~ In Memory Of ~
GAF/USAF Veteran, WA/DL Capt. Wolfgang Walter Zink, “Gori”
~ October 05, 1940 to February 11, 2025 ~
Wolfgang was born October 05, 1940 in Dietersweiler Baden-Württemberg Germany. He originally studied to become an electrician but decided to join the new German Luftwaffe in 1959 instead. He was sent to the United States shortly after basic flight training to attend the newly instated joint training program with the USAF at Williams AFB and later Luke AFB. There he trained in the T-33 and later piloted the F-84F. His “Jabo 32” squadron mates and friends mostly referred to him by his callsign “Gori”. In 1962, Wolfgang met and married his wife of 56 years Bette in Mesa Arizona and soon after decided to live in the United States full-time.
In 1966 Wolfgang decided to pursue a career of flying for commercial airlines and ultimately ended up being hired by Western Airlines where he was based in LAX and SLC flying B707, DC-10 and 737 before merging with Delta Airlines and flying around the world in the 757/767 based out of JFK until his retirement in 2000.
After retirement Wolfgang enjoyed time with his family, many friends and squadron-mates. His love of flying never diminished as he became an honorary member of the “Cactus Starfighter Squadron” at Luke AFB where he cherished the opportunity to share stories with fellow German airmen young and old and to participate in their charity and social events.
Wolfgang took his final flight west from Scottsdale, AZ the morning of February 11, 2025 and is survived by his son Matt, daughter-in-law Traci, Grandsons Corbin and Larson, sister-in-law Patricia, half-brother Eugene and countless others who he touched through the years.
This is very sad for me. Wolf and I flew all of the WAL planes through our careers. One of the outstanding pilots that I knew. A great guy! So many great memories! Tim Tuthill
ReplyDeleteI flew many sorties with Wolf in the 737 at WAL and then again on the 767 out of JFK. We were in Munchin in 1996 for Oktoberfest! Ich liebe dich, mein friend!
ReplyDeleteViking
Very sad news! Wolf was a great mentor to me as a young Western
ReplyDeletepilot and spent many great times
over many years in the cockpit, fun times on layovers well as good friends in Scottsdale. Great pilot, great human
and the memories will last forever.
RIP my friend!
I met Wolf shortly after joining Western. He found out that I lived in Germany and we had an instant bond. We visited together with our families and remained in touch long after retiring. I am saddened by his loss. Great guy. RIP my friend.
ReplyDeleteI met Wolf when my husband Don Thompson would meet for lunch once a month at Macaroni Grill in Scottdale. He was a wonderful gentle man. He and his wife Bette came up to our hangar in Cottonwood for a few Pioneer Parties. The last time we chatted he told me he was often going to Prescott to visit Captain Bill Newell. Rest in Peace Wolf. If you happen in to a Silver Chiefs gathering, give Don a hug from me.
ReplyDeleteWolf was a great friend and squadron mate in the GAF to my husband Captain Guenter Roesch, and later to me. We visited him and Bette in Scottsdale.i am sad to learn of his passing. He was a great pilot and a good friend,
ReplyDeleteHe and Guenter are swapping flying stories in Heaven!
My sincerest sympathies and condolences to Wolfs family and friends. I flew F-84 Fs with Wolf in 2.JaBog 32 after I joined the Squadron in 1964. I also met his lovely wife Betty while living in Königsbrun during my tour of duty in the West (NATO) German Air Force. It was our mutual friend Günter who endorsed my desire to immigrate to the United States which I did in October of 1967..
ReplyDelete"Horido" Wolf, I am reasonably sure I will see you and Günter in the foreseeable future. BTW I still do not know how to play Skat...