Hats Society for many years. She lived a full life marked by Faith, Family and Love. She leaves a legacy of devotion and time well spent with her beloved grandchildren. The family will receive guests on Thursday, June 7, 2018 between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill, in Marietta. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 11:00 am at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, in Marietta. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to Project Mail Call, care of, Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church.

From: Howard Long [mailto:  howard.long@ymail.com  ]
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2018 3:25 PM
Subject: Funeral Arrangements

Dear Family & Friends:

I have just made the arrangement for Linda.  H. M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel will handle the arrangements.  Their address is 1157 Old Canton Road NE, Marietta, GA 30068.

Visitation will be at Patterson & Son, Thursday evening, June 7, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm.  The service will be at 11:00 am at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church,  4385 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.  There will be a catered gathering at our home to enjoy Linda’s Garden immediately after the funeral service.  Our address is 5150 Hampton Lake Drive, Marietta, GA 30068.

For those of you that need a hotel, we recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta North at 765 Hammond Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. You can book on the internet or at 404-250-4450 and the room rates should be under $120 per night.  

I you are flying in to Atlanta, I will arrange for pickup at the airport.

Howard

--------------------------------------------

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Howard Long howard.long@ymail.com
Sent: Sunday, June 3, 2018, 9:13:55 AM EDT
Subject: My Linda

Dear Friends and Family,

My heart is heavy but my faith is secure that Linda is now with the Lord.  She passed away at 8:11 pm last evening from a massive infection that caused sepsis and heart failure. 

Just this last Tuesday, I took her to the emergency room at Piedmont Hospital for a massive infection on her neck and shoulders coupled with very low blood pressure.  Wednesday morning at about 4 AM, she had septic shock and heart failure.  The medical team was able to reestablish a pulse but they had to sedate her and put her on a respirator and a continuous dialysis machine.  Even with the best medical efforts, the massive infection finally overwhelmed her weakened system.  She never regained consciousness and gradually lost the battle this evening.

As many of you know, she has been fighting a number of illnesses for the past 2 years including Kidney failure, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Eosinophilia, Atrial fibrillation, a leaky Tricuspid Valve in her heart and chronic Ear Infection.  She had been hospitalized on 2 different occasions for Pneumonia, 2 different times for ear infection and ruptured ear drum, treated two times for sepsis and three times for C. Difficile infection of the GI tract.  In addition, she had just found out that she had a cancer in her left thigh.  After that diagnosis she said many times that she did not want any more pain.  She was more than ready to be in a better place.  Tonight The Great Physician granted that wish.  

Funeral arrangements are being made and they will be announced by Monday afternoon.

I want to thank all of you for your love and prayers during this difficult time.  

Howard