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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, April 30, 2025

NWA Capt. Gerald "Jerry" Andrew Krisik

 Obituary : https://www.williamsonwhite.com/obituary/gerald-krisik

  

Williamson - White Funeral Home and Cremation Services


Gerald "Jerry" Andrew Krisik

( September 25, 1934 - April 26, 2025 )

Gerald “Jerry” Andrew Krisik died at his home on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the age of 90.

Jerry was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on September 25, 1934. Jerry grew up on a dairy farm near Tony, Wisconsin, one of nine children. Jerry overcame childhood polio and always gave much credit to his father who took him to the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis for treatment. He graduated from Glen Flora High School.

Jerry’s life story took a dramatic turn when he received his first airplane ride from his best friend, Tuffy Howard, in 1954. That 15-minute flight began a lifelong love of flying. The following summer, he used every dollar he saved and bought his first airplane, a used 1949 Taylorcraft BC-12 for $575. He didn’t know how to fly the plane and knew nothing about planes. He was late to milking that evening which angered his dad. Needless to say, his parents thought he was crazy when he told them he was late because he just bought an airplane! He soon earned his pilot’s license from instructor Elmer Wisherd. Later that year, Jerry worked as a crane operator for a logging operation on Outer Island on Lake Superior and would fly home from the island once a month in his plane.

Jerry enlisted in the United States Army in 1956 and began as an airplane mechanic, then an army pilot. He piloted every type of airplane and helicopter the army operated, 18 types of aircraft in total. He became a flight instructor and taught many American and Vietnamese pilots how to fly. Jerry was stationed in Korea, Iran, and various bases throughout the United States. He enthralled many with his stories of flying. He had to crash land three planes in his Army career and due to his skill was assigned a difficult helicopter assignment to rescue the Shah of Iran’s brother in the mountains. He received a handwritten thank you letter from the Shah and an ornately decorated silver tray and bowl for his heroics. He retired from the Army as Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of service, 11 years active duty and 13 years reserve duty.

While he was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, the young stewardess Ann Harrington. Jerry was asked to go on a double date, as he was the guy with the car. It worked out well for Jerry and Ann. They married in 1959. They had three children, Catherine, Lynn, and Andrew, and were married for 65 years at the time of his death.

Following his career in the Army, Jerry flew commercially for Northwest Airlines for 27 years, with Captain Jerry Krisik piloting the DC10, B727, B747, B757 and the B767. Jerry and Ann purchased a farm near Amery, Wisconsin in 1970, so in addition to flying for the airline, he also raised a herd of 100 Hereford beef cattle with much help from Ann and the kids. Jerry’s career and his hobby was flying. He owned many airplanes throughout his life. After he retired from Northwest Airlines, he spent 4 years building his own beautiful airplane, an RV-7A. He and Ann would travel the country in that plane to visit friends and family. Jerry was still flying until a few years ago, finishing with over 30,000 hours of flying to his credit. He received a reward from the FAA for 50 years of safe flying. He gave countless children their first ride in an airplane through EAA's Young Eagle Program, and taught his daughter Catherine, son Andrew, and his grandson Xavier to fly.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. His family gave him tremendous joy. He loved playing the card game 99 with his family, and spending time with grandchildren and their partners on the farm, making apple cider or teaching them how to drive a tractor, or the Model A he beautifully reconditioned. His family will all miss him dearly. Everyone who knew Jerry Krisik will miss him. He led an amazing life, full of faith, love, laughter, service and airplanes.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Margaret Krisik, his siblings Ellen, Jack, Glen, Margaret (Muggy), and Betty. He is survived by his sisters Irene, Patricia (Patsy), and Kathleen, his wife Ann, his children, Catherine (Kate), Lynn (wife of Paul Schwartz) and Andrew (Andy) and his grandchildren, Xavier (husband to Emily Guy), Margaret, Marie (fiancé to Matt Boddewyn), Liam and Patrick.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery, WI with a visitation two hours prior. 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Gerald "Jerry" Andrew Krisik

September 25, 1934 - April 26, 2025

 


Friends and Colleagues,

   I regret having to inform you that Captain Gerald A. Krisik died April 26, 2025. 'Jerry' was 90 years of age. He was married to Ann and the couple resided near Amery, WI. 

   Jerry retired from NWA as a 747 Captain. In his earlier NWA years, he also served in the US Army Reserve in the same unit with Dale Hinkle and Tom White.

   On May 7 there will a funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Avery, WI.

Visitation with be from 9-11 AM (0900 -1100) followed by a funeral service at 11AM.

Our condolences to the Krisik family.

Bill Day

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.williamsonwhite.com/obituary/gerald-krisik   

Gerald "Jerry" Andrew Krisik

( September 25, 1934 - April 26, 2025 )

Gerald A. Krisik, 90, of Amery, WI died on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Full obituary to follow.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Amery, WI with a visitation two hours prior to the mass at church.

Williamson - White Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

DL Capt. Michael Arnold Smith

 Obituary : https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mike-smith-obituary?id=58352564



 Michael "Mike" Arnold Smith passed away on April 21, 2025, holding hands with his beloved wife of 61 years, Debbie, and daughter, Whitney, after an accident. He was 86 years old. Mike was born in Valdosta, Georgia on September 8, 1938. Arguably, that was 100 years too late as he was born to be a cowboy. He spent his childhood summers, along with the other 'river rats,' at the Old Camp House at Arnold Springs on the Withlacoochee River. School never really agreed with him and he famously (in family lore, anyway) attended three colleges in as many years. However, his true education began following the irresistible offering of a free physical that prompted a 21-year-old Mike, who had never been in a plane, to enlist in the United States Air Force and become a pilot. Long before the fictional characters of Top Gun, he trained on a T-37 TweetyBird and F-80 Shooting Star and later flew the B-47 Stratojet. He served the USAF as part of Strategic Air Command during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It was during his time stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base that he met a local girl named Debbie who would become his lifelong partner. Their honeymoon to Atlanta included an interview with Delta Airlines, where he worked for 34 years. He became a Captain and commanded the DC-9, B-727, B-757, B-767 aircraft; but his favorite was always the L-1011. Rank allowed him to delegate the duties associated with in-flight announcements to the 2nd officer. Mike, with his thick Southern drawl, was known for his unhurried announcements, often deliberately(?) mispronouncing words, much to the amusement of his passengers. He also served in the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery.
His Delta career allowed him time to pursue his real passions - farming and ranching. He loved his farm, The Lazy S, dearly. He spoke proudly - but never boastfully - about his cattle as any parent would about their children. Orbit, Star, Vindicator, Osceola, Dudley, Herman, and Beauregarde were a few of his favorite bulls. Today, Louie can be found standing watch at his place by the gate. Despite several grandchildren he adored, his phone's screen saver was always a picture of his cherished cows.
Mike also LOVED dogs. A farm provides an opportunity for a man to have as many dogs as he can feed. It also creates a natural adoption agency for people. Mike adopted more dogs and took in more strays than an animal shelter. He had some good English Pointers when quail were around, but most were of dubious and mixed lineage. A few of the better ones were Henry, Simon, Mack, Jake, Buck, Ritz, Moreover, Dog, New Dog, Meg, Torp, Delta, Ace, Curley, Duke, Cajun, Sundance, Jambo, Rosie, Mimi, Mally, Sol-leks, Rex, Lady, Rat and Hank. He is survived by two faithful hounds, Max and Sadie.
He loved simple things like a quiet sunrise sitting on the porch, the reflection of the pond on a calm day, a nice breeze, or watching the martins fly home every year. He loved growing his mom's Camellias and appreciated beauty in common things the majority of people take for granted. With a sentimental soul, he kept every card a loved one sent him and found meaning in the words of poems and in his favorite country music lyrics. He had a boyish habit of gently teasing people in a good-natured way and found humor in everything. His curiosity was endless as was his generosity and kindness.
Most of all, Mike Smith loved his family and community - his wife (Debbie), sister (Nancy "Honey"), daughter (Whitney), son (Jeff), grandson (Jack), granddaughters (Sam & Maggie, Jane, Audrey), nieces, nephews, and so many friends it is hard to comprehend, much less try and list. You know who you are and you know he loved you.
He was a proud member of the Georgia Cattlemen's and The Southeastern Red Angus Associations and was inducted into the Cattlemen's Hall of Fame in 2016. He was a man of strong faith as a member of the First United Methodist Church and cherished his daily devotional readings. He had even received a Screen Actors Guild card recently for his "acting work" in a commercial filmed on his farm. He is survived by everyone who knew him as we suspect he enriched your life to some degree. Don't be sad about Mike Smith's passing. He "went out with his boots on" as all good cowboys should and will remain eternally undefeated against his grandson in Cornhole, 56-0.
A celebration of life for Mike will be held at McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan, GA, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 3:00-6:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a charitable gift to someone in need, as that is what Mike so often did.
A few of the charities he supported are: St. Jude's Hospital ttps://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8804949&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
First United Methodist Church https://onrealm.org/newnanfumc/-/form/give/now
Child Fund International 1-800-776-6767 St. Joseph's Indian School www.stjo.org/rec
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com.
McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Michael Arnold Smith

September 8, 1938 – April 21, 2025

 

We are awaiting more news regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Mike Smith, age 86.  Mike joined Delta Air Lines 08-03-1964 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Debbie.  Please look for more information to follow in the days ahead.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

 2699 W. Grantville Road, Newnan, GA 30263

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/norcross-ga/michael-smith-12353565   

Michael Arnold Smith

September 8, 1938 – April 21, 2025

 

https://www.times-herald.com/news/man-dies-after-side-by-side-collides-with-car-on-w-grantville-road/article_1559444c-5889-4674-abaf-62f4a15b24c1.html

 

 Tragic news as a Newnan man has died following a collision involving a side-by-side vehicle and a car Monday on W. Grantville Road.

 

Mike Smith, 86, was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where he later died from his injuries.

 

Investigators said a red 2020 Kawasaki side-by-side was traveling east from a private driveway, attempting to cross W. Grantville Road into another private drive.

 

At the same time, a red 2008 Ford Focus was heading south on W. Grantville Road and struck the rear left side of the side-by-side.

 

https://www.times-herald.com/.../article_1559444c-5889

 

A Newnan man has died following a collision involving a side-by-side vehicle and a car Monday on W. Grantville Road, according to authorities. Mike Smith, 86, was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where he later died from his injuries. Troopers responded to the crash around 11:47 a.m. after receiving reports of a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Investigators said a red 2020 Kawasaki side-by-side was traveling east from a private driveway, attempting to cross …………….

DL Capt. Louis Bernard Wiginton

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Louis Bernard Wiginton

April 4, 1933 - April 28, 2025

 


Delta Golden Wings member Captain Louis “Lou” Wiginton joined Delta Air Lines in March 1956 and was based MSY.  Widowed in August of 2019, Lou is survived by his children and their families.

Condolences may be sent to the Wiginton family at

 51317 Wig Lane, Loranger LA 70446-1935

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.thompsoncares.com/obituaries/louis-wiginton/#!/TributeWall

Obituary for Louis Bernard Wiginton

Louis, age 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, April 28, 2025. He is native of Hammond, Louisiana and a longtime resident of Loranger, Louisiana. Louis proudly served his country in the United States Army. For 37 years he supported his family as an Airline Pilot for Delta Airlines. His family always came first. Louis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who is already dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

Louis is survived by his loving companion, Sandra Melancon; daughters, Donna Howes (Fritz), Debra Woodall (Paul Hintze), and Diane Wiginton; son, John Wiginton; grandchildren, Pheobe, Gillian, Gabriel, Ben, Cate, Jennifer, Graham, and Brent; 19 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

 

Louis is preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Shirley Kay Graham Wiginton; son, Louis ‘Tige’ Wiginton; and his parents, Dr. Marquis and Emma Wiginton.

 

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation from the Chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Hwy 190 West Hammond, LA. on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until the start of the Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Kittie Alexander, wife of NWA Capt. Ray Alexander

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Kittie Sweet Alexander, wife of NWA Capt. Ray Alexander

 


Kittie is survived by her husband Ray, and by her children and her grandchildren.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/kittie-alexander

Kittie Sweet Alexander

( March 7, 1942 - April 16, 2025 )

Kittie Sweet Alexander, age 83, wife of NWA pilot Ray Alexander, of Punta Gorda, FL and Burnsville, MN, passed away at home surrounded by family on April 16, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Frances Sweet; brother, Jerry, and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rimm.

Kittie is survived by: her husband, Raymond; children Lisa (Jared) Mountain, and Raymond, III AKA “Troy” (Gina) Alexander; grandchildren: Alexander and Erin Mountain; Kathryn, Vivian, Giada, Edward and Jacob Alexander; brother, William (Linda) Sweet; brothers-in-law: David (Alice) Alexander, Dr. William (Cinda) Rimm, and many other loving family members and friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00PM, Friday, May 30, 2025, at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55337.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will take place the following day at 11:00AM Saturday, May 31, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337. Inurnment at Prince of Peace Columbarium following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church; Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda, FL; Burnsville Foundation: 360 Communities, Burnsville.

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/kittie-alexander

 

former DL Capt. James "Jim" Harold Fink

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. James "Jim" Harold Fink

August 6, 1940 — April 23, 2025

 




After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, a stepping stone to his lifelong love of aviation…………..later became an airline captain for Delta Air Lines………………

(Jim joined Delta Air Lines 05-03-1965)

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/obituaries/james-jim-fink

 

James "Jim" Harold Fink

Born in Memphis, Tennessee

James Harold Fink lived a life packed with passion, purpose, and an undeniable spirit of adventure. Born on August 6, 1940, in Memphis and raised in Nashville, he graduated from Hillsborough High School and earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an early sign of the determination and character that would define his journey.

 

After high school, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, a stepping stone to his lifelong love of aviation. A brilliant aeronautical engineer, James worked for Pratt & Whitney jet engines and served as a flight instructor, sharing his passion and skill with others. He later became an airline captain for Delta Air Lines, where he spent years in the sky doing what he loved most—flying.

 

He was once even named “Governor for a Day,” a title that speaks not just to his sense of civic duty, but also to his unique life filled with extraordinary moments.

 

A wonderful husband to his beloved wife, Lucy, and a loving father to Michael, Christopher, and Susie, as well as a proud stepfather to Julie and Brian, James was the rock of a family that grew to include around ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was the kind of father and grandfather who showed up, stood tall, and offered wisdom with a wink and a smile.

 

James had a great sense of humor and was never short on great advice. A thrill-seeker by nature, he lived for the rush—whether it was motocross, racing, skydiving, hot air balloons, water skiing, or strumming his guitar to the rhythm of life. He was also a deep thinker, a voracious reader, and someone deeply engaged in politics and the world around him.

 

Above all, he was a man who lived—who chased the horizon, laughed loudly, loved deeply, and never shied away from the next great adventure. His legacy lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely.

 

He will be missed way more than words can say.

 

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 from 1:00PM-3:00PM at Buford Dam Pavilion, Cumming, Georgia.

Friday, April 25, 2025

DL Capt. Alexander “Ken” Kenneth Chickosky

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Alexander “Ken” Kenneth Chickosky

October 22, 1942 ~ April 23, 2025

 



Captain Alexander Kenneth Chickosky passed away peacefully at St. Francis hospital in Hartford, CT, taking his final flight on April 23, 2025….. He was known in the airline industry as a 'natural,' a pilot who always kept his cool and was always a perfect gentleman……………..

Ken joined Delta Air Lines 05-02-1966 and retired in 2002 based 031/JFK at the time of retiring.  He is survived by his wife Maurine, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfsb/name/a-chickosky-obituary?id=58233987

 

A. Chickosky Obituary

Captain Alexander Kenneth Chickosky passed away peacefully at St. Francis hospital in Hartford, CT, taking his final flight on April 23, 2025. He was born in Stafford Springs, CT, on October 22, 1942, to the late Sophia and Alexander Chickosky.

He thrived on putting the pedal to the metal, whether it was boats, sports cars, motorcycles, tractors old and new-even lawnmowers. But his favorite ships to captain were his airplanes. He lived to work because his job as a pilot for Delta Air Lines allowed him to fulfill his true life's passion, flying. He was never happier than at 30,000 feet. He served his country honorably in the Air National Guard.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Maurine, whom he adored. He also leaves his children, Diana Malek (and Mick), Carolanne Majeski (and Steve), Cindy Jack (and Bryan), and Al Chickosky (and Sharon), as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and god-children, all very much loved. He also leaves cherished siblings June Caouette (and the late Zeph), Jane Oswecki (and Vin), sister in-law Anna Elbrecht (and Larry), brother in-law Rich Gianni, and sister in-law Cathy Gianni.

He was known in the airline industry as a 'natural,' a pilot who always kept his cool and was always a perfect gentleman. He was also a 3rd generation farmer, a skilled tobacco-man who owned and operated one of the largest shade tobacco farms in the CT river valley, Enfield Shade Tobacco. He was popular with everyone in the farming community-from the old-timers who heartily approved of his stoic work ethic and true grit to the new-timers who looked to him with admiration for his mentorship and sage advice. Even while flying full-time for the airline for 37 years, he was the first one in the tobacco sheds in the mornings and the last to walk off the field, dusty from a day's work, in the evenings. The premium cigar wrappers he produced were internationally renowned and his pilot friends lovingly bestowed him with the moniker "The Tobacco Baron."

But even more than for his success, he was known for his kindness and generosity. He loved all animals great and small, from his precious dogs to the farm cats to the flock of sparrows who would land on his shoulders looking for him to dole out seeds and bread in the mornings. He lived his life fully and courageously. He had big ideas, took risks, and bounded into action, never giving in and never giving up. An ardent Elvis fan, he was nonetheless fond of quoting Frank Sinatra, explaining that he lived his life "My Way."

He touched the lives of many with his gentle heart and wildly indominable spirit. He will never be forgotten. Services for Ken will be private with interment in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Enfield.

https://www.brownefuneralchapel.com/memorials/a-kenneth--chickosky/5587336/index.php

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

DL Capt. William "Denny" Walsh

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. William "Denny" Walsh

October 26, 1944 – April 16, 2025

 


In 1972, his love of aviation brought him to Delta Air Lines, where he would fly for more than 30 years. He began as a flight engineer on L-1011 and went on to serve as co-pilot on the DC-9, Boeing 727, and Boeing 767, spending the last years of his career as a captain on the Boeing 767 ER. He retired from Delta in 2004………………..

William “Denny” Dennis Walsh joined Delta Air Lines 10-16-1972 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Susan, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/kennesaw-ga/william-walsh-12346484

 

                      

William (Denny) Walsh was born on October 26, 1944, in Philip, South Dakota, to Bill Walsh and Kathleen (Kit) Walsh (née Wilson). As a child, he lived in Philip and Murdo, South Dakota, before the family settled in Wall. There, he grew up with his parents, his brother Dan, and his sister Colleen. He spent time helping his father in the family business, Walsh’s Funeral Home and Ambulance Service, and was shaped by the close-knit community of Wall.

 

In 1962, Denny graduated from Wall High School and enrolled at the University of South Dakota. He was a varsity wrestler for four years and a proud member of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).

 

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was selected to fly the OV-1 Mohawk. Over the next several years, he was stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama; Homestead Air Force Base, Florida; and served a one-year tour in Vietnam. In 1972, he left active duty but continued his service in the Georgia Army Air National Guard, where he continued flying the OV-1 Mohawk, serving at the company, battalion, and state headquarters levels. He ultimately retired in the 1990s at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He remained deeply connected to his fellow service members throughout his life, regularly attending with his wife Susan the annual OV-1 Mohawk Association reunions.

 

In 1972, his love of aviation brought him to Delta Air Lines, where he would fly for more than 30 years. He began as a flight engineer on L-1011 and went on to serve as co-pilot on the DC-9, Boeing 727, and Boeing 767, spending the last years of his career as a captain on the Boeing 767 ER. He retired from Delta in 2004.

 

From 1970 to 1979, Denny was married to Gwen Walsh (née White), with whom he had two children, Todd and Tara. He was a devoted and proud father, and later, a joyful grandfather to his five grandchildren.

 

In 1998, he married Susan Walsh (née Steinbach Scruggs), his wife and partner of 26 years. Together, they were inseparable, traveling the world while working for Delta and continuing their adventures into retirement. They enjoyed their homes in Miami and Georgia, and cherished their time spent with family and friends in the U.S, and their annual travels around the globe.

 

Denny is survived by his wife, Susan Walsh; his son, Todd Walsh (Sara); his daughter, Tara Walsh (Andrew Arnold); and his grandchildren Louie, Henry, Sylas, Patrick, and Nora. He is also survived by his sister, Colleen Walsh; sisters-in-law Sarah Stubbs and Jeanie Walsh; brother-in-law Ken Steinbach (Josie); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He leaves behind countless friends—from his hometown of Wall to the U.S. Army, Delta, and beyond.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Kathleen; his stepfather, Robert MacEntee; his brother, Dan Walsh; and his brother-in-law, Richard Stubbs.

 

As was his wish, Denny will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA, on Monday, May 5, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OV-1 Mohawk Association Scholarship Fund.

NWA Capt. Sharon (Finch) Bigelow

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Sharon (Finch) Bigelow

October 7, 1950  -  April 13, 2025

 


In 1974, after a friend gave her a $20 airplane lesson, Sharon spent her days pumping gas at the local airport in exchange for flight lessons and worked nights as a waitress to pay her rent……

Sharon Louise Bigelow was a trail blazer who will be long remembered for paving a path for women in aviation……

Sharon joined Northwest Airlines 07-12-1982 and retired with Northwest in 2007.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.doylefh.com/obituaries/Sharon-Louise-Bigelow?obId=42100305

 

Sharon Louise Bigelow

• Born October 7, 1950 New Rochelle, NY

• Died April 13, 2025 (age 74) Basking Ridge, NJ

 

Sharon Louise Bigelow, 74, died on April 13 after a long struggle with dementia.

 

Sharon was born in New Rochelle, NY, on October 7,1950. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to the Beech Hills community of Douglaston, NY, where they lived for several years before moving to Rockland County, New York. Sharon attended public schools and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1968.

 

In 1972, she graduated cum laude from Adelphi University in New York with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology. She spent the following summer touring Europe with a friend and continued solo working at a kibbutz in Israel for several weeks. She would cultivate such experiences in later years.

 

After returning to the US, she moved to Boulder, Colorado, and fell in love with the American West. She met James (Jim) Finch there, and the two wed in 1979 and later moved to Steamboat Springs, overlooking the Yampa River Valley, where they lived together until the end of their marriage in 1998.

 

In 1974, after a friend gave her a $20 airplane lesson, Sharon spent her days pumping gas at the local airport in exchange for flight lessons and worked nights as a waitress to pay her rent. Whether towing gliders at Boulder’s airport or hopskipping a small private plane across the continent for its owner (in exchange for the coveted flight miles she could accrue), she reached towards her dream of becoming a professional aviator. Within a few years, she was instructing and managing a flight school, flying NOAA scientists for research, and landing on lakes in Alaska.

 

By 1976, Sharon was working as a bush pilot for Talkeetna Air Taxi in Alaska and became the first woman to land on the massive Denali (aka Mt. McKinley). She would land climbers and hunters on the glaciers of the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, 10 miles southeast of the summit and at the head of the Ruth Glacier.

 

Sharon was an early member of The International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21) which began in 1978 with 21 female airline pilots. She served on ISA+21’s executive board and was instrumental in creating their scholarship for inspiring women pilots. She was recognized in 1982 on the group’s honor board of “Notable Pilots” as the first female pilot hired by Midway Airlines and she flew DC-9s throughout the Midwest.

 

After Midway ceased operations, Sharon joined Northwest Airlines. As part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration in 1997, Sharon captained a DC-10 from Honolulu to Osaka, Japan, leading the first transpacific flight with an all-female flight crew. The ground-breaking flight captured the attention of Japanese news media and her picture and story appeared in multiple TV outlets and over 50 newspapers.

 

Sharon became the first female captain at Northwest to pilot the Boeing 747 plane. She flew mostly transpacific flights until her retirement in 2007.

 

Sharon had a unique love for nature and the outdoors, enjoying wildlife, photography, hiking, camping and skiing. She travelled extensively, including many trips to East Africa, where she photographed and studied wildlife - especially elephants. Her trips often included volunteer research and visits to rescued orphaned elephants. After she met and befriended a fellow wildlife photographer and elephant lover on one of those trips, the two took over a dozen more trips together, spending precious time in the presence of these magnificent yet threatened species.

 

Sharon embarked on many trips to Europe and especially loved Greece, where she enjoyed cruising on her sailboat, Destiny, and graciously included family and friends on sails from island to island. She frequently visited Hawaii, where she often volunteered on EarthWatch expeditions—identifying, recording, and swimming with humpback whales, another of her favorites. (She even took a transfer to Hawaii and lived in Waikoloa for 3 years). Sharon’s love for animals extended to dogs and she nearly always had 2 or 3 at home.

 

Sharon demonstrated her courage in her personal life as well. She overcame breast cancer over 20 years ago, and she lived with dementia in the past decade, living the last five years at the Fellowship Village retirement community in Basking Ridge, NJ.

 

She was predeceased by father Roswell Lowell Bigelow, mother Blanche Perkins Bigelow, and brother Douglas Brian Bigelow. She is survived by sister Carol Laba of Rockaway, NJ, brothers Bruce Lowell Bigelow of Oakland, CA, and William Perkins Bigelow of Quincy, MA, as well as four nephews and two grand-nephews.

 

Sharon Louise Bigelow was a trail blazer who will be long remembered for paving a path for women in aviation.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory can be made to:

• Donation to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Sharon’s memory

• Donation to Save the Elephants in Sharon's memory

 

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

DL Capt. William “Bill” Michael Jones

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. William “Bill” Michael Jones

January 1, 1955  ~  April 20, 2025

 


Bill had a long career in aviation after retiring as a major in the Air Force. He flew for People's Express and then Delta Air Lines where he was the ALPA Safety Chairman and worked in both management and as a training captain………………….

Bill joined Delta Air Lines 10-11-1985 and retired with Delta in 2005.  He is survived by his wife Mica, and by his  daughters and his grandchildren. 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/william-jones-obituary?id=58212011

William Jones Obituary

William Michael Jones, 70, passed away peacefully on April 20; 2025 in Dover, New Hampshire. He was born on January 1, 1955 to Earl "Jake" Jones and Mary Carol King Jones in Pawtucket Rhode Island and grew up on military bases across the country.

 Bill graduated in 1972 from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. A 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he received his degree in international affairs. He served in numerous leadership positions as an officer and pilot during his Air Force service, and was awarded the Air Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He also achieved a master's degree in business administration at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

 Bill had a long career in aviation after retiring as a major in the Air Force. He flew for People's Express and then Delta Airlines where he was the ALPA Safety Chairman and worked in both management and as a training captain. He was instrumental in bringing crew resource management to the company, a major safety initiative in the 1980's. He also worked as an accident investigator on several major aviation accidents and trained aviation accident investigators for the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA).

 After retiring from Delta as an international Captain in 2005, he went on to serve as Chief Financial Officer of SA Technologies, the small research and development business he helped run with his wife Mica. Motivated by the impact of hurricane Katrina, Bill joined the American Red Cross in 2005 leading a response team of volunteers to provide immediate assistance to victims of fires, floods and tornados across Cobb County in Georgia. He also served as a volunteer on the Pinal County Search and Rescue Team, and trained as an EMT to support these efforts. An avid history buff, Bill was a docent at the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro NH.

 Bill and his wife Mica have lived in Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club since 2010, and have a home in Milton, New Hampshire where they enjoy spending time with their family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Jessica and Zac Creps; Christine and Max Ahlquist; and Tristan Endsley and Kevin Duda; and four grandchildren; William; Caroline; Callian and Delaney; who were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his father Jake Jones; his sister Catherine Bergeron; and his brothers James Jones and Thomas Jones.

 A Graveside Service will be held at the Calvary Cemetery, Greenland Road in Portsmouth NH at 10:30 am on Friday, April 25. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org).

For online condolences visit www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com

. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home – Buckminster Chapel.

https://www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Michael-Jones?obId=42129725#/obituaryInfo

Monday, April 21, 2025

NWA Capt. Richard "Dick" Jacobs

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Richard Emery Jacobs

October 31, 1937 ~ January 3, 2025

 



 

Richard ‘Dick’ Jacobs, age 87, of Spring Valley WI, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health in Eau Claire……Dick joined Northwest Airlines 10-07-1968 and retired with Northwest in 1997.  He is survived by his wife Ann along with many more dear family members and friends.

PCN memorial site

 

Written by Harry E. Jacobs:
"On 1/3/25, my brother Major Richard E. Jacobs USMC and DC-10 Captain for Northwest Airlines for 29 years passed away.
I flew with him a lot of hours in his C172 and learned many smart aircraft techniques that always kept the shiny side up and the aircraft was still airworthy."
Harry E. Jacobs Des Plaines, IL

 

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/34290609/richard-'dick'-jacobs

https://www.keehrfuneralhome.com/obituary/RichardDick-Jacobs

Brought to you by Keehr Funeral Home

Richard 'Dick' Jacobs Obituary

Richard ‘Dick’ Jacobs, age 87, of Spring Valley, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health in Eau Claire.

 

Funeral service is on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Emmaus Church in Spring Valley with visitation from 10 until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.

 

Follow the link below to the Emmaus Church website.  The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed on their Facebook Page or Youtube Channel. https://www.emmauschurchsv.com/. Click 'watch online', the links are at the bottom of the page.

 

Dick was born in Lakeside Township, Minnesota to Alden and Belle (Headley) Jacobs on October 31, 1937.  He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1955.  Dick joined the Naval Air Reserve in January of that same year.  He attended Brainerd Junior College from 1956 until 1958.  After that he went to the Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, graduating in October of 1960. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps where he joined his Squadron VMA211.  He was based at El Toro Air Station from 1960 to 1963.  He was assigned flight instructor at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.

 

On October 16, 1965 he married Ann Goedert in a military wedding in Jacksonville, Florida.  His next assignment was with VMA332 in Beaufort, South Carolina where his first child, Fred, was born in 1966. He was involved in the war in Viet Nam when his squadron VMA311 was sent to Chu Lai.  At one point, in March of 1967, he was assigned as forward air controller.  He was air officer in the 5th Marines in 1968.  His military career ended when he had reached the position of a Major in the military in 1968.  He then was hired by Northwest Airlines.  At that time, Eric, his second son was born.  He retired from Northwest at the age of 60 in 1997.

 

Dick had a wonderful life.  He enjoyed playing golf and flying his Cessna.  One trip was actually to Alaska! He enjoyed being in the Civil Air Patrol in Bay City up here and at St. Augustine, Florida when he moved there to help Ann’s aging parents.  He was not outwardly affectionate, but all knew how deeply he cared for us.  After Ann’s parents passed, he moved back to Wisconsin because coming from different states, this area has always felt like ‘home’ the most.

 

Dick was a man with a deep faith.  He faced the possibility of death many times in his lifetime, but always face the future with honor, integrity and courage – in all this courage.  He truly believed “ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me”.  He had a profound faith in Jesus!  To quote Job, he would say “For I know that my Redeemer liveth”.

 

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and 6 brothers: Wayne, Clyde, Ervin, Zelmer, Loren, and Burrell; and 4 sisters: Helen, June, Lois Mack and Marvel Caouette.

 

Dick is survived by his wife Ann; sons Fred (Sandy) of Spring Valley; and Eric of River Falls; grandson Samuel and Jadon of Spring Valley; brothers: Harry Jacobs of Des Plaines, Illinois, and Jack Jacobs of Baxter, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Sandy Denkinger (Gary) of Virginia; Dot Goedert of Houston, Texas; and Lucy Keeling (Danny) of Frisco, Texas; and “chosen” family: Sue and Ashley Meland of Spring Valley; and Lee and Ann Lyon of Jacksonville, Florida.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.