DL Capt Don Fowler

   ~~ In Memory ~~

DL Capt Don Fowler

     DOD 9/21/2018

I wish to thank Larry Whitesell for sharing the sad news about Capt Don Fowler’s passing.  Please see below in this notice for details and passing on condolences. 

Sorry to pass the news that Don Fowler passed away on the 21st of September. He has lived in Pattaya Beach, Thailand since going on long term disability around 1996. Don was a Navy pilot flying a carrier onboard delivery aircraft during Vietnam years. He started with Western and moved to Delta on that merger. 

His first wife Carmen was a Flight Attendant on American Flt 191 DC-10 crash at ORD. There were no survivors.

His current wife, Gae and his son Ghet, 20, were with him at passing. He was proud to have been sober for 36 years. He was a member of the VFW Pattaya chapter and contributed to the Father Ray foundation for orphaned Thai children.

Don was diagnosed with bone cancer just a few months ago. He also was fighting the early stages of Alzheimer's. But he was alert and I could talk with him about the old days flying the Pacific in the L-1011 out of PDX

There will be a Buddhist ceremony for him in about one week.

Larry Whitesell - Capt. PDX retired oxpilot@gmail.com

When an obit and/or more information becomes available about Capt Fowler, we will update this page and notice. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Sztanyo, PCN Dir

Mark.pcndir@gmail.com

DL Capt Joe Crosson, Jr

   ~~ In Memory ~~

DL Capt Joe Crosson, Jr

     1931 ~ 2018

I wish to thank Buzz Splittgerber for sharing the sad news about Capt Crosson’s passing.  Please see below within this notice for details and for passing on condolences. 

Joe E Crosson Jr. passed peacefully on September 15th 2018 at his home in Ketchum Idaho after watching his favorite University of Washington Huskies win their football game. He was born on July 16, 1931 in Fairbanks Alaska to noted Alaskan bush pilot Joe Crosson Sr and Lillian Osborn Crosson. 

The family moved from Fairbanks to Seattle in 1941. There Joe graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949 and then attended the University of Washington where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduating he entered the Army to complete his ROTC commitment. In 1954 he completed his flight training requirements and became a flight instructor at Ft. Rucker Alabama, and remained a flight instructor for the duration of his tour. Joe was hired as a commercial airline pilot with Pacific Northern Airlines in 1958. Through airline mergers with Western Airlines and Delta, he retired as a 767 Captain in 1991.

Joe first visited Sun Valley in 1952 on a ski trip with college friends. He continued to visit Sun Valley during the years he lived and worked in Seattle and Anchorage. Joe was a competitive ski racer throughout his adult life. He participated in many of the original International Airline Ski Races at the Alyeska Ski Resort in the early 1960’s, and was captain of the Pacific Northern Airlines and Western Airlines ski teams. He moved permanently to Sun Valley Idaho in 1972 where he continued to enjoy his many outdoor passions including alpine and cross country skiing, fly fishing, bicycling, backpacking, and wind surfing. He enjoyed the camaraderie in many organizations including USSA Masters Ski Racing, Ancient Skiers, The American Legion, and the Sun Valley Ski Club.

Joe is survived by his three children and their spouses; sons Joe Crosson III (Susan) Anchorage AK and Peter Crosson (Shannon) Park City Ut, daughter Kathy Crosson (Stuart Siderman) Sun Valley ID; his grandchildren, Lauren Crosson, Ellen Crosson, Chase Englehart, Claire Siderman, Aiden Crosson, Ian Crosson and Luc Crosson. He remained close to his first wife Joan Espe-Grubb, his second wife Catherine Carley and her children Marshal Rawlings and Ashley Anderson (Curtis). He is also survived by his siblings, Dr. Robert Crosson, Don Crosson and Susan Fraser, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 201 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID at 2:00 pm Saturday October 13th 2018. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the service.

Chapel Obit: http://woodriverchapel.com/book-of-memories/3611228/Crosson-Joe/index.php

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Sztanyo, PCN Dir

Mark.pcndir@gmail.com

PAA Capt Dentis S. McDaniel, 81

   ~~ In Memory ~~

Capt Dentis S. McDaniel, 81

   DOD  9-15-2018

I wish to thank Robert Crawford for sharing the sad news about Capt McDaniel’s passing.  Please see below in this notice for details and passing on condolences. 

Dentis S. McDaniel

Satellite Beach - Dentis McDaniel of Satellite Beach went to be with Jesus on September 15, 2018 at the age of 81. His sweet spirit and loving heart will always be remembered by his wife of almost 60 years, Jean, his children, daughter Melanie (Miguel) Gonzalez, sons Michael and Monty (Sally) McDaniel and his 7 grandchildren, Jordan, Brenna, Ryan, Ashley, Sydney, Alexa and Brielle.

He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky. After 6 years as an Air Force Pilot, he became a commercial pilot for National Airlines which later became Pan Am. His last ten years before retirement were spent flying the B747 internationally. He loved his boat, "Flying High" and he and Jean had many trips and adventures on her.

Dentis was a member of Eau Gallie Yacht Club. In 2011 he became Commodore of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs. He took great pleasure in singing in the choir of Trinity Wellsprings Church, where he was a member.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 22 at Trinity Wellsprings Church. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or Easter Seals.

Published in FLORIDA TODAY from Sept. 20 to Sept. 21, 2018

Legacy Obit: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/floridatoday/obituary.aspx?n=dentis-s-mcdaniel&pid=190265810

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mark Sztanyo, PCN Dir
mark.pcndir@gmail.com

NWA/DL pilot Mark Duxbury

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL pilot Mark Duxbury

August 9, 1952 ~ August 14, 2018

 

Notification with the passing of Northwest/Delta pilot Mark Duxbury, age 66.  Mark is survived by his wife Julie.

To view Mark’s obituary online please visit

http://www.bradshawfuneral.com/obituary/Mark-Duxbury/Stillwater-Minnesota/1810022 

...also available online at

http://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000269417/?fullname=mark-duxbury

We have limited information....if you have additional information/corrections, please know that it is always appreciated.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary.............................

Duxbury, Mark age 66 of Stillwater, passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2018 after a strong and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Mark was a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, friend, pilot, CPA, and passionate golfer. Born August 9, 1952 in New Prague, MN Mark graduated from the University of Minnesota with high distinction with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He went on to become a pilot where he worked at Northwest Airlines for 25 years. After learning of his diagnosis, Mark went back to school at age 51. Graduating from the University of St. Thomas with an MBA, he proceeded to become a CPA. He is survived by his wife, Julie; sons, Ryan & Andrew; brothers, Paul (Laurie), Tom (Kathy); sister, Anne (John) Renaker, and other nieces, nephews, family & friends. Mark's determination was an inspiration. Visitation Wednesday, August 22, 5:00-7:00PM, with a memorial service 7:00PM at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER, 2800 Curvecrest Blvd, Stillwater MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the donor's choice.

Bradshaw 651-439-5511

PAA/DL Capt. Einar Jens Mogensen

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, PAA/DL  Capt. Einar Jens Mogensen

October 9, 1936 ~ August 7, 2018

 

Notification with the passing of retired Pan Am/Delta pilot Captain Einar Jens Mogensen, age 81.  Captain Mogensen joined Pan American 09-12-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1996, based 030/QNY.  He is survived by his wife Nan, his children and grandchildren.

To view the obituary online please visit

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/spokesman/obituary.aspx?n=einar-j-mogensen&pid=189882039

Our information is limited....additional information/corrections are always appreciated and will be passed along.

             Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary...........

Einar Jens Mogensen died on August 7, 2018 in Spokane of an aortic aneurysm. He was born to Jens and Anna Mogensen on the family farm near Wells, Minnesota, on October 9, 1936. Einar attended a one room country school through the eighth grade. Shortly after high school, he married Beverly Paulson. They were blessed with three daughters: Leslie Carson, Lisa Vann, and Kirsten Lara. After working his way through Mankato State University, Einar joined the U.S. Navy and served as a pilot, flying surveillance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his Naval career, Einar flew for Pan AM for 25 years and Delta Airlines for 15 years. At his 45th high school reunion, Einar renewed his friendship with his high school classmate, Nan Gray. They were married in 2001 and have enjoyed a life of travel, especially to Alaska, sports events, and close neighborhood friendships. Einar was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Don and David, and sister Betty. He is survived by his wife Nan, brother Martin, his three daughters, and six grandchildren, as well as three step-children Jonathan Gray, Shelly Pearson, Lissa Olson, and six step-grandchildren. His memorial service will be celebrated on August 18, 2018 at 1 pm at St. Aloysius Church, 330 E. Boone Ave., Spokane. Reverend Robert McNeese will officiate. Donations in Einar's memory may be made to the Union Gospel Mission or to the House of Charity.

WA/DL Capt. Henry 'Ted' T. Weidemueller Jr.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Henry T. Weidemueller Jr.

July 26, 1940 ~ August 20, 2018

 

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Henry ‘Ted’ T. Weidemueller Jr., age 78.  Captain Weidemueller joined Western Airlines 04-22-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2000 as F/O, based 030/LAX.

To view Captain Weidemueller’s obituary online please visit

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/culver-city-ca/henry-weidemueller-jr-7969170

Should more information be received we will be sure to pass it along.

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary..................

Henry T. Weidemueller, 78, entered into glory on Monday, August 20.

After graduation from George Washington University in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, Henry served his country in the United States Air Force from 1962 to1967. After completion of his service, Captain Weidemueller began his 32-year career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines. He retired in 2000.

 

Henry – or Ted, as he was known to many -- was devoted to his neighborhood church, Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Westchester (Los Angeles). For 50 years, Ted served his church in countless unselfish ways. He was a Vestry member, also serving as both junior and senior warden. He served faithfully at the altar, assisting in both services on Sundays. He was also the church’s unofficial caretaker.

 

Besides caring for the church, Ted was best known for his warm, munificent “big” hugs on Sunday mornings -- an expression of his generous and caring spirit.

 

Now we entrust him to the care of God, leaning on God’s everlasting arms.

 

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at Holy Nativity, 6700 West 83rd Street in Westchester on Saturday, September 1, at 10:00 A.M. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, will follow the service.

 

All are welcome to a reception at Holy Nativity following the interment.

 

In keeping with Ted’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in thanksgiving for Ted’s life.  

DL Capt. Charles Alfred Dixon II

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Charles A. Dixon II

January 12, 1937 ~ August 29, 2018

 

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Alfred Dixon II, age 81. Captain Dixon joined Delta Air Lines 10-28-1963 and retired in December 1996, and was based 031/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Nancy, their children and grandchildren, plus many other family members and friends. 

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit 

http://www.toalebrothers.com/obituary/captain-charles-dixon-ii 

Obituary information is also available online at

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldtribune/obituary.aspx?n=captain-charles-alfred-dixon-ii&pid=190104066

Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 15th at 11:00 AM, at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota. 

For those wishing to send a personal note, condolences may be sent to the Dixon family at

7786 Fairway Woods Drive, Sarasota FL 34238-2868.

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary.........................

Charles has made his last flight from this world, and we would like to say our final farewell to our deeply loved husband, father, brother and friend, Charles (Chuck) Dixon, 81 years of age.

 

Only the life of a pilot could have served his itinerant spirit fully. Chuck's passion for flying was his defining quality. We loved his characteristic optimism, generosity, loyalty and gentility; all virtues that stemmed from his inner kindness, and carried over into his family life, all-involving professional flying career, and governed his dealings with all whom he met.

 

Chuck is survived by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Barbara Vincent, together with her life's partner, Debbie Moore; and, Donna Sexton, her husband Redge, and the sisters' combined five daughters; his two prides and joys, his sons Cory and Scott, with Scott's family, his wife Holly, and their irrepressibly adorable daughters, Brooklynn, and twins, Savannah and Emilia. Further, he is survived by his stepdaughters, Heather Palmer Roberts, her son Andrew, and Allyson Palmer.

 

While here, Chuck owned biplanes, his dear-to-him Clubhouse Lounge, flew relief humanitarian aid into Haiti, and troops into Desert Storm. He made smile, far too many to count, and picked up more tabs than the law should have allowed. He was a genuine and truehearted father to his beloved sons, and, as for his wife Nancy, he never let her forget that she was his prize.

 

Chuck left this life as he lived it, peacefully and surrounded by family. He lived a life most mere men rarely dream of; he was loved for who he was, and, he did what he loved. Chuck was a man for all time, and we will always keep him space in our hearts. He will be forever missed.

 

A celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 am at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Avenue, Sarasota.

RW/NWA Capt. Ronald Evan Bloom

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, RW/NWA Capt. Richard Evan Bloom

December 29, 1930 ~ August 6, 2018

 

This news has been received .... retired Northwest pilot Captain Ronald Evan Bloom, age 87, passed away on August 6th in Bellevue, Washington.  Memorial services for Captain Bloom are planned for September 16th at the Newport Yacht Club in Bellevue. 

Contact krbloom@comcast.net or kurtbloom@gmail.com for details.

Please see obituary with more information below. 

Captain Bloom’s obituary may also be viewed online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/ronald-bloom-obituary?pid=189856055

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Memorial and celebration services will be held 12pm to 4pm, Sunday September 16th

at the Newport Yacht Club located at 81 Skagit Key, Bellevue WA. 98006

https://www.newportshoreswa.org/

Contact krbloom@comcast.net  or kurtbloom@gmail.com  for details.

 

Ronald E. Bloom, 87, passed away on August 6th in Bellevue while surrounded by family. Memorial and celebration services will be held 12pm to 4pm, Sunday September 16th at the Newport Yacht Club located at 81 Skagit Key, Bellevue WA. 98006 Contact krbloom@comcast.net or kurtbloom@gmail.com for details.

 

Ron was born in Tacoma Washington to Monroe and Hannah May Bloom on December 29th, 1930. He graduated from Stadium High School and went on to the University of Washington where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.

 

After graduating with his BA degree, he served in the USAF until 1958 earning the rank of Captain. Honorably discharged, he began his long career as a commercial pilot beginning with Aloha Airlines and retiring from Northwest.

 

During his flying days, he met and married Mary J Burr of Kirkland and they soon had two sons. Along with a great passion for skiing and American classic cars came long standing memberships in the LCOC, LZOC, CTCI, CCCA as well as the Northwest Classic Boat Society and the Ski Kings. His love of classic cars afforded his young family a unique view of the country, most often from inside his 1947 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet.

 

Ron is survived by his two sons, Ronald L with his wife Kelly, Kurt E, his older Brother Jim Bloom of Everett, his three grandsons Kevin, Connor and Monty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Visiting Angels and Providence Hospice for their dedicated support and unending kindness.

 

His family will hold a private interment at Acacia Memorial Park.

 

http://www.hughesairwest.com/Obits/Bloom.htm

NWA/DL Capt. Ronald T. Bowlen

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Ronald T. Bowlen

May 11, 1956 - September 6, 2018

 

News has reached our group with the passing of Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Ronald Thomas Bowlen, age 62.  Captain Bowlen joined Northwest Airlines on his birth day 05-11-1984 and continued on with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Barbara, their children and grandchildren, plus many dear friends and colleagues.

To share your memories and offer condolences online, also to view photos, please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.flowermoundfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ronald-Bowlen-2/#!/Obituary 

A graveside service for Captain Bowlen is planned for tomorrow

September 11th from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at

Rolling Oaks Memorial Park, 400 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell, TX 75019.

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary for Ronald Thomas Bowlen.....................

Ronald Thomas Bowlen, 62, passed away at home September 6 with family at his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 11, 1956 in Wichita Falls, Ron was the son of Robert and Geneva Bowlen. He was a 1974 graduate of Hirschi High School in Wichita Falls, and a 1978 graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. A man of many hobbies, Ron was fortunate to be able to turn his hobby of flying airplanes into a wonderful career. His aviation-related employment included Flight Instructor, Corporate Pilot, Charter Pilot, and more than three decades as a Commercial Airline Pilot. Hired by Northwest Airlines on his birthday in 1984, Ron was based in various cities – including Honolulu and Anchorage – and flew numerous airplanes in his airline career but had a special fondness for the Boeing 747-200. His job allowed opportunities to see the world, and also provided stretches of time at home as his children were in school and participating in many activities. Ron became a Delta Air Lines pilot when Northwest and Delta merged in 2008. Being grounded for health reasons in recent years meant trading his role as “Captain Ron” for the role of “Poppy” to his precious grandchildren and allowed the building of special memories for all.

 

Ron is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years, Barbara (Prien); daughter Libby (and husband Ryan) Boyles, daughter Becky (and husband Erik) Powers; and grandchildren Landon Powers and Layla Boyles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Geneva. A graveside service is planned, and Ron’s request was that – in lieu of flowers – a donation to the non-profit agency All Kidz, Inc. (allkidz.org, 7315 NW 105th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73162) be considered, to provide extracurricular opportunities for foster children.

 

---

: Sunday, September 09, 2018 12:28 PM

To: death.flwnwst@gmail.com

news received via visit to our website:   https://www.flowermoundfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ronald-Bowlen-2/#!/Obituary

from:  RJ Crawford 

Contact Email  crawgarden@aol.com  Phone  (612) 310 4771

Janet Lord, wife of DL Capt. W. Robert Lord

~ IN MEMORY ~

Janet ‘Jan’ Lord, wife of DL Capt. W. Robert Lord

July 6, 1946 ~ August 30, 2018

 

News has reached our group with the passing of Mrs. Janet Louise Lord, wife of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain W. Robert Lord.  Jan was 72 years of age at the time of her passing.  She is survived by her husband Robert, their children and grandchildren.  Services for Jan are planned for this Saturday, September 8th in Marietta, Georgia.

To view the obituary online and share memories, please visit the funeral home website at https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Janet-Lord-2/ 

Obituary information may also be viewed online at

http://testwp.tecnavia.com/mariettadaily/site/category/obituaries/  and

https://www.mdjonline.com/obituaries/janet-louise-lord/article_9adec15a-b0ac-11e8-8f35-c31d3debf66f.html

To the best of my knowledge and per whitepages listing, personal condolences may be sent to the family at

3561 Stone Drive, Marietta GA 30062-1256

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary..............................

Janet Louise Lord, 72, of Ironton Ohio passed away August 30, 2018.

 

She has made her home in Marietta, Ga. for 42 years. Jan Lord, daughter of the late Edward Holschuh and the late Claire Smith, died after a long battle with Lymphoma. She is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Jen Lord, son Rob Lord and his wife Ashley, and Sister Pam Trapani. She is also survived by five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Ed Holschuh.

 

She Graduated from the University of Colorado and was married to Robert for 51 years. Jan was a devout Christian, accomplished artist, poet and active community volunteer. She will be greatly missed. Her love flowed to everyone she knew.

 

Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, September 8, at Mount Bethel North in Cobb County. The address is 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta, Ga. 30062. The family will receive friends following the service. Casual dress please.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Adult Enrichment Ministry, C/O Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, Ga. 30068. Jan avidly supported and helped run that ministry until her passing.

PAA Capt. Leslie C. Brissette

~ IN MEMORY ~

PAA Capt. Leslie C. Brissette

September 29, 1915 ~ August 26, 2018

 

News has reached us with the passing of early Pan Am pilot Captain Leslie Carlye Brissette, nearing his 103rd birthday at the time of his passing on Sunday evening August 26th.  Online memories and condolences may be shared at 

  https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/leslie-brissette-7974892

Funeral Home Services were entrusted to El Camino Memorial, Sorrento Valley & El Camino Memorial Park of San Diego, CA. (858) 453-2121  Note that the funeral home had incorrectly dated Captain Brissette’s death as August 2nd....I’ve contacted the funeral home and they are in the process of making a correction to their mistake.  Captain Brissette was widowed in 2010 with the passing of his wife Lilo.  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/lilo-brissette-obituary?pid=143977791

Captain Brissette was also predeceased by his son Leslie Jr. who perished in 1976

  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/411204/leslie-c-brissette 

The funeral home tells me that no services were planned and no full online obituary is available, but I did find a Pan Am newsletter article from the year 2015 noting Captain Brissette’s 100th birthday and his life story...please see below.

                Thank you,

                    ~ Carol for the PCN

 

Clipper Pilot Les Brissette Celebrates 100th Birthday

by Pat MacKay

https://nanopdf.com/download/above-and-beyond-pan-am-historical-foundation_pdf

 

September 29, 2015 marks the 100th birthday of Captain Leslie C. Brissette.  Always sunny and optimistic, Les has a funny rejoinder ready for any question or quip. He goes armed with a pocket full of jokes to keep any crowd laughing -- whether it’s the churchgoing ladies or the bridge playing guys. 

 

He’s the toast of the dining room at the Vi at La Jolla where he moved about 5 years ago. Who can resist the charm of a Sky God bearing bottles of carefully curated wine to dinner? Great way to make friends! 

 

Born and brought up on a farm in Saranac, New York, Les declares that he “didn’t see much future in farming and it sure wasn’t paying” so he took a temporary Civil Service job with the 1940 census.

 

With WWII on the horizon, the government set up seven “free” flight training schools around the country and Les was assigned to what he refers as “Parkersburg, West-By-God Virginia” and started training on the UPF 7. “Very maneuverable” he recalls. Then he transferred to Northeastern’s flight school in Burlington Vermont where PAA came recruiting.

 

Next stop, 4th officer on the Flying Boats out of Miami (where he claims his job was sorting US Mail) , then the Boats out of La Guardia to Lisbon. Back to Miami, on to Panama and then to the IGS. Like many of the IGS pioneers he and his family started out living in England but ultimately moved to Berlin where he retired in 1975.

 

Then, Les and his wife Lilo began a new career of adventures. It included 270,000 miles in a mo-bile home, residences around the country and a ranch in Colorado before they settled down in the San Diego area favored by many of the pioneer pilot crew.

 

He stays in regular touch with a number of the old PAA gang in-cluding Dewy Hoffman, John Bell, Bill Box, Bill Nash, Richie Stewart, Clipper Pilot Les Brissette Celebrates 100th BirthdayBy Pat MacKaywidow of Charlie Stewart, and Gudy Barnholt, widow of Barney Barnholt.

 

Comfortably ensconced at the Vi in La Jolla, Les goes out for lunch most days and keeps them laughing in the dining room in the evening. Family, friend — and with a bit of luck some of the PAA gang — are planning a series of celebrations of Les’ first triple digit birthday. With his trademark sense of humor, Les attributes his lon-gevity to a diet of “beer and bacon on a daily basis.”

----------

Pat MacKay, daughter of Clipper Pilot Tom MacKay, has known Les since her first trip to Berlin in 1958. Tom and Les first met during WWII in a layover barracks on the Africa routes and always stayed close. Tom went on to follow Les to Panama and then to Berlin. Tom retired flying the 747s out of LAX in 1980.

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

Wife Lilo obituary...............BRISSETTE, LILO C.

Lilo C. Brissette, born on October 15, 1926, died on July 3, 2010, after a long illness. Born in Koln, Germany, she immigrated with her parents to Canada; back to Germany at the beginning of World War II. She worked as Hospital Secretary with the American military in Wiesbaden. Took a tour of East Berlin where we met, dated and married in Woking, England, over 53 years ago.

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

Begin forwarded message:

Subject:  Les Brissette’€s Final Flight

................... he was in a nursing/retirement community in La Jolla in the years when I caught up with him again at 100.  His family was gone.  He had one son who was a 141 plane commander in the Air Force.  That is until he crashed in Newfoundland with all lost.  I’m sure that you remember the accident. Less was a skipper on the 727 in Berlin when he retired.  That is where I flew with him.  There isn’t much else to tell.  He is one of the last if not the last of the old boat skippers at Pan Am.  The end of an era.  All the best, Dave.  Denny

..... Sadly it is time to remove number two from your list….  Les Brissette a truly great guy has flown West.  He passed on the 26th.  Pat MacKay, address below, looked after Les’€™s affairs.  Her Dad was a Pan Am Captain also who passed a long time ago.  He was a good buddy of Les.   Thanks for adding Les to your list.  He was bright and cheery right up to his passing.  Dennis

Begin forwarded message: Pat McKay < mackayonline@gmail.com >

...............He headed west about Sunset on Sunday evening...we were all lucky to have had such a wonderful man in our lives.  One month shy of his 103rd birthday!  The last of the Greatest Generation.

 

.... sad news about one great individual.  He truly was my favorite Captain.  Rest in peace, Les.  Thank you for being my friend.  I was honored.  As you say Pat, he was one of the "Greatest Generation."   ........................