WA/DL Capt. Robert Strachan

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert Strachan

December 21, 1939 - June 6, 2023

 

Word has just been received with news of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Robert "Bob" Strachan, age 83.  Bob joined Western Airlines 10-28-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines, and was based JFK/031 prior to his retirement.  Bob is survived by his wife Tricia and his daughter Robyn.

To share stories and view tributes online, please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.mayeswarddobbins.com/obituaries/Robert-Strachan-2/#!/Obituary

To the best of my knowledge and as noted in whitepages, condolences may be sent to the family at

539 SCHOFIELD DR

POWDER SPRINGS GA 30127-4360

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Robert "Bob" Strachan

Robert “Bob” Strachan, 83, of Powder Springs, GA, passed away unexpectedly on

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at his home in Powder Springs, GA. A Graveside Service will be

held in his honor on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery

in Pensacola, FL.

Robert is survived by his wife of 44 years, Tricia Strachan of Powder Springs, GA and his

daughter, Robyn Strachan of Powder Springs, GA.

Robert Strachan was born on Thursday, December 21, 1939, to Christopher & Helen

Strachan in Sumit, New Jersey. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy

where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and

the Air Force Unit Citation, before being honorably discharged after 4 years of service.

Robert went on to work for Western Airlines as a pilot and then worked as a pilot for Delta

Airlines. After retiring as a pilot Robert continued to work as a flight instructor. Robert

worked hard and was a wonderful provider for his family. His presence will be forever missed.

Arrangements made under the caring guidance Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home

Macland Chapel www.mayeswarddobbins.com  770-943-1511

Cemetery Details

Barrancas National Cemetery

Naval Air Station, 1 Cemetery Road

Pensacola, FL 32508

http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/barrancas 

DL Capt. Guy R. Gerard

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Guy Gerard

February 3, 1955 ~ June 11, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Guy Rondell Gerard, age 68.  Guy joined Delta Air Lines 03-06-1987. 

To send condolences, whitepages lists the family’s most recent mailing address as

302 HOLLY ST.,  DESTIN  FL 32541-2616  

Interment will be held at a later date…..as is noted in obituary below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mcphersonsentinel/name/guy-gerard-obituary?id=52347664

GUY GERARD Obituary

Guy Rondell Gerard, was born in Salina, Kansas to Helen Lorriane Gans and Donald Edward Gerard on February 3, 1955. His brother Mark preceded his birth by four years.

Guy started his higher education at McPherson High School where he excelled in sports and academics. This along with his Eagle Scout badge contributed to securing a spot at the Coast Guard Academy in May 1973 in New London Connecticut. That summer was spent sailing on the Coast Guard flagship "The Bark Eagle" to Europe. His competitive nature drove him to compete for a highly sought after degree in oceanography. He graduated in May 1977, packed his bags, and set off for his first assignment in Ketchikan, Alaska.

At this time, he got engaged to Laura C Basile whom he later married. A buoy ender, "The Laurel", was his home for the next year where he got to revisit his past dream of becoming a Forest Ranger; hiking, fishing and communing with nature. During his year in Alaska, he applied for flight school status and was accepted for a class date of January 2, 1979 at Pensacola, Florida Naval Air Station. He flew in the Coast Guard for the next 10 years on the C130 and Falcon Jet, first in Elizabeth City North Carolina and second in Mobile Alabama where he was chosen among many to head up the education and training for the new jet, "The Falcon", acquired by the Coast Guard to assist the C130 fleet in search and rescue missions as well as drug enforcement. One of these search and rescue missions led to recommendation by Guy and his crew to start a swimmers in the water program to save more lives. The program was later implemented and called Rescue Swimmers and has been adapted for a movie starring Kevin Costner called The Guardian. Guy continued with the Coast Guard in the reserves, retiring with 20 years in.

 In March of 1984 Guy decided to change careers and joined the Delta Airlines team where he thrived flying international for thirty two years, retiring as a captain on February 3, 2020. At this time he moved to Destin, Florida from Manhattan, New York. After traveling for so many years in so many countries he came home to the Panhandle where he started and ended his formal flight career.

Guy died at home on June 11, 2023 at age 68 and will be interred at Arlington Cemetery at a future, undetermined date.

NEA/DL F/A Mary "Mickey" (Morgan) Higginson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NEA/DL F/A Mary "Mickey" (Morgan) Higginson

June 25, 1948 ~ June 20, 2023

 

From friends we learn of the passing of retired NEA/Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Mickey Higginson, wife of retired Northeast/Delta pilot Captain Carl R. Higginson.  Mickey is survived by her husband Carl, and by her children and their families.  For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

18 Sandpiper Lane

Merrimack, NH 03054

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/nh/nashua/mary-higginson-16582419 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/mary-higginson-obituary?id=52325691 

https://www.anctil-rochette.com/obituary/MaryMickey-Higginson

 

Brief Obituary : Mary "Mickey" (Morgan) Higginson passed away peacefully at her home on June 20, 2023. Born in Roscommon, Ireland, she grew up in Williamstown, Co. Galway, Ireland. Mickey immigrated to Boston in 1966 and worked as an au pair before joining Northeast Airlines in 1968. She retired after 11 years of service with Northeast/Delta Air Lines.

 

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 30th from 4 to 8 PM at Rochette Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Nashua. A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, July 1st at 11 AM in St. Christopher Church, Nashua. Interment will be held on Wednesday, July 5th at 10 AM in the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.

 

Mickey worked at Northeast Airlines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure PSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or online at www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/ 

………………………………………………….

Full Obituary :

                Mary “Mickey” (Morgan) Higginson passed away peacefully at home on June 20, 2023, after a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Carl R Higginson for over 53 years. They were happily married on Valentine Day in 1970.

 

                Born in Roscommon Ireland, Mary Helene Morgan grew up in Williamstown, Co. Galway, Ireland, second oldest of seven children, to the late John Morgan and Bridget (Brennan) Morgan. Like many Irish families, Mary wasn’t called by her given name, but rather by a nickname, “Marlene.” Many Irish children were given the first names of saints, so to avoid confusion, children were given nicknames or called by their middle name. Marlene was simply the running together of Mary and Helene. To this day, family and close Irish friends still call her Marlene. It was not until Marlene arrived in Boston that she was given another nickname, “Mickey.”  Confused, don’t worry, her husband didn’t know her true given name until after several months of dating. 

 

                Mary/Marlene immigrated to Boston, December 2, 1966, having accepted employment as an   au pair for a Boston family with a young daughter. The shock of adjusting from the simple rural life in Ireland to the inner circles of Bostonians was a challenge and a joy. It was the family that employed her who gave her the name, “Mickey.” This was to avoid confusion with their local friends also having the name Mary or Marlene. The nickname stuck, and she was called Mickey by all that knew her.

 

                Upon completion of her au pair contract, Mickey looked for employment as a Stewardess. She was hired by Northeast Airlines on January 25, 1968. It was while working for the airline that Mickey met her husband to be, Carl, in July 1968. Mickey completed 11 years of service with Northeast/Delta Air Lines before retiring to raise their two children, Scott and Kelly.

 

                Mickey enjoyed entertaining and was famous for her St. Patrick’s Day parties. There was never a shortage of food or good Irish cheer at any of her parties. Friends came early and stayed late.

 

For almost five years Mickey had a small shop at the Gray Goose Co-Op in Londonderry, NH, were she sold Irish, Scottish, and English goods.

 

In addition to her husband Carl, Mickey is also survived by her two children, Scott Morgan Higginson, wife Gayla, two grandsons, Liam and Conor, all of Fishers, IN. Also, her daughter Kelly Ann (Higginson) Frazier of Merrimack, NH.

 

Mickey is also survived by her younger sister, Patricia (Morgan) Kenny, and husband Patrick of Dunmore, Ireland; brother, Joseph Morgan, and wife Bernadette, of Williamstown, Ireland; brother, Neil Morgan, of Williamstown, Ireland; sister, Bella Morgan, of Dublin, Ireland; and brother, Michael (Gerry) Morgan, and wife Kathy, of Medfield, Ma. There are also numerous nieces and nephews with children.

 

Mickey was predeceased by her older brother, John Morgan, of Dublin, Ireland, and brother-in-law Bruce Higginson, of Lafayette, Indiana.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to Mickey’s visitation on FRIDAY, June 30th from 4 until 8 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Her Funeral Mass will be held on SATURDAY, July 1st at 11 AM in St. Christopher Church, 62 Manchester Street, Nashua. KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH.. If you would like to virtually attend Mickey’s Funeral Mass, please visit https://www.stchrisparishnh.org/live-streaming.   Mickey’s interment will be held on WEDNESDAY, July 5th at 10 AM in the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH. KINDLY MEET AT THE CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to “Cure PSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001” or online at www.psp.org/iwanttohelp/ways-to-give/

WA/DL Capt. Hilton Johnson

~ IN MEMORY ~

Miliary veteran, WA/DL Capt. Hilton Johnson

June 23, 1939 - May 21, 2023

 

Notice of passing….retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Hilton Bernard Johnson, age 83.  Hilton joined Western Airlines 02-26-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based PDX/030.  Hilton is survived by his wife Anne, and by his children and their families.  For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family residence listed in whitepages as

 5308 116th Dr NE

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

 

Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on June 28….please see obituary details.

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/heraldnet/name/hilton-johnson-obituary?id=52329429 

 

Hilton Johnson Obituary

Hilton Johnson June 23, 1939 - May 21, 2023

 

Hilton "Bud" Johnson, 83, of Lake Stevens, WA passed away on May 21, 2023 of natural causes.

 

Hilton was born June 23, 1939 in Mangham, LA to Gip and Mollie Belle Johnson. He grew up in Bastrop, LA with his brother Alton and many family and friends. Hilton graduated from Bastrop High School in 1958 and Louisiana Tech in 1962.

 

While in high school, Hilton met his future wife Anne Bagwell. They were married in December of 1963 and had three children: Michele Lindberg, Greg Johnson and the late Bob Johnson. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this December 28th.

 

After graduating from college, Hilton entered Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL, commissioning as Ensign later that year and earning his Naval Aviator wings in 1964. While based in San Diego, Hilton served on two cruises of the USS Yorktown, flying S-2 anti-submarine aircraft. He retired from the Navy Reserves in 1972 as Lieutenant Commander. After the Navy, Hilton flew as a commercial airline pilot for Western Airlines (19 years) and Delta Airlines (12 years), retiring as Captain in 2000.

 

Following his retirement, Hilton spent his time helping to take care of son Bob and "flying" his John Deere tractor while taking care of the Lake Stevens property. He continued flying recreationally with Bob well into his retirement.

 

Hilton was predeceased by his father Gip, mother Mollie Belle and son Bob. He is survived by wife Anne, children Michele and Greg, brother Alton, and nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

 

Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on June 28 at 2:30pm.

Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, wife of WA/DL Capt. David L. Reed

~ IN MEMORY ~

Dr. Mary Jane (Miggie or M.J.) Hamilton, wife of WA/DL Capt. David L. Reed

April 26, 1939 - June 17, 2023  

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/dr-mary-jane-miggie-or-m-j-hamilton-obituary?id=52280695 

 

Dr. Mary Jane (Miggie or M.J.) Hamilton Obituary

April 26, 1939 - June 17, 2023

Carmichael, CA - Dr. Mary Jane (Miggie or M.J.) Hamilton, died at home, Carmichael, CA, in her bedroom, overlooking the American River at age 84. The cause of Miggie's death was obstructive pulmonary failure caused by double lung pneumonia.

 

Miggie was born and raised in a traditional Irish Catholic family in Rockford, Illinois. Her mother, Mary Jane Cannell Hamilton was a school teacher and her father Raymond Edward Hamilton retired from the U.S Postal Service. Miggie attended St. Mary's and Muldoon High School in Rockford.

 

One of MJ's most coveted Honors was:

"Doctor of Humane Letters, honors causa conferred upon Mary Jane Hamilton May 4, 1986 by Siena Heights College, Adrian Michigan:

 

Mary Jane Hamilton, your dedication to high quality education and your concern that women be given every opportunity to fulfill their potential was nourished here at Siena where you received your Bachelor of Arts degree in history with minors in Latin, English, and music. You then received your masters and doctoral degrees in medieval history from the Catholic University of America where you were a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.

 

You began your teaching career in the California State University system at Sacramento where you taught history and criminal justice until 1979. You also served the University through your activity as officer in the Faculty Association and the Faculty Women's Association.

 

You completed a law degree at the University of California-Davis and have been a member of the State Bar of California since 1975. You have maintained your commitment to education by teaching criminal justice and law. After an administrative fellowship at California State University-Los Angeles, you assumed duties as assistant dean of the law school at the University of California-Davis.

 

Your talents have been recognized by the National Endowment for the Humanities which provided a grant to study at Harvard and by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare which awarded you a National HEW Fellowship.

 

Your activities and publications speak of your concern for the effect of law on the status of women: you are concerned that women know their rights; you have specialized in family law which has an important impact on women's lives today; you have also been involved in issues affecting women attorneys.

 

Mary Jane Hamilton, for your commitment to the quality education of future lawyers and for your activities on behalf of women, Siena Heights College is proud to present you the degree Doctor of Humane letters, honoris causa."

 

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

 

Even as a lawyer, Deputy Attorney General, State of California, (specializing in child support), MJ continued to nurture her love of history. She taught a night class on the History of Western Civilization at Sierra College and remained an active participant in the annual meetings of the American Historical Society. She was present at Martin Luther King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. She was in the crowd of over 1 million witnessing the funeral procession of President John F Kennedy on November 25, 1963 during her time at Catholic University.

 

Miggie traveled extensively, with her best friend/spouse Western/Delta Air Line Captain and "Wingman" (her term) Dave, and many family and friends, immersing herself in different cultures and indulging in her passion for art, history, symphony, opera, theater, ballet, and literature. She actively participated in multiple book clubs. In her retirement years, MJ volunteered as a docent at the Crocker Art Museum and enjoyed serving on the board of the Kingsley Art Club. She was a member of Preservation Sacramento.

 

One of MJ's proudest achievements was to see the first class at UC Davis School of Law admit over fifty percent women when she was on the Admissions Committee for admitting law students. She was a President of WLS, and on the Board of California Women Lawyers, as well as an active Member of Sacramento County Bar Association.

 

Miggie is predeceased by her siblings John, Sheila, and Joseph. She is survived by her "Wingman" and Spouse, Captain David L Reed, her sister Anne Rosaire Hamilton, and her nieces Carlene Ramus, Dr. Catherine Ramus (Dr. Didier Cossin), Christina Ramus (Brett Regan), Dr. Carrie Hamilton (Dr. Patrick Lenaghan), and Chris Svab (Jamie). She is also survived by her great-nieces and great-nephews, Madison and Michael Regan, Clark Cossin, Anna Svab, and Miranda and Ian Lenaghan.

 

Miggie has donated her body to science through UC Davis School of Medicine for the purpose of education and research.

 

A memorial celebration will be held at the Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento from 2pm to 4:30pm. Sunday, June 25, 2023

 

Remembrance Memorials can be made to the Crocker Art Museum, Kingsley Art Club or Siena Heights College, Adrian Michigan

 

 

Memorial Events for Dr. Mary Jane (Miggie or M.J.) Hamilton

JUN  25

Service

2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Crocker Art Museum

216 O Street, Sacramento

WA/DL Capt. Duane Dennis Chapman

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Duane Dennis Chapman

November 4, 1934 ~ May 12, 2023

 

Notice of passing……retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Duane Dennis Chapman, age 88.  Born I believe in Iowa, raised I believe in California, Duane joined Western Airlines 05-01-1962 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1994, based LAX/030.  Duane was widowed in 2012….please see wife Nancy’s obituary below. 

To the best of my knowledge, Duane is survived by their son Kerry.

Please drop us a line so that we may add to Duane’s life story and thank you very much.

~ Carol for the PCN

 

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/255455888/duane-dennis-chapman 

Duane Dennis Chapman

BIRTH  :  4 Nov 1934

DEATH  :  12 May 2023 (aged 88)

BURIAL  :  Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura, Ventura County, CA

PLOT  :  Section IS, Lot 136, Grave 11

MEMORIAL ID  :  255455888

………………………………………………… 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/venturacountystar/name/nancy-chapman-obituary?id=19400735

Nancy Chapman Obituary

Nancy Grayce Chapman entered the courts of her Lord King Jesus, on the Lords day July 8, 2012.

 

She temporarily leaves behind, her beloved husband of fifty-six years, Duane; their only child and son, Kerry; his wife Kyra; and their daughter, Nancy's much adored grandchild, Noelle Grace.

 

Nancy was born in Waterloo, Iowa in March of 1937. Her father, a minister of the Gospel of Christ, moved the family to California to pastor a church; but not without a neighbor lady and her young son Duane. The two families were loosely connected over the years, and Nancy did not escape Duane's notice. The rest is history, as they say.

 

Both Nancy and Duane were involved over the years in the work of sponsoring Vietnamese family members' into America. One such family, the first to start the process for others, are established in Camarillo, the Quan's; Quan, Kim, Yun, and Nickie. They were much loved by Nancy. She was also involved in several church choirs over the decades, and was known to have a beautiful voice. Both she and her granddaughter Noelle enjoyed singing hymns together at the piano. Now she's singing along with a heavenly chorus, we're sure.

 

Our hope of being reunited with her is established in the same historical evidences that she herself embraced and trusted in; the life work of Christ on our behalf; the punishment He took in our place which we ultimately deserved; and the genuine hope given through the resurrection that sealed the deal. We are therefore assured of our reunification one day, not yet disclosed. See you soon Nancy, Mom, Grandma…………………….

NWA/DL Capt. Sann Henry Froula

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

RC/RW/NWA/DL Capt. Sann Froula

JULY 23, 1952 – JUNE 10, 2023

 .....Republic/Hughes Airwest/NWA/DL.....

From the RNPA/Retired Northwest Airlines pilot group, comes news with the passing of retired Northwest/Delta pilot Captain Sann Henry Froula, age 70.  Captain Froula joined Northwest Airlines 6-1-1976 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2017. 

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s most recent address listed in whitepages as

9450 Chesapeake Dr., Brentwood, TN 37027

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/brentwood-tn/sann-froula-11328653

Sann Henry Froula, age 70, of Brentwood, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Froula family.

 

“Captain Sann Froula passed away a couple of days ago. He was the number one

pilot on the A-330 and was number four on the seniority list when he

retired in July 2017. He was a long time instructor pilot and Line Check

Airman………”

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

Sann Henry Froula Sann Froula, age 70, died peacefully in his home in Brentwood, TN on June 10, 2023. Sann was born on July 23, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA to Henry and Marie Froula. After Henry died, the family moved to Crystal Lake, IL where Marie and Charles Froula raised Sann through his teenage years. Sann initially planned for a career in physics like Henry, but found his love for aviation in high school when he acquired a private pilot license and employment at Crystal Lake Airport. After receiving advanced flight training, Sann began flying for Skystream Airlines and then Hughes Airwest. By means of airline mergers, Sann transitioned through Republic then Northwest, ultimately landing at Delta Airlines. His 41 year distinguished airline career included 35 years as a Check Captain and aviation manual contributor. Sann inspired future generations of pilots by sharing his love for flying and speaking to students at MTSU. Sann’s friendly personality led to long conversations and lasting friendships with neighbors, coworkers, and just about anybody he came in contact with. He mentored many young people offering them guidance and networking opportunities. A jack-of-all trades, Sann shared his talents helping neighbors and friends with a variety of projects. Sann enjoyed connecting with family and friends. He was generous with his time and resources supporting his children’s careers and endeavors, as well as his grandchildren’s educational pursuits and activities. He is survived by his wife Judy, son Chris (Katie), daughter Kara, grandchildren Isabel, Maks and Shaylee, brother Nilson (Laurie) and sister Verita. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Melissa, parents Henry, Marie and Charles, sister Truleen and brother-in-law Joe. In lieu of flowers, Sann wished to support Ezra, his nephew with autism. All donations received by the family will be directed towards Ezra’s care and special services. Alternatively, donations can be made to Bring on the Spectrum, where Ezra attends, whose mission provides neurodiverse individuals opportunities to achieve their best quality of life as a respected member of the community. Bring on the Spectrum is a non-profit registered with the NYC Office of Charities, a 501-c located at 71 Fuller Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or www.bringonthespectrum.org A celebration of Sann’s life will be on July 21, 2023 1pm to 4pm. at the family’s residence.

NAL/PAA/DAL Capt. Thomas Jackson Smithers

 Obituary information/update for NAL/PAA/DAL  Capt. Thomas Jackson Smithers   

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rockledge-fl/thomas-smithers-11329351 

OBITUARY

Thomas Jackson Smithers, III

JULY 19, 1943 – JUNE 9, 2023

Obituary of Thomas Jackson Smithers, III

IN THE CARE OF

Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens

Captain Thomas J. Smithers III (Tommy), age 79, took his final flight west June 9, 2023. He peacefully passed away at home with his family at his side.

He was born July 19, 1943 to Thomas Jackson and Edith Spindle Smithers in Roanoke, Virginia and remained there until after graduating high school.

 

After graduation he joined the U. S. Navy Reserve for six years and served two years active sea duty aboard the USS Aucilla. Upon being honorably discharged he took advantage of the GI Bill and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend flight school. After completion of his flight training Tommy then relocated to Miami, Florida where he was offered a position as a flight instructor at Burnside-Ott Aviation Training Center. At the young age of 23, he was hired as a pilot by National Airlines in Miami on January 16,1967. He initially flew as a first officer on the Lockheed Electra and then transitioned to the Boeing 727 and later the Douglas DC-10. He upgraded to Captain on the B-727 in 1977. In 1980, National Airlines was merged into Pan American World Airways where he continued to serve as Captain on the B-727 and Airbus A-310. A highlight of his time with Pan Am was being based in Berlin, West Germany in the mid-1980s “flying the corridors” before the wall between the two Germanys came down in 1989. In 1991 Tommy was one of 750 pilots who were afforded the opportunity to transfer to Delta Air Lines as part of the sale of Pan Am’s European route system to Delta. Tommy was initially based in New York on the A-310 for a couple of years before transferring to Atlanta. While based in Atlanta he also flew the Boeing 757, Boeing 767, and Lockheed L-1011 before transitioning to the McDonnell-Douglas MD11 where he served as a Line Check Captain. Tommy grudgingly retired from Delta Airlines in 2002. He would have gladly stayed flying the rest of his life if allowed to. He thoroughly loved flying to so many places around the world and loved each type of aircraft he was trained on. He especially enjoyed his time as a Line Check Captain at Delta and felt it was one of his most rewarding accomplishments. Tommy always said that being a pilot was the best job anyone could ever have, and he would have done it for free.

 

Tommy lived life to the fullest and was blessed with family and friends he cherished and loved. He had an unmatchable wit and brought laughter to everyone around him. He enjoyed many interests other than flying. He played the guitar, did some painting and drawings, was a certified diver, and snow skied as much as he could. He served as President of the National/Pan Am Ski Club for many years. His favorite south Florida pastime was being on his boat the “Sun King”, named for National Airlines. After relocating to Atlanta with Delta he traded in water activities for his true love, riding his Harley motorcycle. He shared these adventures with family, friends, and a group of fellow pilots, WOW - Wings on Wheels motorcycle group, embarking on numerous trips including riding to the Four Corners of the United States. In addition, he fulfilled a boyhood dream and restored a 1958 Corvette to perfection and enjoyed his many outings with it.

 

Tommy married the love of his life Faye in 1984 in Miami and had a beautiful marriage and loving family. He is survived by Faye and sons Steve (Carrie) Senkarik, Melbourne, FL; Anthony Smithers, Hollywood FL; and Michael (Johanna) Smithers, St. John, Fl. His grandchildren were his greatest joy and never far from his side, Jack Steven and Kara Lynn Senkarik and Connor and Devin Smithers. He loved his extended family of Mary Jo Roberts, Tallahassee, FL, Jerry and Jackie McDaniel, Tallahassee, FL and Jose and Susan Vasquez of Jacksonville, FL. as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

When Tommy’s oft-repeated phrase “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” comes about please have a toast to Captain Tommy Smithers. He’ll be looking down with a big smile on his face.

 

Tommy was predeceased by his parents and his sister Sandra Smithers Olsen.

 

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

 

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com  for the Smithers family.

…………………………………..

 

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NAL/PAA/DAL  Capt. Thomas Jackson Smithers

July 19, 1943 ~ June 9, 2023

 

This news comes to us from the National Airlines alumni site, the passing of Captain Tom Smithers, age 79,  Tom first joined National Airlines 01-15-1967, made the mergers and retired with Delta Air Lines based 030/ATL. 

 

The family’s most recent address is listed in whitepages as

   490 Birkdale Dr., Fayetteville, GA 30215

 

Arrangements are not yet known…please look for more information to follow.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

……………………………………………………………………..

Sent: Friday, June 9, 2023 9:28 PM
Subject: Thommy Smithers

 

From the NAL Buccaneers

- IN MEMORIUM - NAL/PAA/DAL Capt. Thomas J. Smithers III DOB 7-19-1943 DOH 1967  DOD 6-9-2023

We've just received word of the passing of Captain Thomas Jackson Smithers III this morning in Fayetteville, GA. after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

 

 

NWA F/O Jack V. Grah

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA F/O Jack V. Grah

August 23, 1930 - February 17, 2023

 

As noted in the May issue of the AIR LINE PILOT magazine, the February passing of Northwest Airlines F/O Jack V. Grah, age 92.  Jack first joined Northwest 7-2-1957 as a mechanic and flight engineer.  Widowed in July 2022, Jack is survived by his children and their families.

 

F/O Jack V. Grah  

Obit - https://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/obituaries/Jack-Grah/#!/Obituary

also https://countyjournal.org/jack-v-grah-p6715-166.htm

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Jack V. Grah

August 23, 1930 - February 17, 2023

Jack V. Grah was born August 23, 1930, in Percy Illinois to Flora and Harry Grah and

passed away 2/17/2023 in Tacoma WA. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia (Faye)

Grah on July 3rd, 2022, daughter Marcie, granddaughter Shawn, great grandson Stephan,

his parents, and many siblings.

He is survived by his children Karen, Roger (Patricia), Jacqueline (Daryl), Vanessa (Dan), Elizabeth (Kelly), Jeffrey (Jolee), and Wesley (Kari).  He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild,

his sisters Dorothy Willis, Phyllis Damron and many nieces, nephews, and cousins

He was a member of the US Air Force and then went to work for Northwest Orient Airlines

first as an engineer and then as a pilot until his retirement in 1990. He was active with

church activities and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church since 1958. He was also an

active member of the Northwest Tacoma Kiwanis club in Tacoma for many years where he

held different offices and participated in many projects for children.

Graveside service will be on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, at 11:30 am at Mt. View Funeral

Home in Lakewood WA. Church service will be on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, at 1:00 pm

at Zion Lutheran Church in Tacoma WA.

……………………………………………………..

https://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/obituaries/Sylvia-Grah/#!/TributeWall

Sylvia Grah

May 26, 1926 - July 3, 2022

Sylvia (Faye) Grah nee Bense born May 26, 1926 to Arnold and Elsie Bense in rural Campbell Hill Illinois and passed away July 3, 2022 in Tacoma Washington. She is survived by her husband Jack Grah. She is also survived by her children Karen...

NWA Capt. Robert K. Raatz

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Robert K. Raatz

November 27, 1939 ~ October 15, 2021

 

As noted in the May issue of the AIR LINE PILOT magazine, the October 2021 passing of Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Robert K. Raatz.  Born/raised in Minnesota, Robert Kenneth Raatz joined Northwest Airlines 12-6-1965.  He had most recently resided in Minnesota and Hawaii.  

I was not able to find any other online obituary notice or funeral home announcement. 

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

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

NWA Capt. Jacob Joseph Braig

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Jacob “Jake” Braig

June 18, 1937 ~ May 26, 2023                  

 

Major General Jacob Joseph Braig passed away on May 26^th at the age of 85. He began his commercial flying with Northwest Airlines 03-20-1967. 

View photos and video at

https://my.gather.app/remember/major-general-jacob-j-braig                                                                                                    

https://www.darlingtonfunerals.com/obituary/Jacob-Braig  

Major General (ret) Jacob J Braig passed away in his hometown hospital, of natural causes and at peace.  Jake was a high school track star, farm kid who worked on the railroad and in Van Aken’s clothing store.  Son of Mary and Tony, he lived the good life in the 50’s with all the Voermans relatives and lots of friends. After high school he spent one year at Bozeman, then regained his senses and started the Braig UM Griz legacy.  He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.  A history and political science major he sharpened his vast intellect and honed his skill set to become a 747 captain and two-star General Commander of the Washington Air National Guard.

     No wife and children of his own, his survivors include younger brother Bob and wife Beverly and their four children and grandchildren: Rob (Samantha) Toni, Amy, Erica; Mary Courtenay (Dennis); Kiersten (Jack), JJ, Emalee and Austin; Brandee, Zack and Addison,

     In the 28 years after his stroke he had many caregivers and attentive good friends and cousins.  After moving to Kalispell old high school girlfriends and buddies made regular outings with him and the caregivers took up the task of carrying out activities Bev and Bob created.  Larry Sanders took him to lunch every Wednesday and filled the “guy stuff” gap because he had mostly female caregivers.  The Sigma Nu brothers took him to their lunches; he read to first graders at St Matthews school, exercised with trainers at the Summit and attended family gatherings.  While he had limited eye sight and NO short term memory, his daily life was full until he aged and failed.

      With grateful hearts we, his family, thank you all for being a part of his Village. A true General to the end, he thought his room at the hospital was special because “rank has privilege” and so he died as he lived: in charge……

      Memorials may go to: WHS Booster Fund (Jake Braig Memorial), 346 Central Ave, Whitefish, Montana 59937.

https://www.darlingtonfunerals.com/obituary/Jacob-Braig   https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyinterlake/name/jacob-braig-obituary?id=52079323