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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, July 16, 2026

NWA Capt. W.H. Rique Beslin

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. W.H. Rique Beslin

July 2, 1936 — July 12, 2026

 


RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain William Henry Rique Beslin joined Northwest Airlines 11-04-1968.  Widowed in 2021, Rique is survived by his children and their families.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com/obituaries/wh-beslin 

Obituary

W.H. Rique Beslin, 90, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away on July 12, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1936, in Houston, Texas to Henry and Laurine (Cade) Beslin.

 

After graduating from the University of Georgia, Rique served in the United States Navy from 1959 until 1968 including multiple tours in Vietnam as a LCDR and fighter pilot. He started flying for Northwest Airlines in 1968 and retired as a Captain flying the Boeing 757 in 1996. Rique was a 32d Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a 51-year member of Corinthian Lodge, #43, in Farmington Minnesota. He was also a member of the Scimitar Shrine Temple and a longtime member of the NWA Shrine Clown Club. He was a member of Brightwater Memorial United Methodist Church in Rogers Arkansas. Rique was a devoted husband and father to his wife Carmaleita and all three of his children as well as a Brother, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He will always be remembered for being a strong provider to his family, for being fiercely loyal to his friends, and a true believer in God.

 

Rique is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Carmaleita Beslin.

 

He is survived by his children, Toni Shoulders of Tulsa, OK, Rique Beslin Jr. of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Scott Beslin of Otsego, MN; brother, Kenneth Vance Lee of Bangs, TX; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25th from 10-11AM at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W Walnut Street, Rogers, AR 72756. A funeral service will follow immediately after at 11AM. Entombment to follow at Benton County Memorial Park mausoleum.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/giving-to-shriners-childrens

 

https://www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com/obituaries/carmaleita-beslin 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Carmaleita Beslin

d. Jul 14, 2021

Carmaleita Beslin was called by the Lord after a long illness on July 14th. A Life Member of the Order of Eastern Star where she was a Worthy Matron and active in the Daughters of the Nile. She also held offices at Brightwater UMC. She is survived by her husband W.H. Rique Beslin, happily married for fifty seven years………………….

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

PAA/DL Capt. Charles "Chuck" Dike

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Charles "Chuck" Dike

June 10, 1939 — May 15, 2025

 


Charles (Chuck) Anthony Dike, 85, of Fall City, WA, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at his home in Marietta, GA………………...

Captain Dike began his commercial flying career with Pan American World Airways 02-28-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.westcobbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-chuck-dike

         Charles "Chuck" Anthony Dike Jr.

Charles (Chuck) Anthony Dike, 85, of Fall City, WA, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, at his home in Marietta, GA. Born on June 10, 1939, in Bellevue, WA, Charles called Washington State home throughout most of his life — a life defined by service, adventure, music, and family.

Charles built a distinguished career as an international airline pilot, spending 25 years with Pan American World Airways, where he flew routes that took him across the globe. He later flew for Delta Air Lines for an additional 5 years, logging a lifetime of miles in the sky and memories around the globe. To those who knew him, he wore the wings with quiet pride.

Before taking to the skies, Charles answered his country's call and served honorably in the United States Army. His time in uniform instilled in him a patriotism and sense of duty that would shape every chapter of his life that followed.

He was a man of beautiful contradictions. Despite all his adventures abroad, Charles most appreciated his quiet home life with his family. He was a pragmatist at heart who nonetheless poured his soul into writing poetry and could move a room playing classical pieces on the piano. He found joy and inspiration in opera music, and his appreciation for the arts reflected the depth and sensitivity beneath his steady exterior.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Salma Sammakia; his children, Clifford Anthony Dike, Kristina Renee Ericsson, and Kimberly A Cervantes; his stepchildren, Ingy Purvis (married to Mitchell Purvis) and Amr Hallaba (married to Darragh Wright); and his grandchildren: Daniel Banda, Sofia Rodrigo, and Natalie Rodrigo; and his step-grandchild Maya Purvis.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Anthony Dike Sr and Dorothy Jewell Dike; his sisters, Emily Dike Aceto and Kathryn Jewell Anthony; and his nephew Simon Erik Aceto.

Charles Anthony Dike lived a life of purpose, passion, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him, and his memory will soar as freely as he once did above the clouds.

Charles was laid to rest on May 23, 2025 at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/282631571/charles-anthony-dike 

DL Capt. Douglas W. Smith

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Douglas W. Smith

Mar 4, 1949 — Jul 12, 2026

 


Captain Douglas “Doug” Wayne Smith joined Delta Air Lines 01-24-1977 and was based LGA & JFK.  Doug is survived by his wife Dianna “Dee”, and by his children and their families. 

Having most recently resided in Vermont, whitepages lists the family’s address as

167 Windswept Ln, South Burlington, VT 05403.

A Celebration of Life event is planned for later this fall….please see obituary below.

 

PCN memorial site

 

 

https://www.minorfh.com/obituaries/douglas-smith

 

Douglas Smith

Mar 4, 1949 — Jul 12, 2026

South Burlington

Douglas W. Smith, 77 years of age, passed away in the early morning hours of July 12, 2026. Doug was an active participant in the aviation community and a beloved grandfather to his three grandchildren, Sienna, Crew, and Winnie.

Doug began his career as a psychologist in New South Wales, Australia, but quickly realized he wanted to pursue his passion for aviation. He returned to the US to obtain additional ratings and licenses to become a professional pilot and began his aviation career as a flight instructor in Vermont. He later flew for Basler Airlines in Wisconsin, served as Chief Flight Instructor at Auburn University, and became a Delta Airlines pilot for 30 years. Upon retiring from Delta he flew for Air India, founded the Vermont Flight Academy, and worked to create the four-year Professional Pilot Technology degree at Vermont State University. Doug also served as an FAA Designated Flight Examiner. Beyond aviation, Doug was an avid writer, sailor, model train enthusiast, and genealogist who enjoyed preserving family stories.

Doug is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dianna (“Dee”) Smith; his three children, Corbin Smith, Hans Smith, and Rachel Keyser, as well as William Keyser, Lauren Smith, and his three grandchildren. He will be dearly missed as a vibrant, active, and loving man who embraced life to its fullest.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in the Fall. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a gift in his name, please consider donating to the Vermont Alzheimer’s Association, the Vermont Diabetes Association, or the Vermont Flight Academy.

 

 

Monday, July 13, 2026

DL Capt. Phil Medlin

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, DL Capt. Phil Medlin

January 27, 1940  ~  July 7, 2026

 


Following his military service, Captain Phillip “Phil” Louis Medlin joined Delta Air Lines 08-15-1969 and was based Atlanta.  Widowed in February 2024, Phil is survived by his children and their families.

For those who wish to send condolences, the Medlin’s address is listed in whitepages as

899 Gordon Combs Rd NW, Marietta, GA 30064.

Services for Captain Medlin will be held July 22 in Marietta…please see obituary below.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Phil-Medlin?obId=48982599 

Phil Medlin Obituary

Phillip (Phil) Louis Medlin, 86, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on July 7, 2026. He was born on January 27, 1940, in Mebane, North Carolina, to the late Lawrence Houston Medlin and Ruby Ellen Williams Medlin. Phil was deeply loved by his late wife of sixty years, Pat Little Medlin. He was also beloved by his sisters, the late Barbara Medlin Krummert and Anne Medlin Sendgikoski. 

 

 Phil is survived by his two loving children, Phillip Shea Medlin (Tracy Davis Medlin) and Shana Medlin Hubbell (Greg Hubbell). Phil was also a proud grandfather to William Lyman (Carolyne Rogers Lyman), Rachel Lyman Deshe (Tal Deshe), Olivia Medlin, Addison Medlin, step grandfather to William Hubbell and Jacob Hubbell (Mary Eloise Hubbell), and great-grandfather to Rollie Lyman, Stella Lyman, Wells Lyman and Eli Hubbell. He also is survived by many devoted nieces and nephews, including Lisa, Alana, Joe, Brett, Bob, Ellen, Anna Catherine, Kelly, Marc, Micah, Kirsten and Heather. 

 

Phil graduated from Mebane High School in May 1958 and had several college offers to play both football and basketball. He had been a high school stand-out in both sports. Phil accepted a football scholarship from Auburn University and played there five years – although he would say he “practiced” not “played.” 

 

He graduated Auburn and entered Air Force Officer Candidate School in 1963 knowing he aspired to be a pilot. He had majored in Aviation Management at Auburn. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 – 1969, completing more than 100 bombing missions in Vietnam in F-4 jets. 

 

 During this time, right after graduation from Auburn, he married his college girlfriend and love of his life for more than 60 years – Pat Medlin. Phil left the Air Force in 1969 to work for Delta Airlines as a pilot in Atlanta. While flying for Delta, he at various times served as head of the training department and International Chief Pilot for Delta. He was part of the team of three pilots who flew Delta’s first international flight from Atlanta to London in 1977. 

 

Traveling was his passion – he took his family on many wonderful trips and overseas trips. He enjoyed exploring wherever they landed. Later in life, he and Pat enjoyed many wonderful trips with friends as well. He loved cheering on his Auburn Tigers and would travel to as many games as Pat would allow! More recently, he has stuck closer to home, but has greatly enjoyed the company of his beloved boxer, Izzy. 

 

Phil was a member of Marietta Community Church, where he found spiritual guidance and support. He was an active member in bible study and cultivated many long lasting friendships. As a former member of Marietta’s First Presbyterian Church, he had served as a deacon, an elder and on the Pastor Nominating Committee. Phil also was a devoted member of the Marietta Metro Rotary Club and served as president of the club for a term. He worked tirelessly for their “Fun Fare” for the Calvary Children’s Home. 

 

The funeral arrangements are being handled by Mayes Ward Dobbins, located in Marietta, Georgia. Service will be held at Marietta Community Church on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 am with a following reception there. Flowers are appreciated, or if you would like, contributions to Marietta Community Church

are also appreciated.

 

https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Pat-Little-Medlin?obId=47930736 

Pat Little Medlin

April 22, 1941  -  February 19, 2024

Saturday, July 11, 2026

DL Capt. Adrian Reedy

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Adrian Reedy

April 29, 1940 ~ March 1, 2026

 


As noted in this month’s AIR LINE PILOT magazine, the passing of DL Capt. Adrian Reedy in March 2026.  Adrian Reedy joined Delta Air Lines 03-14-1966 and was Dallas based.  Adrian is survived by his wife Carolyn, and by his children and their families.

Having most recently resided in Texas, whitepages lists his most recent address as

429 River Oaks Ln, Richardson, TX 75081.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/295621219/adrian-reedy 

obituary

Adrian Reedy, beloved husband and father, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on April 29, 1940, in Franklinton, Louisiana, Adrian lived a remarkable life — from paratrooper to airline pilot — and was known for his warmth and his stories.

 

Adrian attended Pearl River Junior College before answering the call to serve his country as an Army paratrooper for two years, followed by four years in the Air Force Reserves. That spirit of courage and adventure would define him for the rest of his life. He went on to build a distinguished career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines, where he flew for over 25 years. Adrian had a gift for people and delighted in sharing stories about the fascinating passengers and crew he encountered throughout his flying career — tales that kept family and friends entertained for hours.

In the 1970s, Adrian made Dallas, Texas his home, where he would spend the rest of his life. In his spare time, he could often be found tinkering with cars or computers, always curious, always learning, always taking things apart just to see how they worked.

Adrian is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Reedy; his daughter, Crispin Reedy; his son, David Reedy, and son-in-law, Don Aimer. He is also survived by his nephews and their families: Chad and Terri Manning, Dan and Chelsea Manning, and Matt and Kerri Manning, all of Franklinton, Louisiana, and Ben and Penny Manning of Athens, Georgia. Also surviving him are his niece, Rosanne Reedy Ganley, and her husband John, and his nephews Bob Reedy and Scott Reedy and his wife Rosemary, as well as numerous cousins.

Adrian was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Reedy and Margaret Green Reedy; his brother, Frank W. Reedy, his sister, Florence Reedy Manning, and former spouse Paula Richardson Reedy. Services will be held at a later date.