NWA Capt. Robert Dudley Shumway

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Robert Dudley Shumway

April 29, 1939 ~ March 16, 2022

 

From the retired Northwest Pilots group we learn of the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Bob Shumway, age 82.   

--Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

It is my onerous duty to inform you that NWA Captain Robert D. Shumway, age 82, died Wednesday, March 16th of a blood related issue, perhaps deep vein thrombosis. Bob was hired by NWA on 5/15/1967. There are no details available at this time regarding a memorial service. I will pass them on as they become available. Our condolences go to his wife Ingrid and family.  WRD --

From Ingrid Shumway’s facebook page: “With the deepest sorrow and a broken heart I lost my dearest husband totally unexpectedly! We are all in great shock of Bob’s sudden passing. I know he loved all our many friends scattered around the globe! Please keep him in your memories and prayers!”

For those who may wish to send a personal note, the family address is listed in whitepages as

13104 Thomas Rd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329.

As more information is received we will pass it along.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

...........................................

Robert D. Shumway 

1939 ~ 2022

Captain Robert (Bob) D. Shumway, age 82, was born on April 29, 1939, in Hollywood, CA to Kenneth and Roberta Shumway. Bob has three sisters; he was the third of the four children. He grew up in Halcyon, CA, where his father was a general construction contractor.

He attended High school in Arroyo Grande, CA and college at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA.

Bob held several summer jobs and worked as a forest fire fighter in State Division of Forestry during 1957 and 1959.

As a young boy of six years, Bob’s Dad took him on a flight from the Oceano Airport. This ignited a fire in the young boy, which could not be extinguished.

Bob’s lifetime goal was to become a pilot, a dream which he pursuit, despite hurdles put in his way, he never lost sight of his dream!

He earned his private pilot certificate in 1959 and thereafter entered USN flight training at NAS Pensacola. At completion of his flight training Bob took the mandatory flight physical. This process included the completion of a medical form on which he checked hay fever. The Naval Flight Surgeon disallowed him to fly, despite the appeal of several California Senators, the medical opinion could not be overruled. Bob received an honorable discharge from the Navy.

One can imagine his distress and disappointment; perhaps the biggest hurdle of them all, but looking back, it saved Bob from serving in Vietnam!

For four years, Bob served as a California Highway Patrol officer, covering the riots in Watts; but finally, his dream to fly became reality, and Bob was hired by Northwest Airlines (NWA) on May 15, 1967. During his NWA career Bob flew Boeing 727, Boing 737, DC-10, Boeing 747 (200/400), Boeing 757 and 767. Bob retired in 1994, after 27 years with NWA.

He enjoyed hunting, hunted in Africa several times, loved hunting moose and capercaillie in Norway with his wife, whom he called his “killer” wife! Fishing, a great gun collection, and flying his Twin Bonanza J 50 were his other passions.

Bob had his waterfront home on the Key peninsula, where his wife and black Labrador enjoyed swimming, while Bob had fun with his boat.

Bob had hip surgery last December, had several other complications and passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home on March 16, 2022.

He is survived by his wife Ingrid, daughters Roberta, Natalie and Kimberly, granddaughter Lauren, grandson Joey. Opa Bob loved being Great Grandpa to two wonderful girls, 7-year-old Riley and 2-year-old Charlie.

Bob was very much loved by his family and many friends, who joined us in Bob’s memorable Celebration of Life in April, on what would have been his 83rd birthday. Bob and Ingrid would have celebrated their 30th anniversary in July. He is greatly missed!

(~ Ingrid Shumway)