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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).

HOME PAGE SHOWs THE 5 MOST RECENT POSTS.

Saturday, June 6, 2026

DL Capt. Hilary Muigai

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Hilary Muigai

1996 ~ May 26, 2026

https://www.forevermissed.com/hilary-muigai/about  memorial site with pictures

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiKznlX024Q

PORTLAND, OR — Hilary Muigai “Babu”, Aircraft pilot, passed away on May 26, 2026, at the age of 30. He was born in 1996.

 

Family, friends, colleagues, and members of the global aviation community are mourning the tragic loss of Hilary Muigai Muchoki following a reported aviation accident. His passing has left a profound sense of grief among those who knew him personally and professionally, as tributes continue to highlight a life marked by dedication, professionalism, and compassion.

 

https://everloved.com/life-of/hilary-muigai/obituary/

Hilary's obituary

Hilary "Babu" Muigai, known to Family & Friends as Babu , Hilary lived a vibrant life, deeply loved, and renowned for his radiant smile and heartening presence. He was a man of noble character, and we will remember him for his warmth, humor, and resilience.

  Hilary Muigai Work

2021 -  Airline Pilot @ Envoy Air

2020 - 2022 Flight Instructor @ ATP Flight School

2021 - 2021 Notary @ Amrock

 Thomas Edison State University, Bachelor of Aviation Technology (Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General)  2022 - 2023

Hilary Muigai, based in Little Elm, TX, US, is currently an Airline Pilot at Envoy Air. Hilary Muigai brings experience from previous roles at ATP Flight School, Amrock, Flyit Academy and Amazon. Hilary Muigai holds a 2022 - 2023 Bachelor of Aviation Technology in Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General @ Thomas Edison State University. With a robust skill set that includes Web Design, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and more.

DL Capt. Roger Martin

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Roger Martin

July 23, 1939 ~ May 26, 2026

 


Delta Golden Wings member Roger Martin joined Delta Air Lines 08-15-1969 and retired with Delta in 1999. He was based FLL and then ATL.  Widowed in 2025, Roger is survived by his children and their families. 

PCN memorial site

 

https://obits.dallasnews.com/us/obituaries/name/roger-martin-obituary?id=61628216

Obituary : Roger Martin

Florida funeral home notices and obituaries (FL) - Tuesday, June 2, 2026

 Roger Martin, 86, passed away on May 26, 2026, in Boca Raton, Florida. He is survived by his beloved children: Terry and her husband Paul, Michelle, Frank and his wife Michele, and Tom and his wife Holly. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Danielle and her husband Nate, Nicole and her husband Ben, Michael, Nicholas, and Max, as well as his great-grandchildren, Remie, Noa, Emma, and Addie. Roger is survived by his siblings, Doris, Norman, and Joel. He was preceded in death by his forever wife, Carole; his dear brothers, Ronald and Rosaire; and his sister, Dolores. We take comfort in knowing they are all reunited in heaven.

Born on July 23, 1939, in Fort Kent, Maine, to his loving parents, Antonio and Leone Martin, Roger was a very active child who was raised alongside his family on a potato farm. He often recalled staring up at the sky, admiring airplanes passing overhead. Those moments sparked dreams of a different life.

He attended Notre Dame de la Sagesse in St. Agatha, followed by Assumption Prep in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later earned his bachelor's degree from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

He married his longtime admirer, Carole Page, in 1962 at Saint Louis Church in Fort Kent, Maine. They moved to Chicago, where Carole began teaching school and Roger pursued his master’s degree in political science, but Vietnam altered his course. He ended up fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a pilot. He joined the Air Force and bravely served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1969 aboard a C-141 transporting, cargo and wounded soldiers. He later joined Delta Air Lines, where he eventually became a Captain flying L-1011s and retired in 1999.

In 1969, Roger and Carole settled in South Florida, where they built a warm and loving home to raise their children. In addition to working as a pilot, Roger has had a lifelong career as a successful commercial real estate broker, a profession he continued to pursue after retiring from Delta. Summers were spent at their cherished family camp in Eagle Lake, Maine, where Roger's children and grandchildren made lifelong memories alongside extended family. Today, the camp remains with the family for future generations to enjoy.

Roger was passionate about tennis - so passionate, in fact, that he built a court in his backyard in Miami. It became the epicenter of the Martin family, where countless nail-biting matches took place. A fierce competitor, Roger taught his children the importance of giving their best, sometimes accompanied by some passionate language. He moved to Boca Raton in 1991. When his knees could no longer keep up with the demands of the court, he turned his competitive spirit to biking. He rode 12 miles every day until his doctor and children convinced him it had become too dangerous. Even then, he somehow managed to sneak in a few more rides unbeknownst to all.

Roger's faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted member of Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton, Florida, where he also served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. Roger's legacy of love, passion, and faith will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.

“A Celebratio​​⁠‍n of Rogers life  

Itinerary: Wake Service at Gary Panoch Funeral Homes

Family will receive friends Thursday, June 11, 4:00pm-6:00 pm at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, June 12, 11:00 am at Ascension Catholic Church, 7250 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487, Burial will follow Friday, June 12, 1:30 pm at the South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S State Road 7, Lake Worth, Fl 33449 (approx. 45 mins from church)

Donations may be made in memory of Roger Martin to the Wounded Warrior Project .

Professional arrangements entrusted to Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487. www.gpanochfunerals.com  easyonlinecremations.com  

Donations may be made in memory of Roger Martin to the  Wounded Warrior Project .

Florida funeral home notices and obituaries (FL) - Tuesday, June 2, 2026

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/carole-martin-obituary?id=57474340

Carole Martin

December 31, 1939 – February 1, 2025

Carole Page Martin, 85, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Roger, and their beloved children: Terry and her husband Paul, Michelle, Frank and his wife Michele, and Tom and his wife Holly. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Danielle and her husband Nate, Nicole and her husband Ben, Michael, Nicholas, and Max, as well as her great-grandchildren, Remie and Noa. Carole is survived by her siblings, Nancy, Jack, and Peggy. She was preceded in death by her dear brother, Jim, who passed away in 2023. We take comfort in knowing they are reunited in peace.

 

Born on December 31, 1939, in Fort Kent, Maine, to her loving parents, Maxine and Roland Page, Carole was an avid learner with a deep love for education…………………….

Thursday, June 4, 2026

DL Capt. W. H. “Sam” Snead

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. W. H. “Sam” Snead

July 10, 1938 - June 1, 2026

 


A Life of Duty, Service, and Adventure……………………

Delta Golden Wings member and USAF retired Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead joined Delta Air Lines 07-19-1965 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Martha “Anne”, and by his children and their families. 

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

339 Plantation Crossing, Millbrook, AL 36054.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/william-snead 

Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead
July 10, 1938- June 1. 2026

Service Information
Ridout’s Brown Service Prattville Chapel

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/prattville-al/william-snead-12911543
June 8, 2026
Visitation: 10:30 a.m. | Service: 11:30 a.m.

A Life of Duty, Service, and Adventure
Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. A man of uncommon skill, warmth, adventure, and deep faith Sam lived a life defined by flight, fellowship, and a deep love of family. From the football fields of Virginia to the cockpits of supersonic fighter jets, he met every challenge with quiet confidence and a steady hand.
Born July 10, 1938, Sam grew up in Virginia and graduated from Covington High School in 1956. A gifted athlete, he earned a football and baseball scholarship to Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education — a foundation that served him well as both a craftsman and a teacher. It was at Virginia Tech that Sam also joined Air Force ROTC, beginning a journey that would carry him to the skies.
Following his commission, Sam went on active duty with the United States Air Force, where he distinguished himself as an Instructor Pilot at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. His passion for flight and his gift for teaching were evident from the start, shaping young aviators with the precision, patience, and mentorship.
In 1965, Sam embarked on two parallel careers that would define the arc of his life. He joined Delta Air Lines and simultaneously became a member of the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery. Over the coming decades, Sam flew an impressive array of aircraft in Guard service — the T-33, RF-84, RF-4C, and F-4D — ultimately rising to become Squadron Commander of the 160th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He retired from the Guard in 1988 with decades of distinguished service to his name.
His airline career was equally remarkable. Sam flew for Delta Air Lines for over three decades, culminating in the role of International Captain on the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. He retired from Delta in 1997, having carried passengers safely across continents and oceans — a fitting capstone to a lifetime aloft.
Retirement from the cockpit never dimmed Sam’s love of aviation. He remained active with the Civil Air Patrol and continued flying privately, keeping the sky close. An avid golfer, a faithful churchgoer, and a devoted family man, Sam embraced every chapter of his retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to the cockpit. He cherished every chance to return to Virginia for family reunions and visits, holding fast to the roots and relationships that anchored him throughout his remarkable life.

Family
Colonel Snead was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Wilson Snead and Frenchie Wood Snead.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Anne Snead; his brother, Ronald Wilson Snead; his devoted children, Dorothy Snead McCullough (Alton), William Howard Snead, Jr. (Susan), Byron Kevin Mills, and Kristi Mills Jeffers (Tommy); his cherished grandchildren, Adam Mitcham (Anna) and Susan Renee Rollins, Thomas Blake Jeffers, Samuel Harris Jeffers, and Katherine Mae Jeffers; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan Mitcham, Parker Mitcham, and Dakota Delane Rollins.

A Legacy Remembered
Colonel William H. “Sam” Snead will be remembered as a patriot, a pilot, and a gentleman of uncommon grace. From his days as a standout football player at Virginia Tech to his final flights across the Atlantic, Sam embodied dedication, service, and a boundless love of life. His laughter, his stories of the skies, and his unwavering devotion to family and friends leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his church, Coosada Baptist Church, 5687 Coosada Road, Coosada, Alabama 36020.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

NWA/DL Capt. Jim Gregoire

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Jim Gregoire  

May 20, 1960 — June 2, 2026

 


Major Jim L. Gregoire, aka “Gargoyle,” United States Air Force, 66, of St. Petersburg, Florida…….

  James “Jim” Lee Gregoire joined Northwest Airlines 11-29-1999 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2025.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie, and by his children and stepchildren.

Jim’s most recent Florida address is listed in whitepages as

166 Banyan Bay Dr, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705.

 

PCN memorial site

 

To view the obituary, share memories and view more pictures please visit the funeral home website at   

https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/anderson-mcqueen-funeral-homes/st-petersburg-florida/jim-gregoire/june-2026

Major Jim L. Gregoire, aka “Gargoyle,” United States Air Force, 66, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on June 2, 2026.

Jim was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and spent most of his childhood in Whitefish, Montana. In his early years, Jim was an avid water- and snow-skier and a lover of music. He played keyboard in his high school band, Rosewood, and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1978.

Jim served 20 years in the military. He began in the United States Army as a Specialist 5 and was later promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2, earning his Army Aviator Badge, Expert Qualification Badge with M-16 Rifle, Expert Grenade Badge, and OH-58 rating. After five years of service in the Army, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where his career culminated in the rank of Major, flying F-16s. During those years, Jim proudly earned his Flight Safety Officer Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, multiple Commendation Medals, and Short- and Long-Term Service Ribbons. He was deployed during Desert Storm, as well as to Cairo, Egypt, and Ramstein, Germany. Later, Jim was transferred to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he earned his Safety Fighter Pilot Certification for F-16s.

After retiring from the military, Jim went on to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. He began with Northwest Airlines in 1999 and retired from Delta Air Lines in 2025. Jim excelled in his career, but above all else, he was a devoted husband and father. He spent every minute of his free time supporting his children, whether coaching soccer teams, volunteering for the high school band, or attending every one of his son’s football games. He was a proud Gator dad who took every opportunity to wear orange and blue. Jim was a fan of noise, with a disdain for silence—he could not go five minutes without playing music. He was a jack of all trades, lovingly referred to as “Mr. Fix It,” regardless of the success of the project. Jim lived to entertain, bringing joy and laughter to every aspect of his life.

After his retirement, and between naps in his recliner, Jim traveled the world as a tourist, his love of flying always in his blood.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Nickolas, Kara, and Anslee; his parents, Phillip and Linda; his sister, Cindy; his children by marriage, Andrea, Lisa (Andrew), and Nathan (Anastasia).

May Jim’s memory always be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's name to Homes for our Troops. You can make a donation by clicking here. 

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

NWA Stewart G. Lee, Director of Flt Ops

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF WWII veteran, NWA Stewart Gilmer Lee

November 21, 1923 - May 25, 2026

 



Following his military service, Stewart enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career with Northwest Airlines, where he served as Director of Flight Operations……………..

PCN memorial site

 

To share memories online and to view more photos, please visit the funeral home site at

https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/stewart-lee-3/#!/Obituary

Obituary for Stewart Gilmer Lee

Stewart G. Lee, age 102, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. The date was especially fitting, as Stewart proudly served his country during World War II and later advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, remaining deeply proud of his military service throughout his life.

Born and raised in Montevideo, Minnesota, Stewart graduated from high school in Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1941. He entered military service on June 11, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and navigator in August 1944 in Hondo, Texas.

Assigned to B-24 aircraft with the 11th Bombardment Group, Stewart served in the Pacific campaign during World War II, flying long-range search missions from bases across the Pacific as Allied forces advanced toward Japan.

One of the most memorable moments of his service occurred on August 6, 1945, while returning from a mission over Japan. Stewart and his fellow crew members observed an enormous and unusual cloud rising in the distance. Upon landing in Okinawa, they learned they had observed the massive cloud created by the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Following Japan's surrender, Stewart and his crew flew their aircraft, the "Lady from Hades," across the Pacific on the journey home. After surviving an engine failure and a series of island-hopping flights through Guam, Kwajalein, Johnston Island, Honolulu, and finally California, they learned their faithful aircraft would be retired to the boneyard after carrying them safely home.

Following his military service, Stewart enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career with Northwest Airlines, where he served as Director of Flight Operations. He was an avid reader with an impressive personal library and rarely missed reading the daily newspaper. Stewart enjoyed playing cards, golfing, watching virtually any sport, and hunting for treasures at garage sales. Most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.

Stewart often shared stories of his wartime experiences, preserving a firsthand connection to a pivotal chapter in world history.

Stewart is survived by his wife of 10 years, Joyce Tibbs; daughter, Cyndi (Tim) Bothwell; daughter-in-law, Mary Lee; and bonus daughter, Alison (Steve) Caputo. He is also survived by grandchildren Bryan and Erin Bothwell, Patrick Healey (Nicole Heuer), Cindy (Tom) Blomquist, Valerie and Amanda Beery, Heather (Jeremy) Pendleton, Sean and Nick Pile, Chris (Cassie) Sanko, Shannon Sanko, and Jessica Sanko; great-grandson Michael Crosbie; bonus great-grandchildren Evan and Isabel Pile; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Wanda Lee; his son, Gary Lee; and stepdaughters Jana Pile and Jill Sanko.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, at Plymouth Lutheran Church, 11015 Old County Road 15, Plymouth, MN 55441. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service.

NOTE: Due to ongoing road construction in the area surrounding the church, guests are advised to take Hwy 55 to Revere Lane (go south) and then follow map directions to the church. Although some navigation systems may indicate that the road is closed, it is currently a passable dirt road and remains accessible to church visitors.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on Plymouth Lutheran Church's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@plymouthlutheran9757/streams

Military Honors and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held for family members on July 15 at 9:30 a.m.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, family members, friends, and hospice staff whose kindness, support, and dedication helped Stewart remain comfortable and cared for in his home during his final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans), supporting Minnesota veterans and their families, or to Plymouth Lutheran Church.

"A life well lived leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him."