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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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Thursday, October 8, 2026

DL John Earle Ellington Jr., son of DL Capt John E. Ellington Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

John Earle Ellington Jr.

Nov 19, 1968 ~ Oct 6, 2026

 


John’s passing was unexpected and we understand was the result of an implement/tractor accident.  John junior is the son of retired Delta Air Lines pilot and former Chief Pilot Captain John Earle Ellington Sr….John senior joined Delta 09-04-1962.   John Jr is survived by his wife Lynn, and by his daughters, also by his father John Sr. and stepmother Barbara.

Visitation will be held October 10th with funeral services to follow at the Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin TN…..please see obituary for more information. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.williamsonmemorial.com/obituaries/john-ellington-jr 

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, John was the son of John Ellington and the late Carol Dennis. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Dennis, and his father-in-law, Harry “Jack” Lameier.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lynn Ellington; his daughters, Jessica “Jessie” Ellington and Catherine “Catie” Ellington; his father, John Ellington; his stepmother, Barbara Ellington; his brother-in-law, Brandon Lameier; and his mother-in-law, Constance “Connie” Lameier.

John was an accomplished pilot with many years in the aviation industry. He flew for American Trans Air, American Airlines, and ValuJet, and spent several years as a private pilot for NASCAR driver Sterling Marlin. He later started his own aviation maintenance business, MidSouth Aviation. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life came when he became a loving stay-at-home father, helping raise his daughters, whom he affectionately called “Jessie Poo” and “Crazy Catie.”

John was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and take on a challenge. He spent time working in construction and, alongside his close friend John Roach, built the house where the Ellington family still resides. He eventually returned to the aviation world, working for his dear friend John Sanzo as the Airline Maintenance Manager for Secure Air Charter.

John had many passions and hobbies. He loved tinkering with his cars, working on and improving his home, and pursuing his never-ending mission to destroy all squirrels and woodpeckers that dared to come within a 10-mile radius of his log home. But above all else, his greatest passion was his family—his girls, Jessie and Catie, and his wife, Lynn.

Some of John’s fondest memories were made with his three girls. They especially loved spending quality time together on their boat, making memories that his family will treasure forever. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, with a soft spot for Alabama, Jessie’s alma mater, and Tennessee, Lynn’s alma mater. John and Catie shared a particularly special bond, as they had similar personalities, humor, and wit, and he loved reminding everyone that Jessie was smarter than her mother. The family’s time together was often filled with laughter.

Above all, John’s greatest love was his wife, Lynn, whom he cherished deeply. Together, they enjoyed traveling and making memories, especially during their trips to Italy and Gatlinburg.

John had a gift for making people smile. His humor, kindness, and larger-than-life personality brought light into the lives of everyone who knew him. Every life he touched was brighter because he was a part of it. John will be remembered as a kind, loving, funny, and unforgettable soul. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him deeply. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 5:00 p.m. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

 

 

NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald

July 9, 1955 ~ July 24, 2026



 

Scott joined Northwest Airlines 08-16-1991 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Seattle.  Scott is survived by his wife Kathy, and by his children and grandchildren.   

 

PCN memorial site 

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/roger-mcdonald

 

Roger Scott McDonald's Obituary

Roger Scott McDonald, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, pilot, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on July 24th, following his battle with acute leukemia.

Scott was born on July 9th, 1955, in Boise, Idaho, to Rodger and Joanne McDonald; their third of four children. He spent his early years in Boise before the family moved to Bellevue, Washington, where he grew up and developed the independence and work ethic that would define his life. In his youth he taught himself how to ski at Snoqualmie Pass, and enjoyed playing with his three siblings along the waters of Lake Washington. Scott played football for Bellevue High School, where he graduated in 1973.

Scott began his college studies in Colorado, where his love for skiing and the outdoors deepened. In his early twenties, drawn by a calling toward aviation and adventure, Scott made his way north to Alaska. There he trained as a pilot and flew small planes through the Alaskan bush. He completed his degree in Aviation through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During Scott’s time in Anchorage, he met the love of his life, Kathy Suver. The couple fell in love and got married atop Mount Alyeska in June 1982.

Pursuing his goal of becoming a commercial pilot, Scott joined Hawaiian Airlines and moved from Anchorage to Oahu, where he and Kathy spent three warm years. After their time in Hawaii, Scott’s career brought them back to Washington, where they put down roots and started a family, ultimately settling in Gig Harbor. Scott enjoyed a 30-year career as a commercial airline pilot, flying for Northwest and later Delta Air Lines. He loved flying and took pride in his work. Even after thousands of hours in the air, Scott never lost his appreciation for flight and travel.

Scott’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He and Kathy raised two sons, Conor and Cameron. He treasured being "Grandpa” to his three grandchildren: Sloane (10) and Silas (7), children of Conor and Rachel McDonald, and Cedric (8 months), son of Cameron and Cyndie McDonald. Some of Scott’s happiest moments came from family vacations, especially boat trips on Lake Chelan and ski trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. He also made countless memories at Crystal Mountain, skiing with his sons and close friends. He felt most at home on the slopes, where he found excitement and renewal. Scott also enjoyed golf, not only for the game itself but for the life lessons, friendships, and conversations it brought.

Those who knew Scott will remember him as a hardworking, humble, and thoughtful man. He believed in personal responsibility and self-reliance, often reminding others of his favorite saying, "If it's going to be, it's up to me". He lived those words every day, setting an example through actions rather than words. Around the house, Scott was always working on a DIY project, approaching each task with determination and a quiet belief that he could figure it out. He was admired for his ability to solve problems, and the effort he put into doing things the right way. He was also devoted a Seahawks fan who rarely missed a game, and his family likes to think their 2026 Super Bowl victory was a meaningful final tribute to a lifelong fan.

Scott's legacy lives on in those he loved, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to know him. Though Scott has left this world, his spirit remains present in every mountain sunrise, soaring above the peaks before dropping into an endless run of fresh powder.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

DL Capt. John McCurdy

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. John McCurdy

Mar 7, 1937 — Oct 4, 2026

 


Captain John Alexander McCurdy Jr. joined Delta Air Lines 10-02-1967 and was based Dallas.  John is survived by his wife Mary Denise, and by his children and their families. John had most recently resided in Eastport ME and Comfort TX.  A memorial service will be held in Texas at a later date yet to be determined.  

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.maysfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-mccurdy 

Obituary

John Alexander McCurdy passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the age of 89 in Calais, Maine, with his wife of 21 years, Mary Denise, by his side.

It is hard to put 89 years of someone's life into words, especially when that life was as full and vibrant as John's.

Over the past several months, we had been working together to capture the stories of his life, and I am incredibly grateful we had that time. What became clear through those conversations was that John truly lived a life worth telling.

His adventures began early. Through the YMCA, he discovered a remarkable talent for trampoline and diving, which took him from the circus circuit to the University of Iowa trampoline team and even performances at Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier. Eventually, his journey led him to the skies, where he flew for the Air Force before going on to a career as a Delta Air Lines pilot.

That adventurous spirit never left him. He loved traveling, exploring new places, trying new experiences, and returning home with another story to tell. One of his favorite sayings was, "Do what you want and have fun doing it." Looking back, it's clear he lived exactly that way.

But John's life wasn't defined only by the extraordinary moments. It was also the simple things that made him who he was.

He played the bones and washboard in a band, loved his harmonicas, and never turned down Polar Treat, pasta, ice cream, or plenty of chocolate sauce. Comfort was always home, but Maine held a special place in his heart and became his beloved home away from home.

Most importantly, John was family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Denise, father to Robin, Michelle, Shelley, Hannah, and Annecy, and grandfather to McCall, Wyatt, Shea, Roen, and Mary. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his first wife, Melinda.

John leaves behind countless stories. Some were remarkable, some were hilarious, and some probably grew a little better each time he told them. Those stories, and the memories that come with them, are gifts we get to keep.

A memorial service will be held in Comfort at a later date, and details will be shared when available.

There is so much more that could be said about a life that spanned 89 years. But maybe the simplest tribute is also the most fitting:

We love you, John. Thank you for the stories, the laughter, the adventures, the love, and the example of a life fully lived.

What a life you lived.

 

NWA/DL Capt. Dennis Revell

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Dennis Revell

June 26, 1949 ~ October 3, 2026

 


Aviation was the defining passion of Dennis’s life. After completing his Air Force commitment, he began a long career as a commercial pilot………………….

Captain Dennis Boyd Revell joined Northwest Airlines 07-06-1990 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Detroit.  Dennis is survived by his wife Carole, and by his son Troy and his grandchildren.

Visitation and services will be held October 13th, at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home located in Lititz PA ….please see obituary below for details.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/dennis-boyd-revell-62592819

 

Dennis Boyd Revell

Dennis Boyd Revell, 77, of Lititz, PA, and Naples, FL, passed away on October 3, 2026, with his family by his side after living with Parkinson’s disease for 23 years. He was born June 26, 1949, in Florence, South Carolina.

Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in 1972 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force through ROTC. He went on to fly the C-141 Starlifter and became an aircraft commander and instructor pilot.

Aviation was the defining passion of Dennis’s life. After completing his Air Force commitment, he began a long career as a commercial airline pilot and ultimately retired as a captain with Delta Air Lines in 2014. Flying was never simply a profession for Dennis; it was a lifelong passion and one of his great joys. He owned his own airplanes beginning at age 24 and remained closely connected to private aviation throughout his life.

Dennis’s interests extended well beyond the cockpit. He loved airplanes, cars, and boats, and was happiest when building, repairing, or understanding how something worked. He also loved sports and excelled at many of them, especially water skiing, snow skiing, boating, and golf.

Dennis and Carole, his wife of 35 years, traveled extensively throughout the world together. They were members of Bent Creek Country Club in Lititz, Bonita Bay Country Club, and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole; his son, Troy; his niece and nephew, Cassie and Maxie; and two grandchildren.

Dennis will be remembered for his kindness, patience, athleticism, his strong work ethic, his mechanical curiosity, his love of sports and travel, and above all, his lifelong love of flying.

Friends and family will be received from 2PM to 4PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dennis’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (bit.ly/dennisrevell) or to Hospice & Community Care at: hospiceandcommunitycare.org  

Monday, October 5, 2026

DL Capt. Raymond Bye

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Raymond “Ray” Bye

December 16, 1943 – September 30, 2026

 


Raymond Selmer Bye joined Delta Air Lines 9-4-1972 and was based Chicago.  Widowed in November of 2024, Ray is survived by his son Jason (Amy) and his grandchildren.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/peoria-il/raymond-bye-13057611 

IN THE CARE OF  :  Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home

Raymond Selmer Bye passed away early Wednesday morning September 30, 2026.

Ray was born on December 16, 1943 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to J. Orlando and Zella (Stuart) Bye and grew up on the family dairy farm in the Kiester area.

 

He graduated from Kiester High School, Kiester, MN in 1961 and Iowa State University, Ames, IA in 1966. Ray was a member of the Iowa State University cross country team and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After college Ray was selected for the Navy Aviation Officer Flight School in Pensacola, FL. After advanced jet training at NAS Beeville, TX, Ray received his Navy wings in 1967. He reported to NAS Lemore, CA where he flew the A-7 Corsair with Attack Squadron VA-215. The squadron made a six-month Vietnam cruise in 1969. Ray was awarded two Air Medals. In 1970 he made a six-month Mediterranean cruise.

 

Ray married Heather Catherine Duncan on August 15, 1970. They were blessed with a son, Jason, in 1972.

 

In 1972 Ray was hired by Delta Air Lines. He retired on the Boeing 777 as an International Captain and a Line Check Airman, in 2003. Ray was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, IL. After moving from Huntley, IL to Peoria, IL in 2024 to be near Jason and family, he attended Redeemer Lutheran Church with them. His love and passion were his family, friends, and flying. His grandchildren were a great joy to him.

 

He enjoyed winters in AZ and visiting his family in MN and Heather's family in British Columbia. He is survived by his son Jason (Amy), grandchildren Allison and Jonathan, sister Susan Bernau, and sister-in-law Judy Bye. He was preceded in death by his wife Heather, parents Orlando and Zella Bye, brother James and sister-in-law Carol Bye, brother David Bye, and brother-in-law Marvin Bernau.

 

A private service will be held at a later date and interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery near his hometown of Kiester MN.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/heather-bye-obituary?id=56794659 

Heather Catherine Bye (Duncan), passed away surrounded by her family, early Wednesday morning November 13, 2024.
She was born on August 1, 1944 in Trail, British Columbia the daughter of Alma (Pollock) and Walter Duncan. She attended school in Fruitvale and Trail, BC. After high school she worked at West Kootenay Power & Light Co. in Trail for 2 years before moving to Calgary, Alberta to work as a secretary at Dome Petroleum Limited for 6 years.  Heather married Raymond Bye on August 15, 1970. They were blessed with a son, Jason…………..