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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 PCN Flight 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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Monday, September 12, 2016

NWA/DL Capt. John J. Balliet

~ IN MEMORY ~
Marine Corps veteran, NWA/DL Capt. John J. Balliet
April 12, 1951 ~ September 8, 2016
 
Notification with the passing of retired NWA/DL pilot Captain John J. Balliet, age 65.  Captain Balliet joined Northwest Airlines 07-08-1985 and retired with Delta Air Lines in April 2016.  Captain Balliet's obituary below indicates services to be held Wednesday in Pennsylvania.
To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.stephensfuneral.com/obituary/john-j-balliet/ 
Whitepages notes the family contact as 2719 Coventry Circle, Allentown, PA 18103-9271.
Should we receive further information and/or corrections we will be sure to pass it along.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for he PCN
 
 
John J. Balliet, 65, of Allentown, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Inpatient Hospice Unit, Allentown surrounded by his loving family. John was the husband of Kathy L. (Steiger) Balliet. They were married for 25 years. John was born in Allentown a son of the late Franklin S. and Agnes B. (Bohrer) Balliet. He was a graduate of Parkland High School Class of 1968. He was a member of the 1966 undefeated Parkland Football team who was most recently inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. John joined the Marines in 1969. He served in Vietnam with the 1st Reconnaissance B.N. 1st Marine Division. He was involved in numerous close range fire fights with the NVA and the Viet Cong. John was awarded many medals including a Bronze Star, with combat "V". He was a re-con Marine to the core. Semper Fi. John was a member of the Allentown Police Department in the mid 70's working with the tactical squad and was awarded several commendations for his actions. He left the department to pursue his love of flying. John was employed by Northwest Airlines where he served in various capacities including Director of Flying, Chief Pilot for Detroit Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, Honolulu Flight Operations, Instructor Pilot B767, B727, 727 and Special Projects Pilot. He retired from Delta Airlines April 12, 2016. Throughout his career he was committed to using his talents as a pilot to provide military troop transports into the war zones of the Middle East. He was a member of Cedar Luther Church, Allentown and the Dream Mile Club.
Survivors: Wife; brothers, Joseph R. husband of Gail Balliet of Annville and James F. husband of Melissa A. Balliet of Allentown; sisters, Louise B. wife of James L. Haines, Jr. of Allentown and Alice B. wife of Noel Peters of Allentown, nieces and nephews. Services: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown. Call 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. Wednesday in the funeral home. Military honors will conclude the service in the garden of the funeral home. Private interment will be in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. www.stephensfuneral.com.
Contributions: Marine Corps Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 96628 Washington DC 20090-6628, Cedar Lutheran Church 3419 Broadway Allentown, PA 18104, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue 60 Vera Cruz Road Reinholds PA 17569, or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral Home:  Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Rd, Allentown, PA 18106  ...  (610) 434-6304  

.Published in Morning Call on Sept. 11, 2016

NWA Capt. Richard 'Dick' Ellis Smith

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Richard Ellis Smith
August 19, 1941 ~ September 4, 2016
 

Notification with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Richard 'Dick' Ellis Smith, age 75.  Captain Smith first joined Northwest in 1969...please see obituary information below.  To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home site at 
As noted on the funeral home website, services will be held at a later date. 
Survived by his wife Karen personal condolences may be sent (per whitepages listing) to the family at
521 N. Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville, MT 59870-6651  ...  (406) 777-3752 
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary  ........................ RICHARD "Dick" Ellis SMITH
         Dick was born August 19, 1941 in Scott City, Kansas to Ellis and Olive Stratton Smith. The only son, Dick was the third of four children. He graduated from Scott City High School. Dick led a colorful life. Never one to stand around and watch, he was always in the center of the action. He received a Masters Degree in Economics from Colorado State University. Dick worked throughout to pay for his education, delivering milk in the Fort Collins area and crop dusting during summers in Iowa. Crop dusting is a dangerous occupation or in Dick's case 'sport'. This was the beginning of his pilot career which lasted throughout his entire life. Dick was married to Karen Coffman in September 1966. Two sons were born of this union: Mark Andrew (b. 1967) and Bradley Richard (b. 1971) Dick was hired by Northwest Airlines in May 1969 and flew for 32 years, retiring as a 747 captain in 2001. His piloting career took him to lands near and far throughout Asia, Europe and North America. While he loved the country life, he also appreciated seeing the world. Never satisfied with just one career, Dick enjoyed and was very successful at building businesses in many fields. He was a first-class entrepreneur: as a youngster Dick profitably raised cattle in Kansas. His layoff from Northwest Airlines in 1970 proved a strong catalyst to look for new ways to support his young family. He and a fellow airline pilot - with few skills outside of the airlines - began a house painting business in the Seattle area. Working two jobs, he even operated a Christmas tree yard that Christmas! This was the beginning of his active life in a multitude of businesses, including the launch of a successful coffee and tea chain "Olive's East" in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and Denver. He also owned and operated a large Seattle bakery specializing in European cakes and pastries. Both sons worked at these thriving businesses, always appreciating the value of hard work. He also kept a foot in the country by farming two farms in southern Minnesota raising corn, soy beans, hogs and cattle. Dick never did understand why he decided to raise hogs! Always a flyer, Dick built his own runway on the farm and flew his Cessna 182 as often as he could. Continuing to enjoy the fruits of city life, Dick had many great pleasure trips and fishing excursions in Puget Sound on his yacht named "Scotch and Water". In 1979, Northwest Airlines called and asked him to come back. Dick was ready to return to his first love -- flying -- and continue his career as a professional airline pilot. Dick and Karen Johnson were married. During this time Dick traveled to Montana and decided Montana was the place he wanted to be. In 1986 he purchased the 61 Bar Ranch outside Stevensville, MT and started raising cows again! Dick and Karen worked very hard at building the ranch into the beautiful place it is today. In the first year you could always tell where Dick was on the ranch - he was where the smoke was! A lot of clearing was needed. Dick and Karen also restored the original ranch house - built in 1911 - into a very loving and hospitable home. The 61 Bar Ranch became the site for the Smith's legendary branding parties - an annual Bitterroot event. He retired from Northwest Airlines on August 19, 2001. But he continued building his ranch and launched new businesses. Dick, never one to stand idle, invested more time in the cattle business - owning and operating the Great Falls and Missoula Livestock Exchanges. He also enjoyed greatly traveling Montana as a cattle buyer for Fairleigh Feedyards, Scott City Kansas. Dick also was able to spend more time pursuing his love of fishing - all over the Northwest, Alaska and Central America. His boat the "Classy Lady" was well known in Montana. He always looked forward to the annual pheasant shoot in North Dakota with the boys from Minnesota, the Texans and his two sons. Dick was an intelligent and strong man. He could put thought into action and he valued action! Unknown to many, he was a very generous man - helping people and causes that were important to him. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be greatly missed. Dick is survived by his wife Karen; his son Mark and wife Keiko and three grandaughters Hana Ashley, Sena Karina and Aina Marie; his son Bradley and wife Kimberly and two grandchildren Olivia Cecile and Carter Richard; his sisters Shirley Gatewood and Roberta Proctor and a niece and many nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Olive and Ellis Smith and his sister Eva Fairleigh and her husband Floyd Fairleigh. If you wish to honor Dick's memory please make a donation to Animeals (Dick loved animals) at www.Animeals.com 

Arrangements entrusted to Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church St. | P.O. Box 12, Stevensville, Montana, 59870
Phone 406-777-5711 | Fax 406-777-0181  ..  Email: whitesittfh@gmail.com

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Eric Butcher, son of DL Capt. D. Allen Butcher

~ IN MEMORY ~
Eric Scott Butcher, son of DL Capt. D. Allen Butcher
October 1, 1962 ~ September 5, 2016
 
Services have been held for Eric Scott Butcher, son of retired DL pilot Captain Doyle Allen Butcher and Marion Butcher.  Please see obituary below for information.  The online obituary and guestbook may still be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=eric-butcher&pid=181325202  , also at the funeral home website at  https://lawsonfuneralhome.org/2016/09/07/4391/ 
For those wishing to send a note with personal condolences, and to the best of my knowledge, Capt. Butcher and his wife Carolyn can be reached at   1524 Stratford Hall Circle , Murfreesboro, TN 37130-3277.
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Eric Butcher obituary................
Eric Scott Butcher, 53, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5th at his home in Hoschton, Georgia surrounded by his loving family. He had bravely battled cancer for over 20 years. He is survived by his devoted wife Deborah Mitchell Butcher, son Cody Butcher and daughter Kayla Butcher Lunn and husband Justin, mother Marion Butcher, father Doyle Allen Butcher and wife Carolyn, his brother Brian Butcher and wife Kathleen, brother Russell Butcher, sister Allison Dunsmuir and husband Scott, step-sister Joni Cannon and husband Roger, and step-brother Bud Gilbert. Additionally, he is survived by his mother-in-law Joyce Mitchell, brother-in-law Phil Mitchell and wife Lauri, sister Carol Mitchell Moody and husband Cris. Additionally, he had numerous loving nieces and nephews; Tyler and Katherine Ann Mitchell, Mitch and Chad Moody, Andrew and Hannah Butcher, Justin and Jesse Butcher, Laurel and Mason Dunsmuir, and Leah Cannon Allen and Sarah Cannon. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law Jim Mitchell, his maternal grandparents Charles and Frances Smith, his paternal grandparents Jesse and Roxine Butcher, and his step-brother Steve Gilbert. Eric Butcher was born on October 1st, 1962 in Selma, Alabama to Doyle Allen Butcher and Marion Butcher. He was a 1980 graduate of Crestwood High School and graduated in 1984 from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He married his best friend and sweetheart Deborah Butcher in 1985 and were happily married for 30 years. In his career at Acom Solutions, he combined his love of technology with his love for people. Eric was recognized with a national customer service recognition award. Eric was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, and friend. He loved his family unconditionally and taught his children to be grateful for each and every moment. A lover of the outdoors, he felt most at peace being outside - whether that was hunting in Alabama, walking the local hiking trails with his favorite buddy Jesse, or sitting on the patio watching the birds and soaking up the sun. Besides his family, his other great loves in life were music and sports. Eric could name any classic rock song within the first three seconds of playing and passed this appreciation on to both of his children. He attended numerous concerts of his favorite bands with beloved friends and family including Boston, Journey, AC/DC, Aerosmith, and his very favorite, Pink Floyd. Eric gained a great appreciation for football from his time playing in high school to coaching his own son Cody's football team. He loved watching high school, collegiate, or professional football and could talk football with anyone. Eric will be remembered for his strong heart, sharp sense of humor, selfless love of family and friends, and deep faith. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday 9/8 at 3:30 p.m. at Level Creek United Methodist Church (4844 Suwanee Dam Road, Suwanee GA 30024). Family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sarcoma Foundation of America (www.curesarcoma.org )or Level Creek United Methodist Church building fund in memory of Eric Butcher are appreciated.
.Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sept. 7, 2016
 
Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548,http://www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.
-------------------------------------
 

From: David L. Roberts Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2016 8:39 PM   Subject: Death of Eric Scott Butcher, son of retired DL Captain Allen Butcher
 
This was in the AJC obituaries this morning.  Retired ATL Captain Allen Butcher was born 9/24/1939 and hired by Delta 9/12/1969.  His son Eric was a grade ahead of our son Brad at Crestwood High School in Roswell, GA.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=eric-butcher&pid=181325202
Dave

Friday, September 9, 2016

NWA Capt. Richard 'Dick' S. Ohrbeck

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, NWA Capt. Richard 'Dick' Ohrbeck
June 24, 1923 ~ August 28, 2016
 
Word has reached us with the passing of RNPA member retired NWA pilot Captain Richard Stanley Ohrbeck, age 93.  Richard's father Joseph Edward Ohrbeck, born Sept. 5, 1899 and died in October of 1979, was also a Northwest Captain.  Richard was widowed in April 2007 with the passing of his wife Margaret.  The Ohrbecks had most recently resided in Naples, Florida. 
Captain Richard Ohrbeck's obituary notes that services have already been held.  Arrangements were entrusted to Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens in Florida.  
            Thank you,
                ~ Carol for the PCN 
 
Obituary.................Richard 'Dick' Ohrbeck  
        One of the country's most accomplished commercial airline pilots and the holder of several records as an aviation pioneer, died in Naples, Florida on August 28 at the age of 93 with his family at his side. Born in 1923 in Minneapolis, Ohrbeck piloted 17 different commercial aircraft over a career spanning 49 years from 1942 to 1992 with Northwest Airlines (now Delta). He was the youngest pilot in U.S. to fly commercially as a Copilot at 19 years of age and became a Captain at 23 years of age. He flew over 6,000 fights and 11 million miles, mostly as a 37-year Captain flying 747 aircraft internationally (2,800 Pacific and Atlantic crossings). A student of aerodynamics, meteorology, wind and flying fundamentals, Ohrbeck started his flying lessons at age 7 and received his pilot's license at age 17. His father Joseph Ohrbeck, also a Northwest Captain and head of the United States Military Airforce Command in the Northern Region, was instrumental in introducing his son to flying and later the two of them became the first father-son team to fly a commercial airline in the U.S. When he retired, Ohrbeck was the most senior commercial airline Captain in the U.S. Captain Ohrbeck served in the U.S. Army Air Transport Command during World War II (1943-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953), and with Top Secret Security Clearance flew the Korean Airlift from 1949-54 in DC-4s across the Pacific Ocean. Richard Stanley "Dick" Ohrbeck, was born June 24, 1923, and grew up in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He was a graduate of University High School (Minneapolis) where he was a standout high school athlete. He served as the football captain and was a two-time All-Conference player. He also excelled in wrestling and track and field, where he took First Place Honors in five events at a state meet. In 1955, he moved to Excelsior where he coached youth sports in football, baseball and hockey, was instrumental in developing the sport of waterskiing in the Midwest and participated in competitive sailboat racing in several classes of yachts at the Upper Lake Minne-tonka Yacht Club. He later lived in Marco Island, FL and Naples, FL. Preceded in death by his wife Margaret and son David, he is survived by his brother Tom and sister Delores, his daughters Chris (Fretland), Colleen (Browne), Cathy (Hartwig), son Tom, grandchildren Jackie Sudame, Jennifer Hartwig and John Browne, and great grandchild Arya Sudame. Services have already been conducted.
    .Published on September 3, 2016
-------------------------------
Margaret V. Ohrbeck (1923 - 2007)

Margaret Virgina Ohrbeck, 83, of Naples formerly of Excelsior, MN, died April 19, 2007. Margaret graduated from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School in 1941. She was employed by the Soo Line Railroad in Minneapolis from 1942 to 1945 and was a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. She spent her winters in Marco Island starting in 1980 and moved from Excelsior to Marco Island in 1990 where she was a dedicated volunteer at the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce. In 2000 She moved to Naples. She was preceded in death by her parents; Emma and Henry Peterson; sisters, Elsie, Burnett and Grace. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard S. Ohrbeck and sister Lillian Larson; children, Christine L. (Richard) Fretland of Dillon, CO, Colleen M. (Timothy) Browne; of Excelsior, MN, Cathy S. (Ted) Hartwig of Eden Prairie, MN; Thomas J. (Chris) Ohrbeck of Kansas City, MO., and David R. (Olga) Ohrbeck of Fargo ND., grandchildren, Jackelyn Hartwig, Jennifer Hartwig, John David Browne. She was preceded in death by her parents; Emma and Henry Peterson; and sisters, Elsie, Burnett and Grace. Visitation will be Tuesday April 24, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Naples Memorial Funeral Home, 525 111th Ave North, 239-5973101. A celebration of Margaret's life will be held on April 25, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at Towerpointe, 17th floor, 1001 Arbor Lakes Drive in Naples. Memorial contributions can be made at the donor's choice. 

DL F/A Janet Bell

~ IN MEMORY ~
MSY based DL F/A Janet Bell
March 16, 1936 ~ August 31, 2016

        Janet Bell, 80 years old and resident of New Orleans, LA, born March 16, 1936, passed away due to heart failure on August 31, 2016. Janet was born to Joseph and Mattie Mae Bell and is survived by her favorite (and only) nieces and nephew: Joseph Bell, Melanie Bell & Pamela Bell. Janet was a member of the Ladies Day Fund, Inc. of New Orleans. Janet worked as a Delta Flight Attendant (insisted she was not a "stewardess") for 41+ years. She retired in 2003. Janet rarely missed a music festival, good party or delicious Revellion if she could help it. Though small in stature, her impact was huge! She will be remembered for ... her very dry sense of humor, her sharp wit and her fabulous Mardi Gras costumes. Janet was definitely a legend in her own time! Her memorial service will be held later this fall.

       The family is planning a celebration of Janet's life which will take place on Sunday, October 23 at Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 / 504 482-2111.  More information regarding the time of service, reception and Jazz funeral will be forth coming when details are complete.  Please keep Janet's family in your thoughts and prayers.  Memorial donations may be made to Ladies Day Fund, Inc. in Janet's honor.  Please send donations to: 1000 Bourbon Street #370, New Orleans, LA 70116.  Condolences for Joe, Melanie & Pam Bell may be sent to: Melanie Bell, 18040 Midway Rd. #253, Dallas, TX 75287 or mebell230@gmail.com 
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
--------------------------------------------
From: THFoster6@aol.com   Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2016 6:38 AM  To: death@pilotcommunication.net   Subject: Passing of retired MSY flight attendant Janet Bell
Carole Lovelace sent me this.  Most of us have flown with Janet Bell many times in our careers. Janet will be missed by all. 
Travis Foster
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: kismetxa@aol.com    Sent: 8/31/2016 11:53:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time    Subj: Passing of retired MSY flight attendant Janet Bell

August 31, 2016

It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the death of retired New Orleans flight attendant Janet Bell. Janet passed away today of heart failure.  More information will follow when it is available. 


Carole Lovelace