WC/NWA pilot David Russell Hinson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, *WC/NWA pilot David Russell Hinson

March 2, 1933 ~ December 3, 2023

 

David joined *West Coast airlines 04-06-1964.

PCN memorial site 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/david-hinson-obituary?id=53765451

David Hinson, formerly of Ketchum, ID, passed away peacefully with his wife Ursula by his side on Sunday December 3 in Roseville, CA. He was 90.

 

David was born March 2, 1933 in Muskogee,Oklahoma to Bert and Frances Hinson. He was the oldest of three boys. After moving to Richland, WA, David attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity where he made many lifelong friends. He was also a Husky football fan who enjoyed home and away games for 70 years.

 

Always fascinated with airplanes, David chose to leave Washington after his junior year and enter the US Navy's Naval Aviation Cadet program. He earned his wings in 1955 beginning what would be a long and storied career in aviation.

 

After returning to Seattle to complete his degree, David worked part time as a lifeguard at Windemere beach. There he met Ursula, a Swiss emigrant working as a flight attendant for United Airlines. They were married in 1959 and started a family in1960. Over the next 35 years, David's career progressed with stints as a pilot and operations executive for several airlines. He later owned Flightcraft, a private aviation business in Portland, Oregon with his longtime friend Vin Mennella.

 

In 1978, David cofounded Midway Airlines in Chicago where he would eventually serve as CEO in the late 1980s. David's career in aviation culminated in 1993 when he was appointed by President Bill Clinton to head the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, DC. Throughout his professional career, David led with positive energy and integrity, garnering the respect of his colleagues and peers.

 

After retiring from the FAA, David and Ursula relocated to their family home In Ketchum, Idaho.

 

David served on numerous business, community and philanthropic boards including Providence Hospital in Portland, OR, St Luke's Hospital in Ketchum, ID, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and AOPA Safety Foundation. He was inducted into the aviation Hall of Fame in Oklahoma, and Idaho, and was a recipient of the Museum of Flight Pathfinder Award.

 

David also loved the outdoors, particularly fishing, skiing, and playing golf. He was a dedicated family man who loved to host large gatherings and always welcomed friends, new and old. He was generous and kind and blessed with an unshakable spirit of optimism and inclusion.

 

David is survived by his wife of 64 years Ursula, their three children Eric Hinson and his wife Julie, Spencer Hinson and his wife Amy, and Heidi Monical and her husband Vince, along with eight grandchildren - Alex, Spencer, Nicole, Stephanie, Connor, David, Erica and Max and two great grandchildren - Wylder and Juniper.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org/) or the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (airandspace.si.edu).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_R._Hinson  

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-12-04/former-faa-head-david-hinson-flies-west

NBAA Marks the Passing of Former FAA Administrator David Hinson

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The National Business Aviation Association issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2023:

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today paid tribute to the legacy of David Hinson, who served as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 1993-1996. Hinson recently passed away at age 90.

 

"David Hinson was a great leader and aviator who, during his tenure as FAA administrator, set an enduring standard for excellence," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "He will be greatly missed by all of us who were fortunate to have worked with and been inspired by him."

 

Hinson was FAA administrator in 1994, when Congress passed the landmark General Aviation Revitalization Act, which was intended to counteract the effects of prolonged product liability on general aviation aircraft manufacturers by limiting the duration of their liability for the aircraft they produce.

 

Before being nominated by President Bill Clinton to lead the agency, Hinson served as executive vice president for marketing and business development at McDonnell Douglas Corp.'s Douglas Aircraft Co. He also was a former chairman and CEO of Midway Airlines, which he helped found, and served as an executive of Air West.

 

In 1973, Hinson became involved with Hinson-Minella, Inc., a limited partnership whose investments included Flightcraft, Inc., a distributorship for Beech Aircraft in the Pacific Northwest.

 

A naval aviator in the 1950s, he moved into civil aviation in 1961 and served as a pilot for Northwest Airlines and West Coast Airlines.

 

* * *

 

Original text here: https://nbaa.org/2023-press-releases/nbaa-marks-the-passing-of-former-faa-administrator-david-hinson/

NWA Capt. Samuel Raymond Lev

 Friends and colleagues,

I have received the following from Kathy McCullough.
 
Sam Lev's service will be Friday, February 23rd at 11:00 AM at Saint Edward
Parish in Shelton, WA. Internment at the Tahoma National Cemetery at a later
date. He now has his third set of wings

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Samuel Raymond Lev

October 7, 1938 ~ December 19, 2023

 

From the RNPA/retired Northwest Airlines pilot group….

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

“ NWA pilot Samuel 'Sam' Lev died on December 19, 2023, after a long struggle with lung cancer. Sam and his wife Irene resided in Shelton, WA. Funeral service arrangements are yet undecided.” 

Sam joined Northwest Airlines 05-22-1968.

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

PO Box 117,  5790 SE Lynch Road, Shelton, WA 98584-7760.

Please look for more information to follow in the days ahead.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Frederick C. Rakunas

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NCA/RC/NWA Capt. Frederick C. Rakunas

April 22, 1936 — December 18, 2023

 

Notice of passing….RNPA member retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Frederick “Freddy” Rakunas, age 87, of  

Eastport, Michigan.  Fred is survived by his wife Gwen, and by his son and his grandchildren.

Obituary information is available online at

https://www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/frederick-rakunas

also at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/frederick-rakunas-obituary?id=53889541 

PCN memorial site

 

Frederick C. Rakunas obituary ………….. Frederick C. Rakunas (Captain Freddy) of Eastport, MI, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2023 at Munson Medical Center.

 

  Fred was born to Bernice and Charles Rakunas on April 22, 1936 at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, IL and attended Nativity BVM grade school and Saint Rita’s High School in Chicago.

 

   His family moved to Phoenix, AZ, and Fred continued his high school and graduated from Phoenix Tech High School.  Fred knew he wanted to fly so he began flight instruction at Sky Harbor in Phoenix.  He joined the Army in 1953 and after his discharge he relocated back to Chicago where his parents had returned to.

 

   In 1959 he was hired by North Central Airlines where he was employed until his retirement at age 60 in 1996.  The airline became Republic, Northwest, then Delta.  Fred flew the DC3, Convair 440 & 580, 727 and 747 in the Asia and Desert Storm and flew the DC10 to the European.  In private aviation, Fred was a flight instructor in single engine, twin engine, helicopters and seaplanes.  He also had the experience to fly the F16 aircraft.

 

   Fred was nominated by Andrea Fisher Newman, V.P. for Northwest Airlines to the then Governor John Engler who appointed him to Michigan Aeronautics Commission where he served on the commission, then as vice chair and chairman (the commission governs all things aeronautical in the state including as well as allotting monies for airport improvements and building including Detroit Metro revamp. He said it was the largest amount of monies he ever signed a check for).

 

   Fred is survived by his wife Gwen, of over 62 years, son Jeff (Rachel) Rakunas, of Cypress, Texas, brother Casimir Rakunas, of Lisle, IL, brother Larry (Mary) Rakunas of St. Charles, IL, brother-in-law Ernie Rubas of Oak Lawn, IL, grandchildren Drew Taylor of Algonac, MI, Ian Rakunas of Traverse City, MI, Owen and Peyton Rakunas of Cypress, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.

 

   Preceding Fred in death was his son Steve Rakunas of Grawn, parents Bernice and Charles Rakunas of Woodridge, IL, in-laws Estelle and Ernest Rubas of Burbank, IL.

 

   Cremation has taken place with Fred’s remains being buried next to his son at Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township.  No services are planned at this time and a Celebration of Life will be held in the spring as well as a Remembrance Mass.

 

    Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com 

DL F/A Mary Lou DuRant, wife of DL Capt. Cecil DuRant

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL F/A Mary Lou DuRant, wife of DL Capt. Cecil J. DuRant

July 3, 1937 - November 23, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Mary Lou DuRant, wife of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Cecil John DuRant.  Lou is survived by her husband Cecil, and by her sons and their families.

PCN memorial site

Lou’s obituary information can be found online at

https://www.bakerfunerals.com/obituaries/Mary-Lou-DuRant?obId=29990571#/celebrationWall

Obituary for Mary Lou ……………….

Mary Lou Hudson DuRant, wife of Cecil John DuRant, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

 

Born on July 3, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Mary Watkins Grainger Hudson and the late John McSween Hudson.

 

Mary Lou graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1955. After attending college, Mary Lou joined Delta Air Lines in 1958, retiring in 2000 after more than a 41-year career as a Delta Flight Attendant. She delighted in the travel opportunities flying throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East. She loved her flying career and participated in many leadership activities at Delta. She was a 1999 Chairman’s Club Honoree, one of Delta’s highest honors. She is well remembered for her positive, upbeat attitude and friendly, supportive personality. She viewed the world from a positive perspective and encouraged others to do the same. Lou’s favorite hobbies included travel, boating, and candid photography.

 

She married the love of her life, Cecil J. DuRant, in 1971 and they subsequently lived in South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Florida. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Cecil, sons John (Chris), their children Lace, Alex, C.J. III, & Isabella, and Mike (Kim), their children Abigail & Sarah Grace; and many nieces and nephews and their children. Also predeceased by brothers John and Bob (Claudia) Hudson.

On November 26, close family came together to celebrate the remarkable life of Mary Lou who touched the skies and hearts alike.

Memorials may be made to the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center: 140 Gibson Road Lexington, SC 29072.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.

DL pilot, ATL FCD/Flt Instr., Von Cate Hickman

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL pilot Von Cate Hickman

June 6, 1940 - October 23, 2023

Notice of passing…..Delta Air Lines pilot, ATL FCD/Flt Instr., Von Cate Hickman, age 83, of Stockbridge, Georgia.  Von is survived by his wife Pat, and by his children and their families.

 PCN Memorial site

https://www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com/obituary/von-hickman

VON'S OBITUARY

Von Cate Hickman, known affectionately as "PawPaw", age 83, of Stockbridge, Georgia, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 6, 1940, the son of the late Herman Elbert Hickman and Elise Mae Cate Hickman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ira R. Hickman (Red); and his sister, Elizabeth Hancock.

He grew up in a warm and loving household that instilled in him the values of faith, family, and a strong work ethic. Von honorably served our country in the United States Air Force where he continued to gain wisdom. Von worked for Delta Airlines for over 27 years and finished his career in Flight Control Dispatch.  These principles would shape the remarkable man he would become. His deep and abiding love for Jesus Christ was evident in every facet of his life, serving as his moral compass and unwavering source of strength.

Von's love story with his beautiful wife, Pat, began more than 63 years ago. Their love story was one of commitment, resilience, and an unbreakable bond that set an example for all who were fortunate to witness it. Their love was the kind that poets write about and dreamers long for, an enduring testament to the power of true love and partnership.

Von was a true southern gentleman, an exemplar of honesty, intelligence, and kindness. Von's life was a testament to his unwavering faith, devotion to family, and his enduring love for aviation, which he shared with countless aspiring pilots as a dedicated flight instructor.

As a pilot, Von Hickman soared through the skies, finding a second home among the clouds. He shared his passion for flying as a dedicated flight instructor, mentoring and inspiring countless students who would go on to navigate the airways for both leisure and commercial purposes. The knowledge, wisdom, and enthusiasm he imparted to his students have left an indelible mark on the world of aviation.

Von's other love was the Berry Hill Airport, a place that held a special spot in his heart. He spent countless hours there, not just flying but also forging lifelong friendships with kindred spirits who shared his passion for aviation. The airport was not just a place for him; it was a community, a place where he laughed, learned, and shared stories with friends who became family.

Von is survived by his beloved wife Pat Hickman; his children, Brian (Brandi) Hickman, Sheila (Rick) Posey, Kim (Steve) Ledbetter; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish their "PawPaw" and the love he shared with them. He also leaves behind one brother, Walter (Jan) Hickman, and several extended family members. While he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit, his lessons, and his love will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A Funeral Service to honor Von’s life will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, beginning 10:00 AM in the East Chapel of Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors. Pastor Tim Dowdy will officiate the service. Interment will follow the service at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge, GA. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a contribution to the Berry Hill Airport, check payable to FOBH LLC, mailed to P.O. Box 387, Stockbridge, GA 30281 in Von’s memory. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.

 

Alice Presley, widow of DL Capt. Ralph Lee Presley Sr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Alice Presley, widow of DL Capt. Ralph Lee Presley Sr.

October 1, 1933 ~ October 23, 2023

 

Notice of passing….former Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Mrs. Alice Parish Presley, age 90, widow of Delta Air Lines Captain Ralph Presley.

PCN Memorial site

Alice’s obituary information is available online at https://www.hillcrestchapelcares.com/obituary/Alice-Presley

Alice Presley Obituary

Alice Parish Presley, 90, of Newnan, was called home to be with the Lord on October 23, 2023.

Born October 1, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin Ellis Parish and the late Vey Muriel Jones Parish. A member of Unity Baptist Church, Alice's faith was the cornerstone of her life. Alice's love for God's creation was evident in her affection for animals, and she supported many causes that shared this love. In her early years, Alice worked as a secretary at Fort McPherson, and later became a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. It was in the friendly skies that she met her beloved husband, the late Ralph Lee Presley, Sr. Their love story was one of deep affection and mutual respect, a testament to their shared faith and commitment. Alice was not just a woman of action but also a woman of words. She was a published poet, her verses resonating with the beauty and depth of her spirit. Her dedication to letter writing was a testament to her belief in the power of words to comfort, to inspire, and to heal. Alice used her extensive biblical knowledge to support many Christian and charitable endeavors, sending poems and letters to those who might be in need. Her words were like seeds of hope, planted in the hearts of those who received them. In addition to her many talents and passions, Alice was also a private pilot, a member of many organizations, including the College Park Historical Society. In addition to her husband and parents, Alice was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Jean Waldrop.

Survivors include her son, Ralph Lee Presley, Jr. “Lee” and his wife Wendy; daughters, Julie Presley Gillespie, and Carol Anne Presley; grandchildren, Hunter Gillespie, Hayley Dooley (John), Hannah Broza (Pat), Hope Corbett (Davy), Hart Mendez (Zak), Hall Gillespie, Taylor Solorzano (Christian), Alex Presley, and Zach Presley; and great-grandchildren, Jack McClain, Aiden Corbett, Ila Corbett, Christopher Corbett, Winter Mendez, and Presley Solorzano.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Alice Presley, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.

 

Subject: Death of DL Capt. Ralph Lee Presley Sr., age 91

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Ralph Lee Presley Sr.

July 4, 1930 ~ February 2, 2022

 

…… Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Ralph Lee Presley, age 91.  Captain Presley joined Delta Air Lines 10-03-1955.  He is survived by his wife Alice, by his children and by his grand- and greatgrandchildren.

 To view the obituary and share memories online please visit

https://www.hillcrestchapelcares.com/obituary/Ralph-Presley 

Condolences may be sent to the Presley family at

5236 Smokey Rd., Newnan, GA 30263.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2022/02/dl-capt-ralph-lee-presley-sr.html

 

DL F/A Ann Fortner, wife of DL Capt. Ray Fortner

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL F/A Ann Fortner, wife of DL Capt. Ray Fortner

November 7, 1943 ~ September 30, 2023

 

Notice of passing….retired Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Ann Elizabeth Fortner, of Cocoa Beach, Florida.  Ann is survived by her husband retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Ray Fortner. 

Ann’s obituary information can be found online at

https://beckman-williamson.com/tribute/details/324294/Ann-Fortner/obituary.html#tribute-start

also at  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ann-fortner-obituary?id=53306379

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

169 Bahama Blvd

Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

 

PCN memorial site

 

Obituary of Ann Elizabeth Fortner

Ann Elizabeth Fortner, of Cocoa Beach, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, following a brief illness. Born Ann Elizabeth Jenkins, on Nov. 7th, 1943, her parents were Marvin and Elizabeth Jenkins, of Thomson, GA. She grew up in Thomson, and was a member of the national champion high school baton twirling team, of which she was the majorette. She graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1965 with a Bachelor’s degree in business, and a minor in mathematics. After initially starting a career in banking, she was attracted by the lure of flying and travel, and became a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines in 1967. For the next 35 years, she flew everywhere Delta flew, both in the U.S. and Europe. She started in the propeller-driven DC-6 and DC-7 aircraft, and eventually flew on every type of airplane Delta flew, including the DC-8 and -9, Convair 880 (her favorite), Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767, and the Lockheed L-1011. She was based variously in Atlanta, New Orleans, and Orlando, but her heart was always in New Orleans after a 7-year period living there in the 1970s. She was a die-hard Saints fan, and had many stories about flying the team on Delta charter flights to their away games. Many of the players asked for her by name to work on those flights.

 

Ann was above all else a lover of animals. She gave generously to many animal welfare organizations, and signed countless petitions addressing animal cruelty and abuse causes. She rescued many lost dogs, and was known to stop a car in the middle of the road to pick up a stray, or help a defenseless turtle complete its crossing. Over time, she was ‘mama ’to 5 toy poodles, Muffin, Sofi, Sade, Abbe, and Nellie. The last, Nellie, was a rescue from the Chinese dog meat trade, which she fought against for years.

 

Ann is survived by Nellie, and her husband Ray Fortner, of Cocoa Beach, a Delta pilot whom she met on a Delta flight. They were married in Nov, 2000, and shared over 23 very happy years together. Ann was a true Southern lady, with a charm and wit that anyone who ever met her would never forget. She will be deeply missed by all of her many friends and colleagues. But we all may take comfort that she is with all her beloved poodles, laughing and playing together in Heaven, forever.

 

NWA pilot Donald Lewis Jurries

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA pilot Donald Lewis Jurries

June 14, 1938  -  December 17, 2023

 

Notice of passing……RNPA member retired Northwest Airlines pilot Donald Lewis Jurries, age 85, of Edina, Minnesota.  Donald joined Northwest Airlines 8-29-1966.  Widowed by the passing of his wife Susan in 2021, Donald is survived by his children and his children’s families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.biermanfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donald-Jurries?obId=30142648#/obituaryInfo

 

Donald Jurries Obituary………………….

Donald Jurries, age 85 of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, with his family by his side, at Little Hospice in Edina.

Donald is survived by his children Donald II (Cecilia Dowd) of Berlin, Germany, Lorna (Kyle McLean) of Blaine, MN, Amy (Andrew Straw) of Newcastle, England; four grandchildren Hannah, Teagan, Charles and Sidney Wanous; two sisters Ruth Ann Abbott of Des Moines, Joan Hanson of Fridley; his brother-in-law John (Jill) Ward of Oakdale. As well as his cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 58 years Susan, two sisters Rose Jurries and Delores Lorentzen and his parents.

Funeral services are pending.

Memorials are preferred to Northwest Airlines History Center.

Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com

*************************

https://www.northfieldfuneral.com/obituaries/Susan-Jurries?obId=22271597#/obituaryInfo 

…..wife Susan Jurries

August 3, 1940  -  September 6, 2021

Susan Kay (Ward) Jurries, age 81 of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away Monday September 6, 2021, after a long illness.

Susan was born August 3, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lorne Sanford and Mildred Ione (Nelson) Ward. As a small child, she lived in Hawaii while her father was stationed in the Army, at Schofield Barracks, and where they all survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. This event greatly impacted the lives of her family and she continued to honor those lost by attending multiple Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commenoration services, as a survivor, in Hawaii on December 7. Susan was raised in the NW suburbs of Minneapolis and graduated from Osseo High School in 1958. She attended St. Olaf College before graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1962, with a Bachelors of Arts in Education degree. Following university, she was recruited to Bakersfield, California, to teach High School English. While living in California, Susan met fellow teacher Donald Lewis Jurries, also from Minnesota. They married on October 26, 1963 in a small ceremony in Bakersfield, California. In 1967, they returned to Minnesota and made their home in Bloomington. Susan kept busy raising her three children and spent many years volunteering in their schools, as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, Sunday School Music Teacher, and most notably as the President of the American Heart Association of Minnesota. In 1994, following the death of Donald’s mother, they moved to her home in Northfield, Minnesota. In retirement, they split their time between Northfield, Clearwater, Florida, and at their beloved lake home in Hayward, Wisconsin. Susan was a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, volunteering her time in many capacities. Susan also was a member of the Pilot Wives Club in Minnesota, enjoying the benefit of extensive travel, as her husband was an airline pilot. She enjoyed playing on her tennis leagues, theater, art museums, her “Gourmet” cooking club with her friends, reading, and English! Susan was sweet, caring, thoughtful and kind. She dearly loved her family and was deeply involved with her grandchildren and their activities.

Susan is survived by her husband of almost 58 years, Donald; her children, Donald 11 (Cecilia Dowd) of Berlin, Germany, Lorna (Kyle McLean) of Blaine, MN, Amy of Newcastle, England; four grandchildren, Hannah, Teagan, Charles and Sidney Wanous; and her brother, John (Jill) Ward of Oakdale, MN. As well as her cousins, two sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

 

 

DL pilot James R. Gaus

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL pilot James R. Gaus

August 6, 1963 ~ December 5, 2023

 

From friends and colleagues we learn of the passing of Delta Air Lines pilot James Richard Gaus, age 60, of Roswell, Georgia.  Jim joined Delta Air Lines 06-12-2000.  He is survived by his wife Mary, and by his son Josh, and by his mom and his siblings.

Obituary information can be found online at https://www.brucefh.com/obituary/James-Gaus

also at https://www.northsidechapel.com/obituaries/James-Gaus-2/#!/TributeWall

and  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-gaus-obituary?id=53834057

The funeral mass will be live streamed and available for playback at this link:  https://youtube.com/live/fF7RsvDZ99k?feature=share

 

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

205 Hamilton Way

Roswell, GA 30075

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

James Gaus Obituary

 James Richard Gaus, 60, of Roswell, GA, passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2023. He was born August 6, 1963 in Watertown, NY to Edward and Mary Gaus as the third of five children. Jim attended St. Bonaventure University (class of 1985) on a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship, earning him a commission in the United States Army.

 

Upon graduating, Jim began his Army career and was chosen to attend flight training. He was assigned to an Air Cavalry Squadron and his first deployment was flying Hueys in Honduras and El Salvador in support of an expeditionary Task Force responsible for delivering supplies and humanitarian aid. Jim then flew Scout helicopters in South Korea doing non-combat surveillance missions. He went on to fly counter drug and intelligence gathering missions throughout Central and South America as commander of a fixed wing unit. Jim left the Army in 1997 having achieved the rank of Major and moved to Virginia to work as a civilian contractor flying Lear jets all over the world.

 

In 2000, Jim was hired by Delta Airlines and began his 23-year career as a commercial pilot. His career was interrupted in 2002 when he was furloughed due to 9/11. Seizing this opportunity, his adventurous spirit led him to explore the world. He traveled with a friend to Russia, then spent several months surfing and giving eco tours in Costa Rica. He backpacked through Europe, and went back bowl hiking and skiing in the Canadian Rockies. He learned to mountain climb and summitted Island Peak (Imja Tse) in Nepal as well as K2 base camp.

 

In 2003, Jim returned home and began flying for the governor of Oklahoma. A year later, he was reactivated by the Army for the Second Gulf War and did airfield logistics in Kuwait.

 

Jim was recalled by Delta in 2005 and moved to Georgia where he met his wife, Mary. They fit together like a hand in a glove. After a lifetime of adventure, he was finally “home”. His son, Josh, was born in 2007 and over the years, the two could be found on Cub Scout outings, taking side trips, playing tennis, and more recently golf. Jim helped Josh build prototypes for his Eagle Scout project and sought to make Josh self-sufficient in all aspects of his life. When asked what his favorite layover was, Jim’s answer was always “Roswell, Georgia”. His interests were endless: golf, woodworking, gardening, tennis, war history, grilling or whatever his family was doing. There wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t build or fix, and whatever he attempted, he did expertly.

 

Jim put the greater good above himself. He listened more than he spoke and was always upbeat and easy to be around. His calm, humble, authentic nature won him many friends and he counted a day with his family or a beer with a friend as a good day. His faith was quiet yet unshakable, and he thanked God aloud each day for his many blessings.

 

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, and son, Josh; mother Mary Gaus; siblings Joe Gaus, John Gaus (Jennifer), Julie Welch (Dan), Jeff Gaus (Katie); along with sibling in-laws: Joe Rutte (Jan), John Rutte (Franziska), Kathleen Schoenblum (Joel), Ann Stanek (Mike), and many nieces and nephews.

 

A funeral mass celebrating Jim’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell, GA with a luncheon reception to follow. The mass will be live streamed and available for playback at this link:  https://youtube.com/live/fF7RsvDZ99k?feature=share

 

If you wish to remember Jim, you might consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Stronghold Rescue and Relief, or a veterans’ organization of your choice.

 

Local arrangements are with the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com

 

 

https://www.wwnytv.com/2023/12/12/james-r-gaus-60-roswell-ga/

 

DL Capt. Robert Charles Howson Jr

Obituary: Robert Charles Howson Jr.

Obituary: Robert Charles Howson Jr.

Park Record, The (Park City, UT) - Wednesday, December 20, 2023

– November 19, 2023

Robert Charles Howson Jr. passed away Sunday Nov. 19, 2023 due to complications from leukemia in hospice, Scottsdale, Az. Bob was born in Chelsea Naval Hospital, Chelsea, Mass. In May 1945. Bob grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Miami of Ohio where he was a member of the Figi fraternity.

He joined the US Air Force where he trained as a pilot at Williams Air Force base in Mesa, Az. He then served duty in VietNam where he was the highest time C-123 pilot to serve. Once leaving the Air Force Bob flew commercially for Delta Airlines for 32 years from 1972-2003. He was based in numerous cities throughout the US, having resided in Atlanta, New Orleans, New Hampshire, Boston, Park City, Utah and after retirement in Washington state and Arizona.

Bob married Laura in 1994. They traveled extensively through SE Asia, Europe, South America, parts of Africa, Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Scandinavia and parts of the Middle East. In more recent years the Howson's got hooked on cruising, accumulating over 1000 days each on numerous cruise lines.

Bob loved adventure, travel, road bicycling, snow skiing and animals. He built a "hangar-home" in north central Washington and enjoyed flying his Bonanza for several years post retirement. Bob became a volunteer ski instructor for disabled people in Park City, volunteering for many years with NAC, the National Ability Center.

He is survived by his wife Laura, a sister, Holly Dahlman of Charleston, SC, a sister-in-law Susan Howson of Macedonia, Ohio, three nieces, two nephews, three great nieces and one great nephew. As well as numerous cousins and in-laws.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father and step-mother of Cleveland, Ohio and one brother David Howson of Hudson, Ohio.

No funeral or memorial service will be held as per Bob's request. In Bob's memory, please donate to any animal organization or animal rescue group of your choice.

 We have an *updated mailing address for those who wish to send condolences to the family of Delta Air Lines Capt. Bob Howson.  And yet more sad news as we have learned that just 10 days after Bob’s passing, Laura’s mother Joyce Combs of Zenia, Ohio passed unexpectedly. 

Condolences may be sent to Laura Howson at

16351 East Emerald Drive

Fountain Hills , AZ 85268

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Robert C. Howson

May 27, 1945 ~ November 19, 2023

 From friends and family, we have learned of the passing of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Robert Charles Howson Jr., age 78.  We understand that Bob had fought cancer for some time.  Bob joined Delta Air Lines 10-16-1972 and was based MSY in the early years, then ATL prior to retiring with Delta. 

Survived by his wife Laura, condolences may be sent to the family at

*244 BROOKS LN, FRIDAY HARBOR WA 98250-9167

 

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

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

WAL Capt. Dennis "Denny" Putnam

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WAL Capt. Dennis "Denny" Putnam

March 3, 1934 ~ December 12, 2023

 

Notice of passing….retired Western Airlines pilot Captain Denny Putnam, age 89, of Montrose, Colorado.  Denny joined Western Airlines 2-28-1961.  He is survived by his wife Lonnie, and by his children and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/dennis-denny-putnam-obituary?id=53843706

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/dennis-denny-putnam-obituary?pid=205902583

PCN Memorial site

Dennis "Denny" Putnam Obituary

On December 12, 2023, Dennis (Denny) Putnam finished his earthly journey and passed to his heavenly home. He was born March 3, 1934, in Gunnison, Colo. Soon after, Denny and his folks moved to Phoenix, where a sister and brother were born. In '44 they moved to Prescott, Ariz, where they were all baptized Catholic, and four years later the family moved to Grand Junction, Colo. Times were hard. In discerning a possible vocation, Denny attended seminary his senior year - as he put it, "it was an interesting year," but priesthood was not for him.

 

After starting college, Denny enlisted in the Air Force in '53, getting his wings in June of '54, assigned to a special weapons transport squadron with a world-wide mission. At the Officers' Club, New Years 1957, Denny met Lonnie. His three-day courtship soared into a 66-yr marriage, with three children over the next five years. Denny said his true loves were Lonnie, those three kids, and flying (Lonnie says his true love was flying, flying, flying!).

 

After leaving active duty, Denny attended Univ of Ariz while looking for a flying job. With none available, he was hired by the FAA as an air traffic controller in the Los Angeles Center. Western Airlines hit the jackpot & hired Denny, who gave them 100% over his 23-year career, flying the western United States, rising to the position of captain, even becoming involved in pilot contract negotiations. The family lived in the country in Parker, Colo, in the large home Denny designed and built himself.

 

Once the children were grown and gone, Lonnie & Denny returned to Denny's childhood town, Prescott, Ariz. They enjoyed years of memorable travel. Especially close to his heart were their trips to Molokai, Hawaii, where Lonnie & Denny were especially blessed by a prayer group in Mauna Loa, and Denny made quite the trek down to Kalaupapa - the leper colony. Many trips were in their own plane, from Alaska to Mexico, and he volunteered flights with Lifeline Pilots and Angel Flight. Sadly, due to his own medical issues, Denny hung up his Western Airlines scarf and goggles in 1984, with a lifetime of almost 30,000 flight hours.

 

With that door closed, God opened a window, and Denny followed God's call to ordination as a permanent deacon in 1993, and acquired a masters in Theology along the way. A couple years later, Denny and Lonnie settled in Montrose, Colo, where Denny deaconed at St. Mary Catholic Church and Our Lady of Fatima Mission ... again, giving his 100%, assigned as Parish Director, including the responsibilities of building a new church. For Denny's "dedication and service to the Church," he was honored with a papal award by Pope Benedict in 2007. (Even the Pope thought our dad was a special guy!) After several attempts at retirement, Denny and Lonnie moved last year to Chandler, Ariz, enjoying the sunshine and being close to loving family.

 

Denny is survived by his wife, Lonnie; their three children, Greg (Candace), Suzanne/Suzy (David), and Sally; four grandchildren, Becca (Luz), Nevada, Bob, and Westen; and Denny's brother, Doug Putnam (Sandra). We would be remiss in not adding his beloved numerous granddogs. Preceding him in death are Denny's mother and father (Mildred Garber Putnam and C.J. "Putt" Putnam) and sister (Debra Putnam Nichols).

 

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose, on December 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Crippin Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.

 

Denny was a quiet, generous philanthropist. As such, we would encourage you to make contributions to Angel Flight at www.angelflight.com or Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org in his memory.

 

 

SO/RC/NWA Capt. Philip G. Hallam Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, SO/RC/NWA Capt. Philip G. Hallam Jr.

April 30, 1947 ~ December 5, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Philip Glendon Hallam Jr., age 76, of Plainfield NH and Scituate MA.  “Philip was a professional airline pilot for 30 years with Southern Airways, Republic Airways and Northwest Airlines where he retired as an International Airline Captain”.  I believe Captain Hallam began his commercial flying career 02-01-1978.

These links will take you to Philip’s online obituary:

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/concordmonitor/name/philip-hallam-obituary?id=53842344

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/vnews/name/philip-hallam-obituary?id=53842420 

Philip Hallam Jr. obituary

 

Plainfield, NH - Philip G. Hallam Jr., 76, of Plainfield and Scituate, MA died on December 5, 2023 following a brief illness.  Philip was born in Massachusetts to Philip Glendon Hallam and Phyllis Margaret Hession Hallam on April 30, 1947.

He was raised in an Air Force military family. Philip lived in Nagoya &Tokyo, Japan; Athens, Greece; and multiple U.S. States. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. where he received a full US Navy ROTC Scholarship. Upon graduation, Philip was commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Navy where he became an A-7 fighter pilot. He served in the Vietnam War and flew off the USS Saratoga with Attack Squadron 105 - the Gunslingers. He continued his career in the military with the Air National Guard flying the F-101, F105, F-4 and the F-15. He retired as a Lt. Colonel. Philip was a professional airline pilot for 30 years with Southern Airways, Republic Airways and Northwest Airlines where he retired as an International Airline Captain.

 

Upon retirement he began home renovations for several years, but spent most of his time enjoying gardening at his home in Plainfield, NH where he lived for over 40 years - and taking care of his beloved dog, Albee. Philip also enjoyed his yearly trips to the family beach house in Scituate, MA. Philip is preceded in death by his parents Colonel Philip Glendon Hallam and his mother Phyllis Margaret Hession Hallam. He is survived by his sister, Linda White of Westerville, OH; and brothers, Thomas W. Hallam II and his wife Ava, of Dartmouth, MA; William J. Hallam and his wife Susan, of Roswell, GA; and Stephen C. Hallam and his wife Debbie, of Jacksonville Beach, FL. Along with 16 nieces and nephews.

 

The wake will be held Saturday, January 20, 2023 at 12:00noon – 2:00pm at the Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Rd, Scituate, MA.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm and burial services will immediately follow.

Words of remembrance and support may be left for the family at RichardsonGaffeyFuneralHome.com

 

PCN memorial site