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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 Flown 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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

NWA Capt. Frederick A. ‘Fred’ Williams

 

 
From: RNPA News Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 7:27 AM
Subject: Requests Help With Fred William's Guest Book
 

     The obit from RNPA re: Fred Williams’ death last month included a link to a  “Guest Book” with which most members were not able to connect. Myron Bredahl  managed to get through to the “Guest Book” and leave a sentiment, but he was the  only one. Myron may have a better touch than the rest of us. I had no luck.
     When the link to the Guest Book works, friends of the pilot  “flown west” leave messages that the family will treasure over the  years. But if the link does not work the first time, many of us forget to try again later.
     Chuck Carlson, one of Fred’s many good friends, has agreed to help Fred’s wife “Jean” on Fred's obit for “Contrails.” The Guest Book link is not reliable and will be discontinued soon. Chuck asks that Fred’s friends send their memories and sentiments of Fred to his (Chuck’s) email address: cjc3505@gmail.com
     Chuck will assemble the entries for Jean to add to an album, and some may be used in the obit. Jean would appreciate any classic stories you might have about Fred, the funnier the better.
Fred Williams was one of my 707 S/O instructors in the summer of 1968. I must have scared him away, for Fred left the “flatlands” soon after and moved to the “hill  country.” I only saw Fred a couple of times after that, but I never forgot him. Fred was personable, professional, put his students at ease, and he was one of the better instructors that I had at Northwest.
      Please Send sentiments and stories to Chuck Carlson at: cjc3505@gmail.com
        Vic 



~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Frederick Alton ‘Fred’ Williams
December 15, 1938 ~ April 27, 2013
Word has been received of the passing of retired NWA pilot and RNPA member Captain Frederick Alton Williams. Born/raised in Pennsylvania, Captain Williams was 74 years of age at the time of his passing. Captain Williams hired on with Northwest 03-27-1967 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1998.
To sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://spanishvalleymortuary.com/ Arrangements have been entrusted to Spanish Valley Mortuary in Moab UT. Their website notes that a service will be held May 11th at 6:00 PM at the family’s home, and that Captain William’s obituary will be added at a later date. Survived by his wife Helen ‘Jean’ Lewis Williams, personal condolences may be sent to their home at
3167 Far Country Drive , Moab UT 84532-3322.
Thank you,
~ Carol

 

From: RNPA News Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2013 9:35 AM
Subject: RNPA News: Fred Williams Has Flown West.
It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that Fred Williams passed away this morning. Fred and Jean have been living in their new home in Moab, UT for the past couple of years. Jean would really appreciate any classic stories you might have about Fred, the funnier the better.
She can be reached at, Jean Williams, 3167 Far Country Dr, Moab, UT 84532
Chuck Carlson

Thursday, April 25, 2013

DL Capt. Donald W. Lewis

Celebration of Life:
A Memorial Service for Don Lewis will be held at 2pm, May 19th in the Frances & Don White Chapel on the St. Martin's Episcopal School campus in Metairie, La. The service is intended to be a celebration of Don Lewis's Life as opposed to a wake. Afterwards, there will be a reception with refreshments in Saints Hall (also on STM campus). Donna Lewis would appreciate emails or cards from friends especially with stories or remembrances about Don. email: Ddmsy@aol.com
316 Green Acres Rd.
Metairie, La. 70003
 
In lieu of flowers: For many years, Don & Donna have operated a fund thru St. Martin's to help students in need. The name is the "Lewis Laginappe Fund" and the address is:
St. Martins Episcopal School
225 Green Acres Rd.
Metairie, La. 70003
Donna was a first grade teacher at STM for many years. My two children and those of Harry Koch were among her many students.
Travis Foster
From: carol Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2013 9:46 AM Subject: passing of MSY DL Capt. Donald W. Lewis, age 71
~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Donald W. Lewis
June 18, 1941 ~ April 18, 2013
Capt. LEWIS
Donald W. Lewis, 71, departed this life on Thursday, April 18, 2013. He passed away at his home lovingly surrounded by his cherished family. He lost a valiant fight to lung cancer. Don was a special husband, Dad, Grandfather, and friend. He was adored by his family and in turn treasured each of them. He especially enjoyed driving anywhere, anytime for "Pawpaw duty" with grandchildren and their friends. Don was known as a gentleman, for his kindness and helpfulness, and for his superb story telling ability. He enjoyed liking people. He was a pilot, golfer, skier, accomplished musician, and handyman. Although he was appreciated as a wonderful pianist, he could also play any instrument he tried. He was an amazing musician. Born June 18, 1941 in Bogalusa, LA he is preceded in death by his mother, Odelle Young Jenkins, father, Essie Lewis, and stepfather, Errol Lavon Jenkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Donna Bethune Lewis, two daughters, Allison Lewis Wagner (Sam Wagner), and Melissa Lewis Salus (Dave Faller), and 5 grandchildren: Josh Michals, Taylor Michals, Jackson Wagner, Brett Salus, and Spencer Lee Wagner, and one nephew Beau Bethune (Kathlyn Bethune). Don grew up in Franklinton, LA. where he is loved by many. He loved to visit his 2 aunts, Flo Durden and Charlene Spencer and his many, many wonderful cousins. He is a graduate of LSU-Baton Rouge, LA, where he was Treasurer for Sigma Chi Fraternity , Air Force ROTC, and an avid Tiger fan. After graduating he flew C130E's for the Air Force in Vietnam. He was awarded many Air Medals and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. He later joined Delta Airlines where he flew 7 different planes for Delta. He had a reputation as an excellent pilot and retired from Delta flying the L15. The family wants to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses of East Jefferson General Hospital, his Home Health nurse, Dawn, an especially kind doctor, and the excellent care he received from Hospice Compassus. To all friends who took time to visit, bring food, and send cards we wish to sincerely thank you. It meant so much to him. Don was most proud of the Lewis Lagniappe Fund for Students located at St. Martins Episcopal School, 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie, LA 70003. This fund will provide important needs for promising young men and women attending the school. This fund is in lieu of flowers. A Memorial Celebration will be held Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 2 pm at the Frances and Dan White Chapel at St. Martins Episcopal School. 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie, LA 70003 with a visitation/reception following.

.Published in The Times-Picayune from April 27 to April 28, 2013


~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Donald W. Lewis
June 18, 1941 ~ April 18, 2013
 

Notification of the passing of retired DL pilot Captain Donald W. Lewis, age 71. Captain Lewis had not been well for some time and had been in home hospice care of late. Don hired on with Delta 07-08-1968 and was based MSY. I’m not sure when Captain Lewis retired, but I know that he did have 25+ years with Delta. An obituary is forthcoming designating a charity in lieu of flowers. There will be no funeral services as was Captain Lewis’ wishes, but a memorial service for Don is being planned for a later date.

Captain Lewis is survived by his wife Donna. Personal condolences may be sent to their home at 
316 Green Acres Road , Metairie LA 70003-2433 .... (504) 736-9407

You can also reach Donna by email at ddmsy@aol.com

When received, Don’s obituary and further information will be posted on our blogspot at http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Thank you,
~ Carol Faulkner, PCN death notice communicator
death@pilotcommunication.net
http://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

WA/DL Capt. Stephen G. Arps

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Stephen G. Arps
May 14, 1945 ~ April 13, 2013


Update on burial service:
From: lylebien
Date: 5/31/2013 5:15:57 PM
 

Steve Arps, retired Delta pilot will be buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.  Graveside service will be at 1030, 17 June, 2013.  Friends, co-workers and fellow Marines welcome.
 
Notification of the passing of Marine Corps veteran and retired WA/DL pilot Captain Stephen George Arps, age 67. Captain Arps hired on with Western 07-05-1977. His obituary notes that he retired with Delta in 2008. I believe he was based LAX and ATL for much of his career.

Captain Arps had most recently resided at
4034 County Road Hj , Delta OH 43515-9792
Captain Arps is survived by his mother Lorena who celebrated her 101st birthday last December 28, 2012.... DOB 12-28-1911. Perhaps the best contact for the family would be c/o brother Phillip Arps,
4021 County Road Hj , Delta OH 43515-9792 ... (419) 822-5551
Arrangements are not known.
Thank you,
~ Carol


Obitary: ARPS, Stephen George

Stephen George Arps, 67, Delta, OH and Del Mar, CA, died unexpectedly April 13, 2013, in Del Mar, CA.

Born May 14, 1945, Defiance, OH, to parents Elden and Lorena Arps. Survived by his mother, Lorena Arps; brother, Philip Arps, Delta, OH; sisters, Barbara Churchill, Anchorage, AK and Mary Arps Thompson, Duluth, MN. Predeceased by his father, Elden Arps and brother, David Arps.

Steve attended Fulton Schools, Swanton OH, and obtained a degree in Farm Science from Ohio State University in 1967.

In 1968 Steve joined the Marine Corps where he flew the F-4Phantom. After 8 years in the Marines, he flew for Delta Airlines until 2008, splitting his time between the airlines and his Ohio farm. After retiring as a pilot, Steve continued farming.

.Published in Toledo Blade on April 24, 2013

Monday, April 22, 2013

NWA Capt. F. P. 'Pat' Kearney

~ IN MEMORY ~
NWA Capt. Francis Patrick Kearney
January 23, 1933 ~ April 15, 2013

  

RNPA has sent word of the passing of USAF veteran and retired NWA pilot Captain F. P. ‘Pat’ Kearney, age 80. Captain Kearney hired on with Northwest 01-09-1967 and retired at the mandatory age 60 as a 747 Captain. 
To view/sign the online guestbook and to view the family photo gallery, please visit http://www.memorialobituaries.com/memorials/memorials.cgi?action=Obit&memid=211761&clientid=flint 

Survived by his wife Colette personal condolences may be sent to their home at 15804 SE 43rd Place, Bellevue WA 98006-4512 ... (425) 746-9770

Please join the family in celebrating Captain Kearney’s life at the home of son Shawn and Heidi Kearney at 2 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2013. For directions call 206-755-4040.  

From: RNPA News Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 7:46 PM        
Subject: Pat Kearney Has Flown West
Life Story:
Francis Patrick Kearney
January 23, 1933 - April 15, 2013
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Resided In: Bellevue, Washington
Francis Patrick Kearney, of Bellevue, Washington, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 15, 2013. He was 80 years of age.
Pat was born on January 23, 1933 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, son of Francis (Frank) and Frances (Fran) Kearney. He and his younger sisters, Bunny and Kay, were raised in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park. Pat attended St. Louis Park High before he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he got his wings as a jet fighter pilot flying the F-86 Sabre. While stationed in Chaumont, France, he met his beautiful, loving French wife, Colette, who worked on the base as a telephone operator. They married nearly 57 years ago on August 4, 1956 in Chaumont’s Basilica.
Pat and Colette moved to the United States where he was discharged from the Air Force as a Lieutenant in October 1956 and started their family in Sacramento, CA where Tim and Michele were born soon after. In 1961, the family moved to Bellevue, WA shortly after visiting the great northwest and extended the family with the additions of sons Shawn and Kevin. He and Colette fell in love with the area’s beautiful mountains, lakes and trees and called Bellevue home for over 50 years. Pat was a generous and loving man and cared for his entire family which also included his niece and nephew, Pascale and Daniel who lived with Pat and Colette’s family after moving to the States from France soon after their father passed away.
After a number of years working at Boeing he decided to apply his flying skills to the commercial airline business. He was hired in 1967 by Northwest Airlines and after over 25 years he retired as a 747 Captain.
Pat had a passion for building projects after having enjoyed creating the downstairs living space in his home. He had an incredible memory and you definitely wanted him on your Trivial Pursuit team. He enjoyed puzzles of every kind, particularly crossword and jigsaw. He had fun playing golf and Bridge. He especially loved being with his grandchildren including Eliot and Theo, sons of Daniel and Pascale Queva, who were also very dear to his heart. He enjoyed watching sports, mainly golf, with his family and was an aficionado of old movies. He loved telling stories about his flying days and often broke into song with his favorites from years gone by.
Pat was a wonderful husband, father, grandparent and friend. He cared for and touched everyone he ever met and loved. He will always be in our hearts and will be missed by all. He was an amazing influence on all who knew him and his legacy as a loving and caring man will live forever.
Pat leaves behind many loved ones and is survived by his wife Colette, daughter Michele, sons Tim, Shawn and Kevin and his 5 grandchildren , Christine, Chelsea, Nathan, Patrick and Natalie, sister Frances (Bunny) Long, Kearney descendants and the Queva extended family.
Please join the family to celebrate Pat’s life at the home of Shawn and Heidi Kearney, 2pm, Saturday, April 20, 2013. For directions call 206-755-4040.



Sunday, April 21, 2013

Pauline Harvey, widow of DL Capt John Harvey

~ IN MEMORY ~
Pauline ‘Polly’ Harvey, widow of DL Capt. John Harvey
September 15, 1928 ~ April 18, 2013


Notification for the passing of Mrs. Pauline Harvey, Delta Golden Wings member and widow of DL Captain John Harvey (1928-2006). Pauline was 84 years of age at the time of her passing the evening of April 18th.
Pauline had most recently resided at
13080 SW 63rd Ct., Miami FL 33156-7082

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/herald/obituary.aspx?pid=164383422#fbLoggedOut Arrangements have been entrusted to Stanfill Funeral homes of Miami FL ...their website should be updated soon. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday, April 22 at Stanfill Funeral Homes,
10545 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami FL (305) 667-2518, with Wake Service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 23 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120 Street in Miami.

Life Story:
HARVEY, PAULINE-Beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend Pauline Harvey passed away on the evening of April 18th. She lived an extraordinary life that took her from a small town in northern Florida to a career in aviation administration to more than fifty years as wife and mother of four in Miami. Polly was deeply loved by her husband John, a captain for Delta Airline, her four children Paula, Greg, Ron and John, and her numerous friends from her longtime home in Panama City, Florida, the Delta community and in Pinecrest. Polly was an incredibly strong, positive person who was inpsirational to her children, family and friends: she was vivacious and enjoyed socializing, bridge and traveling around the world. A fourth generation Floridian, Polly was proud of her family heritage as a Curry and a Darley: her great-grandfather the Rev. Whitmill Curry was the first Superintendent of Schools in Holmes County, Florida. The Curry School of Education at the Universtiy of Virginia is named for his cousin Jabaez Curry, an influential educator and U.S. Representative from Alabama. Polly was a direct descendant of Thomas Darley, one of the earliest settlers in Georgia, who fought in the Revolutionary War and was a renowned Methodist minister. She is reunited with her loving husband John and is survived by her daughter Paula and sons Ron, Greg and John, sister Johnnie Gaskins, brother Robert Darley, Jr., daughters-in-law Glynnis, Alzbeta and Maureen and grandchildren Glynnis, Lara, Jack, Ronnie and Catie. Thank you Mom, we love you. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Monday, April 22 at Stanfill F.H., with Wake Service at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 23 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120 Street in Miami.
.Published in Miami Herald on April 21, 2013

=====================================

John Harvey: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Captain John Harvey

December 20, 1928 ~ December 26, 2006


HARVEY, JOHN, of Pinecrest, FL, completed his life's journey on December 26, 2006, surrounded by his loving wife Pauline and his adoring children John, Ron, Greg and Paula. Born on December 20, 1928 in Normal, IL, John walked confidently in the directions of his dreams, and achieved them. Through school, John excelled across the boards as a student, athlete and musician. He served in the Army in Korea and attended the University of Illinois, where he got his training as a pilot. Following a brief stint teaching flying in Marianna, FL, where he met his wife, John embarked on a 34-year career as a highly respected pilot and captain for Delta Air Lines. While at Delta John also served as chief negotiator for the pilots union. John loved his family above all things, and that love was fiercely returned by his wife and children. We were fortunate to spend so many happy hours with him in his many roles as a fantastic father: husband, friend, playmate, teammate, fan, golf buddy, teacher, coach and mentor. John was loved and cherished by his family and wonderful friends for his profoundly loving, compassionate and generous nature. Hand in hand with this personal warmth went incredible intelligence, creativity and an easy, engaging and endearing sense of humor that will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was blessed by his marriage of over fifty years to the love of his life, Polly, and their final decade together was deeply enriched by the arrival of five beautiful grandchildren, Glynnis, Jack, Lara, Ronnie and Catherine who will carry on his legacy of love, kindness and compassion. John is survived by his wife Pauline, loving sons John, Ron and Greg, devoted daughter Paula, sisters Florence Travis and Sister Mary John Harvey, and daughters-in law Glynnis, Alzbeta and Maureen. He joins three brothers and three sisters in eternal rest. Thank you forever, Daddy. Visitation will be held Friday, December 29, from 8-10PM at St. Louis Catholic Church. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church 7270 Southwest 120 street on Saturday, December 30, 2006 at 12:30PM with Entombment to follow. Stanfill Funeral Home 10545 S Dixie (305)667-2518 Family Owned/Operated To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

Name: John Harvey
State of Issue: Illinois
Date of Birth: Thursday December 20, 1928
Date of Death: Tuesday December 26, 2006
Est. Age at Death: 78 years, 6 days

Saturday, April 20, 2013

DL Capt. Gary O. Myers

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Gary O. Myers
August 19, 1935 ~ April 18, 2013

Word has been received with the passing of USAF veteran, retired DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Gary Oliver Myers, age 77. Captain Myers hired on with Delta Air Lines 04-01-1963 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1995, based ATL.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.littledavenport.com/

Survived by his wife Sandra personal condolences may be sent to the family at  5845 Hidden Cove Road, Gainesville GA 30504-9030 ... (770) 536-0406

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, April 22 at 11 AM at the Myers home on Lake Lanier. Interment will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Little & Davenport Funeral Home of Gainesville GA.

Life Story:

Gary Oliver Myers peacefully slipped into eternal rest at his home surrounded by his family after a long, brave battle with cancer on Thursday, April 18th.
Gary was born in Ravenna, OH in 1935 to Earl B. and Mildred C. Myers.
He is survived by his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Sandra Jean Wise Myers; his son, Scott Myers, daughter-in-law, Rhonda and grandson, Noah of Charleston, SC.
Gary’s love of aircraft led him to his dream of becoming a professional pilot. Gary first soloed in a Piper J-3 Cub from a grass field in Ohio when he was 16 and went on to graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves and retired from Delta Airlines after 32 years of service.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughters Julianne and Maribeth Myers.
A Memorial service will be held on Monday, April 22 at 11 AM at the Myers home on Lake Lanier. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, INK, 999 Chestnut Street SE # 11, Gainesville, GA 30501 or Hospice of NGMC, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, Ga 30501.
Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ron Stowe asked me to let those on my email list know that our friend and comrade Gary Myers died this morning. The family is gathering and will announce details about his funeral ASAP. Services probably not until Monday or Tuesday. Little and Davenport is handling the arrangements. His obit will list details. This mailing list of mine is old, so feel free to spread the word. I'm sure the Delta Net will do the same. Thanks.

Reuben

Thursday, April 18, 2013

DL Capt. Durwood 'Bud' Scroggins Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Durwood ‘Bud’ Scroggins Jr.
January 22, 1922 - April 15, 2013

Notification of the passing of WWII veteran and retired DL pilot Captain Bud Scroggins. Durwood B. Scroggins Jr. was 91 years of age at the time of his passing. Captain Scroggins hired on with Delta 02-27-1951 and retired at the mandatory age 60, based ATL. Captain Scroggins was widowed in April 2002 with the passing of his wife Anna Mae Scroggins. Captain Scroggins had most recently resided at
139 Graves Road , Fayetteville GA 30214-1100

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 12:00-2:00 PM with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2000 Cobb Pkwy SE , Marietta GA.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?pid=164298457
Thank you,
~ Carol

=====================================

Obituary:

Bud Scroggins, World War II combat pilot and retired Delta pilot passed away Monday, April 15, 2013. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2013 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Links Golf Course, Fayetteville, Georgia.

Visitation: Friday, April 19, 2013, from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery
2000 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA
(770) 432-0771

Funeral Service: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 2:00pm
Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery
2000 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA
(770) 432-0771

====================================

SCROGGINS: Mrs. Anna Mae Scroggins: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA) - Tuesday, April 30, 2002

SCROGGINS: Mrs. Anna Mae Scroggins
Mrs. Anna Mae Scroggins, age 76 of Marietta, Georgia died Sunday, April 28, 2002. She was a homemaker, loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Scroggins is survived by her husband of 55 years, Durwood Scroggins; daughters and sons-in-law, Jean and Robert Roknick of Gainesville, GA; and Judge Nancy M. and Russ M. Campbell of Marietta; grandchildren, Cynthia Maddox Watson and William O. Watson of Powder Springs, GA; Carie Lyn Roknick of Gainesville; brothers, Hubert Turley of Culpepper, VA, James Turley of Lithia Springs, GA and Felton Turley of Hiram, GA. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 1st at 11 a.m. at the Canton Hill Chapel, with Dr. Albert Clarke officiating. Interment will follow at Georgia Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son, Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Rd., N.E., Marietta, GA 30068. 770-977-9485.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Susan Tagg, wife of NEA/DL Capt Albert 'Jim' Tagg

~ IN MEMORY ~
Susan Files Tagg, wife of ret. NEA/DL Capt. Albert ‘Jim’ Tagg
December 4, 1943 ~ April 9, 2013

News has reached us with the passing of Susan Files Tagg, wife of ret. NEA/DL pilot Lt Col (Ret) Albert “Jim” Tagg . Susan was 69 years of age at the time of her passing due to complications of cancer. To sign the online guestbook please visit http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/bdnmaine/guestbook.aspx?n=susan-tagg&pid=164285221&cid=view Susan is survived by her husband Captain Tagg and their children. Personal condolences may be sent to the family at

47 NW Boundary Drive , Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986-2238 ... (772) 873-2050

A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Maine.
Thank you,
~ Carol

-----------------------------------------
Life Story: Susan Files Tagg, 69, of Hampton Falls, NH passed away on April 9, 2013 in Tampa Florida surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Susan was born December 4, 1943 in Bangor, Maine, the daughter of Richard and Ellen Files. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1962 and received an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Westbrook Junior College in Portland. Susan was a member of the Bangor Junior League and loved horseback riding and spending time with her grandchildren.
Susan married Lt Col (Ret) Albert “Jim” Tagg at All Souls Church in Bangor on September 25, 1964. Susan and her husband raised three sons, James Jr, Richard, and Steven in Hampton Falls, NH. They enjoyed boating as a family and after Jim retired they spent much of their time on their motor home in Port St. Lucie, Florida and or on their boat in Boothbay, ME as members of the Down East Yacht Club.
Susan was predeceased by her mother, Ellen Hathorn Files, and her brother-in law Greg Stevens. She is survived by her father, Richard Files of Falmouth, ME, her husband of 47 years, Albert "Jim" Tagg, her 3 sons, Jim Tagg and wife Kimberly Tagg of Tampa FL, Richard Tagg of Walnut Creek, CA and Steven Tagg of Hampton Falls, NH, Granddaughters McKenna and Paige Tagg, Grandsons AJ and Clark Tagg, sister Judi Stevens of Yarmouth, ME, brother and sister-in-law Kip Files and Lorraine DuBeau of Rockland, ME and sister and brother-in-law Deb and Peter Dumas of Scarborough, ME and several nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held in Maine this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s name to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33623-3827 ......... or Life Path Hospice (Burgandy Team) Tampa, FL.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

NA/PAA/DL Capt. Conrad 'Connie' Gosheff

~ IN MEMORY ~
NAA/PAA/DL Capt. Conrad ‘Connie’ Gosheff
September 28, 1933 ~ April 12, 2013

    

Word has been received of the passing of USAF veteran and retired NA/PAA/DL pilot Captain ‘Connie’ Gosheff. Born/raised in Indiana, Conrad E. Gosheff was 79 years of age at the time of his unexpected passing following surgery. Captain Gosheff hired on with National Airlines and made the mergers with Pan American and Delta Air Lines. He retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1993, based Miami early in his career, then New York at the time of his retirement with Delta. To view/sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at http://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/obituaries

Survived by his wife Diane personal condolences may be sent to the family at
506 Smokerise Blvd., Longwood FL 32779-3343 .... (407) 774-3377

Arrangements have been entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home, Miami FL.
Services will be held April 20th from 1:30-2:30 PM at Wekiva Presbyterian Church, 211 Wekiva Springs Lane, Longwood FL. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IN MEMORY
NAL/PAA/DAL Captain Conrad "Connie" Gosheff
September 28, 1933-April 12, 2013

From: Steve Mills Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 7:20 AM Subject: Sad news-Captain Connie Gosheff

We lost a good friend and Pilot April 12th. Captain Conrad "Connie" Gosheff passed away peacefully following surgery. Many of us enjoyed flying with Connie and those who knew him knew he was a true gentleman and always professional. For memorial arrangements click on the link below. You may also leave a message for the family on the tribute wall.

Steve Mills

Diane requests you consider donating blood to your local blood bank in Connie's memory. Condolences may be mailed to her at home: Diane Gosheff, 506 Smoakrise Blvd., Longwood Fl 32779-3343   or email her at: dgosheff@cfl.rr.com

Mr. Conrad Gosheff, age 79 of Longwood, Florida, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. Mr. Gosheff was born on September 28, 1933 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).

A memorial service will be held at the Wekiva Presbyterian Church at 1:30 P.M. on April 20th.  Address is: WEKIVA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 211 WEKIVA SPRINGS LANE, LONGWOOD, FL. 32779     (407)869-1608
========================================

Airline pilot was always eager to try new things: Newspaper Obituary and Death Notice

Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - Sunday, April 21, 2013

Capt. Conrad Gosheff had a long, successful career as a pilot for commercial airlines, flying both domestic and international routes for nearly 30 years.


He was also a "really wonderful example of someone who just keeps going forward with true grit," said his wife, Diane, of Longwood.
Gosheff earned a nursing degree while flying for Pan Am World Airways, recovered from a debilitating illness, kept busy after retirement with volunteer work and learned to play an electric keyboard after suffering a major stroke.
"What I loved about him was he was always trying something new. Even if he was afraid of not doing well, he just kept going," said his daughter Hillary Philbrick, also of Longwood.
Gosheff, of Longwood, died April 12 of pancreatic cancer at age 79. He was remembered as a kind, patient man, devoted to his family and to the Presbyterian church.
"He had a tremendous faith. Everything was in God's hands," said daughter Laura Gosheff of New York City.
"He always thought the best of people," added daughter Leslie Gosheff of Brookline, Mass.
Gosheff was born in Indianapolis to a family that moved frequently. He graduated from Plant High School in Tampa in 1952 and from Memphis State College in 1956.
He considered medical school but was also in the Air Force ROTC program and decided to enlist after graduation. The Air Force trained him as a pilot, and he served eight years.
He was then hired by National Airlines, based in Miami. He continued to fly as the company was acquired by Pan Am and then Pan Am was taken over by Delta.
His interest in medicine lingered, however, so in the late 1970s, he enrolled in nursing school in Miami, where he met Diane, also a nursing student.
During that time, he developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, which left him paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator, his wife said. In time, he recovered, passed his flight physical to return to work and earned his nursing degree, which he used to help with airline medical programs and the occasional in-flight medical emergency.
The couple married in 1977, a second marriage for both that created a blended family with six children. The couple moved with the two youngest to Seminole County in 1979.
Gosheff was away from home frequently -- sometimes flying routes from New York City to Europe -- but was still a devoted father.
His son, Jay Philbrick, recalled playing in a soccer tournament in Tampa at age 12. He didn't expect his father to make the game but heard him cheering about halfway through the match.
Gosheff had finished work, hopped on a flight from New York to Tampa and then grabbed a cab to take him to the soccer field.
His older daughters sometimes had political disagreements with their father, they said, but loved his sweet personality and admired his determination, as evidenced by learning music after a 2004 stroke.
"It made you feel inspired, always. I think that a miracle could happen at any moment," said daughter Lesae Bradley of Boston.
Gosheff also is survived by five grandchildren.
DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland is handling arrangements.

Friday, April 12, 2013

WA/DL Capt. Sterling M. Wetzsteon

~ IN MEMORY ~
WA/DL Capt. Sterling M. Wetzsteon
January 18, 1941 ~ April 9, 2013   
     

News has been received with the passing of WA/DL Captain Sterling McDonald Wetzsteon, age 72. Captain Wetzsteon hired on with Western 04-07-1969 and retired with Delta at the mandatory age 60 in 2001. He was based LAX and at the time of his retirement was noted as First Officer based ATL/031.

To sign the online guestbook please visit the funeral home website at www.ponderosavalleyfunerals.com/Share Captain Wetzsteon is survived by his wife Paula, and his daughters Jill, Julie and Keri. Personal condolences may be sent to the home address: 
2522 McCrea Road , Thousand Oaks CA 91362-1124 ... (805) 529-0745

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be in Sula, Montana.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services of Parker CO.

From: Dick Deeds Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 12:20 PM To: pilots@wallybird.com
Subject: Passing of WAL/DAL Captain Sterling Wetzsteon
Dick
Sterling Wetzsteon passed away Tuesday (4/09/2013).
No services, a party is pending at his ranch in Montana!
Cards would be nice for his wife of 50+ years!
Paula Wetzsteon
2522 McCrea Road
Thousand Oaks, Ca. 91360
Sorry for the sad news
Bruce
-----------------------------------------------------------
Preserving the land: Bitter Root Land Trust works with Sula family for largest-ever conservation easement

Sterling Wetzsteon poses next to his favorite East Fork of the Bitterroot River fishing hole with his three daughters, Keri Churchich, Julie George and Jill Applebury. The family is working to put together a conservation easement on their historic Sula area ranch that will protect it forever from development.


April 8, 2013 SULA – On a hillside overlooking meadows just down the road from the wide spot in the road called Sula is a small farmhouse with a big picture window. For years, Edgar Wetzsteon, kept watch over the Lazy J Cross Ranch from there.
“He knew every car in the county who came down that road,” said Edgar’s granddaughter, Julie George. “With his binoculars, he oversaw everything that was going on down below.”
And when something needed tending, he’d hop in his green Ford pickup truck with the shovel stuck straight up in the air from its bed and zoom down through the field.
His three grown granddaughters couldn’t help but smile when they remembered that.
The old truck had a long-handled shifter and whoever had the misfortune of sitting in the middle had to keep close watch to avoid a bruised knee.
On a fine spring morning last week, the three traveled the same dirt two-track road across the meadow to the favorite fishing hole on the East Fork of the Bitterroot.
They remembered catching grasshoppers and putting them in old Band-Aid cans for bait or turning over cow pies to find the worms that worked well too.
They remembered family outings, float trips and things about their grandfather that made them laugh.
They made the ride with their father, Sterling Wetzsteon, who sat in the front to enjoy the view.
“That’s where I grew up,” Wetzsteon said. “Right up there. This has always been home.”
The Sula Basin has been home to the Wetzsteon family since 1888, when a passel of them gave up on the mines at Marysville and decided to try to their luck with agriculture.................................................................

DL Capt. Robert D. Craft

~ IN MEMORY ~
Vietnam war veteran, DL Capt. Robert ‘Bob’ D. Craft
January 21, 1943 ~ April 10, 2013



Word has been received with the passing of decorated USAF Vietnam war veteran, retired DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Robert Donald Craft, age 70. Captain Craft hired on with Delta 02-26-1973 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 2003. He was based MIA/ATL/PDX and flew international routes for much of his commercial airline career.

To view/sign the online guestbook and to read the complete obituary, please visit the funeral home website at http://www.brownandsonsfuneral.com/

Survived by his wife, PAA/DL retired F/A Alycia Araneo Craft, personal condolences may be sent to the Craft’s residence at
701 Binnacle Point Drive , Longboat Key FL 34228-1603 .... (941) 387-7017

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory of Bradenton, FL have been entrusted with arrangements.

---------------------------------------------

Craft, Capt. Robert
•Name: Craft, Capt. Robert
•Died: 4/10/13

Capt. Robert Craft of Longboat Key, FL passed away on April 10, 2013, at the age of 70.

Bob was born in Louisville, KY on January 21, 1943. He was the son of Robert & Elma Craft of KY.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Alycia Araneo Craft formerly of Charleston, S.C. His sister, Barbara Jarvis & husband, Dennis Jarvis; brother, John Craft & his wife, Linda Craft; nieces, Angela Bowman & Vallerie Becker; nephews, Matthew & Michael Craft.

Bob attended Winter Park High School in Winter Park Florida, & after moving to Okinawa he graduated from Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan in 1961. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1965. He was active in the ROTC program and created The Capt. Bob Craft Scholarship Fund. Bob was a member of the (Pike)Pi kappa Alpha Fraternity .Among his many achievements, Bob entered the USAF and served two tours as a C-130 Pilot in Vietnam, from 1967 -1969, where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry and airmanship. He returned to Langley AFB and served as an Instructor Pilot until 1973, when he began his career with Delta Air Lines.
Throughout his life he stayed very active in many patriotic veteran associations.

This news has been received with the passing of Delta Airlines Pilot, Captain Robert Donald Craft. Captain Craft had a 30 year career with Delta Air Lines, hired February 26, 1973 and retired at mandatory age of 60 in 2003. Captain Craft was based in Miami. Florida, Atlanta, Georgia, and Portland, Oregon. Captain Craft flew International the majority of his 30 year career crossing the Atlantic to Europe, the Pacific to Asia and many Delta routes to South America. One of his most memorable days in Commercial Flying was on September 11, 2001. He was the Captain of Delta Flight 109, originating in Madrid, Spain bound for Atlanta, Georgia. He & his fellow Pilots together made the decision to make the difficult landing of their B-767ER in the Azores at Santa Maria Island on a WWII Runway to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

He met Alycia, the love of his life, and married in August 1977 at the Ernest Hemingway Home in Key West Florida. Alycia who flew with Pan American World Airways as a Flight Attendant & Purser from 1965 until 1991. After Pan American went into bankruptcy, Alycia was hired by Delta Air Lines & together Alycia & Bob flew many overseas trips together until 2002 when Alycia retired. Bob's Retirement trip was Delta Flight from Milan, Italy to Atlanta in Jan. 2003

In 1979 Bob & Alycia purchased 150 Acres, with creeks and a 14 Acres Lake, in Fayetteville, Georgia.  During the 34 years they built a large barn, fenced all the land, then purchased Beef cattle. Built 4 more Ponds, stocked them & one pond was with a variety of Koi. In 1987,

The Craft's built their Dream Home, never to leave. Approaching Retirement age, The Craft's purchased a 2nd home on Longboat Key, FL. on the Sarasota Bay & The Inter Coastal Waterway.

After Retirement, their decision was to move full time to Florida and have the best of both worlds, The Gulf of Mexico and the serenity of their beautiful farm......Environ.

Memorial Service will be at a later date.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel in charge.

In lieu of flowers Please send donations to The Wounded Warrior Project in Jacksonville, Florida, website: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ 

Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com 
--------------------------------------------------------------

...complete online story and more pictures may be viewed at http://www.lbknews.com/2013/04/12/longboater-robert-craft-takes-final-flight/ 

Longboater Robert Craft takes final flight
STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com
No one loved his country, his wife, Alycia, and Longboat Key more than long-time Emerald Harbor resident Robert Donald Craft.
Married 35 years, his dedication to Alycia is matched with two tours in Vietnam piloting 1,172 missions in a C 130s, earning the Distinguished Flying Medal and then flying for Delta in a 30-year piloting career.........................................
Alycia and Bob Craft
And for a man who stopped counting when his plane took on 200 bullet holes, Craft was a highly sensitive man who said he started reading the Bible for the first time in Vietnam and was forced to reconcile what at first blush seemed irreconcilable, valuing life while shooting at the enemy.
That experience turned Craft into the man he became, the man who married Alycia, and the man who slipped into death by her side last Wednesday, April 10 at exactly 4 p.m. in the afternoon.
Last Monday morning, only two days before his passing, Bob’s mind was lucid, his spirit strong and he found in his heart the will to talk.
“I wanted to be a pilot from the first day I saw an airplane,” Craft said. It turns out that flying was part of Craft’s family life from his earliest memories, flying and the Air Force was his life.
In fact, the Craft family served the country over many generations — five generations served in the military dating back to the Revolutionary war.
Bob’s father, Robert Craft, joined the Air Corps in 1939 ......................................................
Transformation
After flying 1,172 missions, Craft said he grew to question, resent and grow troubled by the way soldiers were treated as much by the government as anyone else.
Craft said he grew up with the attitude and practice of treating military people and those who served with respect.
“My dad taught me we have to treat military people well, and to hold them close to you and protect them. You make sure they eat first and you eat second. In World War II, they threw everything at the soldiers, but in Vietnam, they just used us up,” said Craft.......................

Thursday, April 11, 2013

DL Capt. Creigh W. Taylor Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Creigh W. Taylor
September 3, 1926 ~ April 10, 2013


 (September 1946, NAS Pensacola, Florida...Creigh is standing 2nd man from left)

Word has been received with the passing of retired DL pilot and Delta Golden Wings member Captain Creigh Walton Taylor Jr., age 86. Creigh Jr. was the son of the late Creigh and Maude Taylor of Macon, Georgia. Captain Taylor hired on with Delta Air Lines 01-04-1951 and retired at the mandatory age 60 in 1986, based ATL. Survived by his wife Gloria personal condolences may be sent to the Taylor home at
6061 Heards Dr NW , Atlanta, GA 30328-4714 .... (770) 955-3360
Arrangements are pending and will be advised when known.
Thank you,
~ Carol 

WAL Capt. Jack L. Keyes

Update:   The celebration of life for Jack Keyes yesterday was a memorable event for a memorable man. It was held at his home in Corona Del Mar which is located on a hill overlooking Newport Beach. Numerous Wallybirds were in attendance.

Although Jack had an outgoing personality, he was modest about his own accomplishments. Many of us did not learn until yesterday that Jack had received a Distinguished Flying Cross for flying the hump in Burma during World War II. Jack also had been awarded 4 Air Medals during WWII. He remained in the Air Force Reserves after the war and eventually retired as a Lt. Coronel.

Initially the crowd gathered in the house where a slide show of memorable photos was displayed continually on a television screen. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd was invited to step to the back yard for a ceremony.

The local chapter of the American Legion provided a Color Guard. Following the playing of the National Anthem, the color guard marched into Jack's back yard where the crowd was gathered. Shortly thereafter, a P-51 with Air Force markings flew a pass over the back yard (the fly by must have been coordinated with nearby John Wayne Airport). The color guard performed an honorary firing of rifles and folding of the American flag. A member of the American Legion (a former C-130 pilot in Viet Nam) read details of Jack's military record. Next, a Distinguished Flying Cross was then presented to Jack's son and two daughters along with the folded American flag.

As I said initially, it was a memorable event for a memorable man. Jack was a great guy who lived a good life.

Ev
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are invited to celebrate the life of our father

Jack Lyndon Keyes

1923-2013

Saturday May 11th

2:00 pm till 6:00 pm

15 Point Loma Drive

Corona del Mar, California 92625

Please reply to this email:

lisa.lundrigan@gmail.com   with your RSVP

We hope you can make it and share your memories with us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Jack L. Keyes

June 18, 1923 ~ April 10, 2013

Correction/Update: Captain Keyes actually retired at age 73 and not age 60. At age 60 he returned as a Flight Engineer on the DC10 with Western until the Delta merger, and then he was an L1011 FE until age 73. As noted in the October 1996 issue of DeltaDigest, Jack retired with 46 years of service, Second Officer based 030/LAX.



Arrangements have not been advised yet but will be posted when known.
Thank you,
~ Carol

 




~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Jack L. Keyes

June 18, 1923 ~ April 10, 2013



Word has reached us that WA/DL Captain Jack L. Keyes has passed away today due complications of prostate cancer. Born/raised in the Los Angeles area, Jack was 89 years of age at the time of his passing. Captain Keyes hired on with Western 10-07-1949 and retired at age 73. After age 60, Jack returned as a Flight Engineer on the DC10 with Western until the Delta merger, and then he was an L1011 FE until age 73. As noted in the October 1996 issue of DeltaDigest, Jack retired with 46 years of service, Second Officer based 030/LAX.

Captain Keyes had most recently resided at
15 Point Loma Drive , Corona Del Mar CA 92625-1027
Arrangements are pending and will be advised when known.
Thank you,
~ Carol