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.

DL Capt. Stanley Garrett

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Stanley Garrett

April 9, 1957 ~ April 14, 2026

 

Stanley Harris Garrett joined Delta Air Lines 04-07-1988 and was based Atlanta.  Captain Garrett is survived by his wife Bettye, and by his children and their families.

The Garretts reside in Virginia : 1434 River Rd, Madison Heights, VA 24572.

PCN memorial site

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/stanley-garrett-obituary?id=61273428

Stanley Garrett

Stanley Harris Garrett was born April 9, 1957, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and passed away April 14, 2026. He was the son of Mary Frady Garrett and the late Reuben Harris Garrett and was the husband of Bettye J. Garrett for 45 years.

 

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his son Daniel, his daughter Sarah and her husband Brandon Edwards, his son Joseph and his wife Hannah, his grandchildren Nicole and Jackson, his sister Lisa and her husband Jay Moyer, his aunt Shirley Bell, his cousins, and members of the Merritt family.

 

Stan attended Virginia Tech, where he completed a degree in civil engineering in 1979. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, flying T-37s and T-38s as part of pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. A member of the Class of 82-01, he ultimately flew the KC-135 Stratotanker. Following his military service, Stan flew commercially for Delta Airlines until his retirement in 2012.

 

Although he achieved his childhood dream of flying and was able to experience much of the world from over 30,000 feet, Stan’s heart was always grounded at home. He spent his retirement serving his community, fishing, and swiftly mastering new skills—all full-time. A careful craftsman and a pillar of his community, he was known for his intelligence and generosity. Above all, he treasured his exceptionally large family, his church congregation, and his friends. He will be remembered for his sense of duty, family, ethics, and responsibility.

 

The family wishes to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support. A visitation will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. and a service at 2:00 p.m. at Union Christian Church in Madison Heights, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Union Christian.

 

Tharp Funeral Home is assisting the family.

DL Capt. Justin Westbrooks

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Justin Westbrooks

September 16, 1987 ~ April 13, 2026

 

Captain Justin Pierce Westbrooks suffered a fatal plane crash incident on April 13^th in Florida….please see links below to various news sites that covered this tragic event.  Justin began his career with Delta Air Lines 08-15-2016 and was based NYC.  He leaves his wife and children to cherish his memory.

 

PCN memorial site

 

Westbrooks' loved ones are honoring him in a GoFundMe, which will benefit his family.

Honoring the Legacy of Justin Westbrooks :

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-the-legacy-of-justin-westbrooks

 

https://people.com/dad-of-4-delta-pilot-killed-in-plane-crash-remembered-by-loved-ones-11952926

Dad of 4 and Delta Pilot Killed in Plane Crash Remembered as ‘Beloved Husband and Father’

Justin Westbrooks was one of two confirmed deaths in the Florida plane crash.

A Florida man was identified as one of the victims in a plane crash on Monday, April 13.

Justin Westbrooks, a pilot for Delta and a father of four, was flying his World War II-era AT-6D “Texan” plane when it crashed near the Williston Regional Airport in Williston, Fla.

Westbrooks and another unnamed passenger both died in the crash………………………

Westbrooks attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and graduated with an Aeronautical Science degree in 2009.   From there, he was a first officer at ASA/Express Jet from 2010 to 2016.  Westbrooks then began working at Delta as a first officer on the B-737.  He eventually became a captain and Line Check Airman on the B-757/B-767 aircraft………………

 

https://www.wcjb.com/2026/04/15/family-remembers-florida-pilot-father-4-killed-plane-crash-near-williston-airport/

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywCYBHNgTtI 

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-westbrooks-759552a8/

 

https://www.facebook.com/AviationFigure/photos/-tragic-loss-in-the-aviation-community-%EF%B8%8Fa-heartbreaking-aviation-incident-claime/1382655243907217/