NWA Capt. Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Sandra Lynn Allmon Anderson

February 8, 1948 - April 25, 2026

 

Suzanne writes:  I am sending the sad news of the passing of Captain Sandy Anderson, who passed away today, April 25, 2026.

Sandy was the second female pilot hired at Northwest Airlines 10-15-1979 and she retired as a Boeing 747 Captain. 

 Sandy was very active in helping others to achieve their aviation goals. She was a member of The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots ( https://www.ninety-nines.org ), The International Society of Women Airline Pilots ( isa21.org ), and Women in Aviation ( https://www.wai.org/ ) where she was instrumental in establishing the endowment fund for that organization.  Should you choose to send a memorial donation in Sandy’s memory, she would have been honored to be remembered were you to keep in mind these organizations especially the Endowment Fund for Women in Aviation.

Sandy was a talented, gifted person in so many different areas: artistically, athletically, musically, in addition to her aviation skills.

She was always willing to serve and lend a helping hand where needed.

Sandy has suffered from dementia for the past five years and has been residing at The Lodge Assisted Living and Memory Care in Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. She has been in the care of her younger sister, Sharla Johnson. 

Condolences and additional information can be shared with Sharla at 350 Overlook Trail, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156, voicemail or text to (214) 801-8588. 

 Thank you,

Suzanne Skeeters

 

Funeral home website :

https://www.griffin-roughton.com/obituaries/sandra-lynn-allmon-anderson/#!/TributeWall

 

Details regarding services are still pending and will be advised.  The family would very much like to hear your memories and stories.  Please take a moment to share your thoughts either online at the funeral home site or at the family address c/o Sandy’s sister/caregiver Sharla.

 Thank you!

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

Facebook : A tribute to Captain Sandy L. Anderson, Northwest Airlines Ret.

Sandy passed away yesterday and I had news early on and took some time to process it. Sandy was one of my distant role models. I first met her in 1991 when I was then known as Janet Andersen. I remembered her name because it was so close to mine. She was ironically the Captain on the Boeing 727 taking me from DTW to MCO where I was receiving a certificate for winning the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship from The Ninety-Nines.

 

I took it as a great sign and very good omen that I had a woman airline Captain flying me to the Woman Pilot Conference! I was able to sit in the cockpit of the 727. The pilots had been paid and that was back in the day the checks were printed and left in the mailboxes at work. So the First Officer and Flight Engineer were discussing their paychecks enroute and told me, “Go on, Janet, ask Sandy how much her pay check is…” Besides the huge paycheck, I was very happy to see Sandy was short like me.

 

Because WAI (women in aviation) was a budding organization, and one which Sandy supported since the beginning (I joined in 1995 even though I really couldn’t afford the dues and became member number 557) I was able to see Sandy become a check airman and then switch to the 747 and become a check airman there. In 2014 I spent time with her and Beverly Bass when I was invited to go see the ISA+21 archives at TWU (Texas Woman’s University). Over the years, whenever I saw Sandy at a WAI conference I always told her she was a role model to me. She was always a bit embarrassed and I always had to tell her the story of the jumpseat on the NWA 727. When I heard she had dementia and was asked to take over her position in ISA as the archivist, I was not surprised; her memory loss seemed to me to be going on for years, but I never minded telling her the story of how we met.

 

Her jumpseat was one of the first ever I was allowed to take. I was flying for an FAR 121 carrier and had specific authorization to be on the flight deck at Northwest Airlines. I will never forget Sandy and my inspirational flight with her in command. RIP Sandy. I was glad I met you.

NWA Capt. Jim Kary

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Jim Kary

January 16, 1942 ~ April 24, 2026  

 

Captain James Anthony Kary joined Northwest Airlines 04-21-1969.  Jim is survived by his wife Diane, and by his children and their families.

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jim-Kary

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

16310 Webster Ct, Prior Lake, MN 55372.

 

PCN memorial site

Jim Kary Obituary

Jim Kary, 84, of Killdeer, ND, Prior Lake, MN, and Harrisburg, NC, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026. Born on January 16, 1942, in Killdeer, Dunn County, ND, Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane Kary; his daughter Suzy Whitt, her husband Michael, and his grandchildren Zoe and Sadie of NC; his son Brian Kary, his wife Beth, and his grandchildren Emelia and Jakob of MN. He is also survived by his dear sisters: Janice Miller and husband Don; Sharon Nelson; Doreen Strom and husband Glenn; Shirley Ortman and husband Jim; Diane Fischer and husband Tom; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson Carter who we know he’s now driving tractors with in heaven.

Jim was raised on his family homestead in Killdeer, ND, where endless experiences and stories of old west farm life easily equaled those in Little House on the Prairie. After marrying Diane in 1963, he graduated from Dickinson State College then joined the U.S. Navy in 1964, serving as an aviator and flight instructor with a tour in Vietnam in 1966 where he flew anti-submarine patrol in the P-3 over the Gulf of Tonkin. Jim continued flying the P-3 in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a Commander in 1985. He lived for many years in Apple Valley and Prior Lake, MN working as a pilot for Northwest Airlines until 2002. Jim enjoyed a long retirement, spending his days mowing fields, tending his horses, and driving tractors with his grandkids on his hobby farm. Jim easily shined his brightest as a pilot and grandpa. He spent his last five years being cared for in NC.

Jim will be dearly missed but we’re grateful for his long life and finding peace after dementia. The family will have a private memorial in the future. In memorium and in lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Alzheimer’s Association.

WA/DL Capt. Deward K. Hopkins

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Deward K. Hopkins

August 11, 1932 - March 1, 2026

 

As noted in the April issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of DL pilot Capt. Deward K. Hopkins.  Deward Kendall Hopkins joined Western Airlines 05-01-1957 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1992 based SLC.  Deward is survived by many dear friends and family members.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

 2966 S Jacob Hamblin Dr., Saint George, UT 84790.

 

PCN memorial site

 

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.serenitystg.com/obituaries/deward-hopkins/#!/TributeWall

    Obituary for Deward Kendall Hopkins

Kendall Hopkins, age 93, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 1, 2026, in St. George, Utah.

Kendall was kind, generous, and extraordinarily funny — always ready for adventure. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he taught those around him to stay curious, lead with integrity, and show up for the people who need you. He didn’t just teach these values—he lived them every day.

Fearless in spirit, Kendall chased adventure with enthusiasm. A true daredevil, he loved extreme experiences and embraced life with energy and joy. He was endlessly creative — a published writer, avid photographer, and brilliant artist whose imagination never slowed down. He loved exploring new places, trying new things, and sharing laughter with friends.

Of all his roles, being a husband, father, and grandfather meant the most. He was a loyal friend, bringing warmth, humor, and steady support to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, integrity, humor, and generosity are the legacy he leaves behind.

At his request, we share his words:
“It has been a great journey, and I love all of you who have shared that journey with me.”

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses, and CNAs at the Southern Utah Veterans Home and to Dixie Hospice. Their exceptional care, kindness, and genuine friendship meant so much to Kendall and our family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kendall’s name to the Utah Nurse Scholarship for Veteran Care, 1600 North 200 East, Ivins, Utah 84738, attention Tony Moore.

NWA Capt. Emmett Hahn Venning III

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Emmett Hahn Venning III

May 18, 1948 - January 23, 2026

 

As noted in the April issue of the ALPA magazine, the passing of (*DL) pilot Captain Emmett H. Venning III.  Captain Venning joined Northwest Airlines 10-12-1984 and we believe he retired with *Northwest Airlines in 2008 prior to the NWA/DL merger.  Captain Venning is survived by his wife Char, and by his children and their families. 

Emmett had most recently resided in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

 

PCN memorial site      

 

Obituary is also available online at  

https://everloved.com/life-of/emmett-venning-iii/obituary/ 

Emmett's obituary

Emmett Hahn Venning III was born on May 18, 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina and passed away on January 23, 2026, in Apple Valley, Minnesota at the age of 77.

Emmett was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Spittle Venning; his father, Emmett H. Venning Jr.; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey A. Adelmann.  He is lovingly survived by his sister, Victoria Venning Malak, nephew Mathias V. Malak; his wife, Char Venning; and their four children, Heather (Jeffrey), Jennifer, Christopher (Kris), and Ashley (Cameron). He was a proud and devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren — Nicholas, Noah, Lily, Amelie, Sophia, Cooper, Charlie, and Emma — who knew him affectionately as “Poppy.”

Emmett and his sister Vicki were raised in Mount Holly, North Carolina surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who all lived close by. In his teen years, he moved to Dunedin, Florida where he worked as a lifeguard. Emmett always had a love for aviation and learning to fly airplanes.

After high school, Emmett attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he studied Aviation. Following college, he joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Officer Candidate and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. It was there, at the Regimental Ball in Pensacola, that Emmett first met Char — the beginning of their life together. Emmett was a Captain on the 747 with Northwest Airlines where he flew internationally.

Known as “Poppy” to his grandchildren, he cherished every moment spent with them. He delighted in sharing stories, offering guidance, and simply being present. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Emmett enjoyed gardening, cooking, woodworking, fishing and golfing. He was also a member of a gun club. Emmett always loved having dogs around. Emmett appreciated life’s simple and meaningful moments.

He will be remembered for his drive to excel in both his work and family life. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the memories they will hold close forever.

Emmett’s life was a gift to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

DL Pilot/Flight Instructor Norbert John West Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Pilot/Flight Instructor Norbert John West Sr.

May 11, 1933 – March 26, 2026

 

Mr. Norbert “Norb” John West Sr. enjoyed his 35yr career with Delta Air Lines.  Norb is survived by his wife Svetlana, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site  

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/norbert-west-12806787

Obituary of Norbert John West Sr.

IN THE CARE OF H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

Norbert “Norb” John West, 92 of Kennesaw passed away March 26, 2026. Early on, our dad achieved his dream of becoming a pilot. He also had a lengthy career with Delta Airlines. In his final years at Delta, Dad enjoyed being a pilot instructor, developing the manuals and the simulator programs. He retired from Delta after 35 years of excellent work. He was an amazing man and had many successful accomplishments in being an entrepreneur. Dad also served as the mayor of Riverdale in 1964. Yet, all his accomplishments, his most treasured accomplishment was being a faithful servant of God and serving his family with all his heart.

 

Mr. West is survived by his wife of 25 years, Svetlana West; daughter, Jenny Murray (Jdavid), Trisha Craft (Doug); sons, John West, Karl West (Lori); grandchildren, Jamie Williams (Billy), Julie Uden (Shannon), Jessica Murray, Charlie Craft, Jonathan Craft, Sarah Johnson (Chance), Faye West, Leslie West, Jennifer Ashgar, Regina Glanton, Elizabeth West, Charles West; numerous great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Siblings Forever | nonprofit | Georgia, USA https://share.google/kYVND4JiEXXi8qf7j

 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 1, 2026 beginning at 10 o’clock with funeral services at 11:00 a.m. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Interment will follow at 2 o’clock at Camp Memorial Park, 1095 Hwy 54 E, Fayetteville, GA 30215.