PCN Flight West Page

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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, May 25, 2026

NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Randall James Dunne

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Randall James Dunne (Randy)

September 3, 1945 - April 8, 2026

 


Randy began flying with North Central Airlines 12-11-1972 and retired with Northwest Airlines in 2005 as a Captain.  Randy is survived by his wife Diane, and by his children and their families.

PCN memorial site

 

Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI)

https://obituaries.record-eagle.com/obituary/randall-dunne-1093802680

TRAVERSE CITY — Randall James Dunne, better known as Randy, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on April 8, 2026. Randy was born September 3, 1945, in Jersey City, NJ, the son of James Dunne Jr. and Marie Haegen. The oldest of 4, he was a caregiver to his younger siblings, James, David, and Kathleen. His childhood was in Waldwick, NJ, where he was Captain of the football team at St. Luke's Catholic High School. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and became a pilot, fulfilling his aviation dream of flying for Trans-Michigan Airlines, North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. He retired in 2005, reaching the rank of 747 captain on international routes.

He raised 3 children (Jason, Jennifer, and Jessica) on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, and they were the center of Randy's life. Through his work, he traveled the world and encouraged his family to experience different places and pursue their dreams with courage and determination. That spirit of bravery and curiosity lives on in his children, many of whom have spent significant time living and traveling both within and beyond the U.S.

He met his second wife, Diane Dunne, 25 years ago, and together they divided their retirement years between Traverse City, Michigan, and Estero, Florida. Randy was a classic big-fish storyteller who loved talking to everyone, a trait that even got him in trouble with the nuns at Catholic school. His boisterous laugh and jovial spirit won the admiration of even his hospital staff until the very end. One of the last things he said to a room full of staff was, "Laughter is so important. What's the point of living if you cannot laugh?"

Randy's family was his life force, and his love and loyalty to his family and friends were among his defining traits. Remaining to cherish Randy's memory are his wife, Diane Dunne; his children, Jason and Anarie Dunne, Jennifer and Booth Keeney, and Jessica and Jim Greilick; grandchildren, Reilan and Adrien Dunne, Elowen and Maeve Keeney, and Mackensie and Alice Greilick; and his sister, Kathleen (Dunne) and Al Graef. Randy will be missed greatly, but his legacy will live on forever through our fond memories and his many stories.

May he now rest in peace.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

NEA/DL Capt. David Dutton

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NEA/DL Capt. David Dutton

December 23, 1941 ~ May 19, 2026



 

Captain David A. Dutton first joined Northeast Airlines 03-31-1967 and retired with Delta Air lines based Boston.  He is survived by his wife Marilyn, and by his children and stepchildren and their families.  The Dutton’s residence is in Merrimac, Massachusetts.  A visitation time will be held May 22 at the Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home in Merrimac…..please see obituary below.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.paulcrogers.com/obituaries/david-dutton

David A. Dutton, of Merrimac, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 84.

David was born on December 23, 1941, in Randolph, Vermont, to Howard F. Dutton and Beverly L. Dutton. He grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, at the family home where his lifelong passion for aviation first took flight. Under the guidance of his father, Howard, who operated Dutton Flying Service, David learned to fly and quickly discovered what would become the great love and purpose of his life. At just 16 years old, he soloed for the first time, beginning a journey in aviation that would span decades. David not only loved flying but also enjoyed the thrill and challenge of aerobatics, embracing the excitement and freedom he found in the skies.

 

David graduated from Haverhill High School and turned his passion for flying into a career. At the age of 22, he began working for commercial airlines, flying for Northeast Airlines before continuing his career with Delta Air Lines. Through years of dedication and experience, he became a respected Captain and retired from Delta in 1996 after an accomplished career in aviation.

 

While aviation was woven into the fabric of David’s life, his interests and talents extended far beyond the skies. He enjoyed bowling, motorcycles, softball, basketball, reading, cooking, and walking. Before his airline career, David also shared his love of cooking as Head Chef at Faulkner Hospital. He enjoyed traveling with the Retreads and especially treasured the time spent visiting his children and grandchildren. He was also a proud member of the Lions Club.

 

David is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Marilyn F. (Slye) Dutton; his daughter, Deborah A. Dutton; his son, Derek J. Dutton and his wife, Linda Geiger; his stepsons, Shawn J. Patten and Joel A. Patten; his 12 grandchildren; his 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

 

He was predeceased by his parents, Howard F. and Beverly L. Dutton; his sister, Diane D. Wilson; and his brother, Donald H. Dutton.

 

David will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, his warmth, and the passion that carried him both on the ground and in the skies. The miles he traveled and the lives he touched leave a legacy that will continue through all who knew and loved him.

 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 36 West Main Street, Merrimac, MA 01860. Funeral Service and burial will be private for the family.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of David A. Dutton to LBDA, Lewy Body Dementia Association.

DL Capt. Gerard McPartlan

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Gerard McPartlan

April 10, 1959  -  April 23, 2026

 


Gerard Patrick McPartlan joined Delta Air Lines 03-01-1990 and was Atlanta based.  He is survived by his wife Beth, and by his children and their families.

Services for Captain McPartlan will be held May 9th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marietta. 

The Mayes Ward Dobbins funeral home of Marietta has been assisting the family. https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Gerard-Patrick-Mcpartlan?obId=48223101

Obituary

Gerard Patrick McPartlan went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2026, surrounded in love by his adoring family. He had recently celebrated his 67th birthday with family and friends.

 

Gerard was a lover – he was an incredible husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He had a great sense of humor, never met a stranger, and was warm and generous to all. When asked how he was doing, he would often respond “better than I deserve”. He had unwavering faith in God and was a good and faithful servant.

 

Gerard was a fighter – he graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1981 and spent 9 years active duty before trading in the F-111s for commercial planes as a Delta pilot. He ran a half Ironman at age 55 and hiked 400 miles of the Way of St. James Camino pilgrimage in Spain at age 65. He fought cancer for 22 years and no longer has to fight.

 

Gerard is reunited in heaven with his parents, Patrick and Eileen McPartlan. He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 40 years, Beth McPartlan, his sister, Deirdre Finnegan, his children, Sarah and David Brinkmann, Sean and Hannah McPartlan, and Mary and Chris Ford, his grandchildren, Abigail and Luke Brinkmann, and extended family and friends.

 

He had a positive impact on so many lives in his 67 years and lives on in our hearts forever.

 

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marietta.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Vincent de Paul or Food for the Poor.

 

“It’s nice to be nice”

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

NWA Capt. Lowell Keith Williams

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Lowell Keith Williams

November 11, 1938 ~ May 17, 2026

 

Captain Williams joined Northwest Airlines 07-10-1967.  Lowell had most recently resided in Minnesota : 891 Redwood Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55124.  He is survived by his wife Kathlen “Kathy”, and by his children and their families.  Funeral Services for Lowell will be held June 19 at the White Funeral Home in Apple Valley MN.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lowell-williams-obituary?id=61506686

Lowell Williams Obituary

White Funeral Home - Apple Valley

https://www.whitefuneralhomes.com/obituary/lowell-williams

Our loved Lowell, age 87, of Apple Valley passed away morning of May 17, 2026 at The Moments, Lakeville. Preceded in death by parents, LeRoy and Mary Williams; sisters, Karen, Carol and Sally; children, Kristen and Timothy Williams.

 

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran. Lowell Retired in 1998 from Northwest Airlines as a DC10 Captain. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend; his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.

 

Lowell is survived by wife of 63 years, Kathleen Diane; son, Brian (Lois) Williams and daughter, Erin Kickhofel; grandsons, Nathan (Ellie) Williams, Joshua (Madison) Williams and Lucas Kickhofel; granddaughter, Sophia Kickhofel; great grandson, Brooks Williams; many other relatives, as well as friends.

 

Funeral Service Friday, June 19th at 2pm at White Funeral Home 14560 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley. Visitation before service 1-2pm.

WA/DL Capt. Lothar Biermanski

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Lothar Biermanski

April 2, 1940 ~ May 3, 2026


From family we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Lothar Biermanski.  Lothar Peter Biermanski began his commercial flying career with Western Airlines 09-03-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  He is survived by his wife Karen, and by his children and their families along with many dear friends and aviation colleagues.

Bowman Funeral Home of Boise, Idaho is assisting the family.

Should we receive further information, we will be sure to pass it along.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site