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___ PCN FLIGHT WEST is sponsored by the Pilot Communication Network and is a service of the PCN provided for the Delta Pilot Retired family of pilot groups. Flight West was started and is maintained to accomplish two main goals. After we become aware of a colleague who has Flown West, 1. We aim to produce a “timely” notice sent to our community that allows for support and interaction from our group toward the grieving family of our friend and colleague. 2. Then, we aim to “archive” that notice on our Flown West Blogspot as a lasting accessible place of Dignity and Honor of our colleague for family legacy and posterity. Contributor contact info is generally removed before posting (unless requested otherwise).

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

DL pilot Brian Richard Daems

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL pilot Brian Richard Daems

August 6, 1967 ~ December 6, 2024



“Brian Richard Daems, 57, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 6, 2024, in the skies over Vero Beach, Florida. His uncle, friend, and mentor Randy Opat was the first responder on the scene, kissed him goodbye, and prayed for his soul along with other pilots who witnessed the accident.”

 

Brian joined Delta Air Lines 04-16-2001. Brian is survived by his wife Lisa and by their three children.  He also leaves to mourn his parents and siblings. 

For those who may wish to send condolences, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as

    206 Lucas Lane, Nazareth  PA 18064.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the family….please see details below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

Online obituary sites:

https://www.whitepinefunerals.com/obituaries/brian-daems 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/brian-daems-obituary?id=56975976 

 

Brian Daems Obituary

 White Pine Funeral Services - Logan

 

Brian Richard Daems, 57, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 6, 2024, in the skies over Vero Beach, Florida. His uncle, friend, and mentor Randy Opat was the first responder on the scene, kissed him goodbye, and prayed for his soul along with other pilots who witnessed the accident.

 

Brian was born on August 6, 1967, in Provo, Utah, to Richard and Linon Daems. He grew up in a fun and lively family of five siblings. He and his dad and brothers, Kurt, Jeff, Randy, and Eric, enjoyed many outdoor adventures together – river rafting trips, skiing in the beautiful mountains of Utah, camping as Scouts, mountain biking, and hiking. His mom diligently and patiently taught Brian how to oil paint, cook, organize, and be a gentleman. He attended Davis High school where he was active in Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. Through scouting, faith, and his family, Brian cultivated life-long character traits such as hard work, dedication, service, and loyalty. In high school, he achieved his Eagle Scout award and served as the OA Lodge Chief.

 

After graduation, he attended Ricks College for one year before serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington D.C. – South mission. Upon returning home, he attended Utah State University and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Flight Technology. His love of flying developed early in life when he watched the airplanes take off from Chicago O’hare airport while visiting his Grandma and Grandpa Opat. In college, he began his formal pilot training earning his needed ratings and certifications to launch his flying career.

 

He met his wife, Lisa, in the fall of 1992 at Utah State University from which they both graduated. They were married in the Logan Utah Temple on March 12, 1994. They were blessed with their first daughter, Lindsey Emma, in 1999 while living in San Luis Obispo, California, where Brian flew for Skywest Airlines. The family enjoyed spending time at the beach, at local parks, and enjoying the coastline. In 2001, they moved to Lewisville, Texas, where Brian flew for Delta Airlines. After 9-11, he began his career in corporate aviation. They were blessed with their second daughter, Abigail Marie, in 2003. Texas was a wonderful home for the family where they had many close friends and treasured memories.

 

Brian began his career with Leucadia Aviation in 2005 and the family moved to Layton, Utah. He loved being closer to extended family and the outdoor opportunities Utah provided, particularly hiking their local Adam’s Canyon, skiing at nearby resorts, and going on river rafting trips with his brothers. In 2007, they were blessed with their son, Matthew Brian, who nicely balanced out his princess sisters with his romping and wrestling. The Daems have called Pennsylvania home since 2013.

 

Brian flew for Leucadia Aviation for almost 20 years, with half of that time as Chief Pilot. He loved flying around the world with those in his beloved flight department. Always the adventurer, Brian was never one to sit in his hotel room on a trip. He gathered together anyone willing to come with him and set out to explore the mountains, oceans, deserts, and historical sites of the world. He has flown to all six inhabited continents, 48 states, 40+ countries, and has clocked over 13,300 hours in the air. He has earned ATP – AMEL, GV, G1159, EMB-120, Flight Engineer – Turbojet, ASEL, ASES, CFI, seaplane, and glider ratings and certificates. His most enjoyable recent rating was in glider planes as he loved the peaceful quiet of the skies and the challenge of finding the thermals. He received his Silver Soaring badge and was working toward his Gold.

 

When he wasn’t flying, spending time with his family, high adventuring, reading, and serving others occupied his time. He loved taking people for rides in his single-engine Maule airplane and the glider. He enjoyed mountain biking at Jacobsburg, Nockamixon, and Trexler with friends and neighbors. Hitting the local, national, and international ski slopes with Matthew and friends was his wintertime joy. And reading historical and classic books was his favorite pastime in his quest to be a life-long learner and always expand his mind. He and Lisa enjoyed celebrating 30 years of marriage with a trip to Venice and the Dolomites this past August—a trip that will now be even more cherished and remembered.

 

Brian’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ fueled his charity and service for others. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served and loved those around him in various ways at the ward and stake levels. His unassuming, quiet ministering touched the lives of so many. Truly he emulated the Savior as he visited the elderly, hiked and camped with the youth, ministered to the sick, hugged a sad child (and gave them a piece of candy), counseled with those who were grieving, and left in his wake so many small acts of kindness that are impossible to count.

 

Brian had four great loves in his life—faith, family, flying, and friends. Though the enormous impact of his unexpected passing has been felt so deeply and painfully, he died doing what he absolutely loved to do. Soar high, beloved, soar high.

 

Brian is survived by his wife, Lisa; their three children and one son-in-law: Lindsey (Daniel) Reid of Ithaca, NY; Abigial Daems of Laie, HI; and Matthew Daems; his parents, Rich and Linon Daems of Kaysville, UT; his four brothers: Kurt Daems of North Salt Lake City, UT; Jeff (Heather) Daems of Santaquin, UT; Randy (Ardene) Daems of Saratoga Springs, UT; Eric “Rico” (Whitney) Daems of South Ogden, UT; and his uncle, Randall Opat of Port St. Lucie, FL.

 

Lisa and the children would like to publicly thank the extended family, church members, Nazareth community, and friends near and far for the countless prayers, well-wishes, flowers, meals, condolences, and kind acts that have flooded them since the moment of Brian’s passing. They express regret to have not been able to personally respond yet to all of these kindnesses, but please know they have been seen and greatly appreciated.

 

Nazareth Pennsylvania Memorial Services:

 

Saturday, December 14th

Visitation: 10:00 - 11:45 am

Memorial Service: 12:00 - 1:00 pm

A light luncheon will be served after the memorial service for family and any close friends.

All proceedings will take place at: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 138 Rose Inn Ave, Nazareth, PA 18064

 

A virtual broadcast of Brian's Memorial Service in Pennsylvania can be viewed at: (Link to come)

 

Note there will not be a casket or interment at the Nazareth memorial.

 

Logan Utah Memorial Services:

 

Saturday, December 21st

Visitation: 11:30-12:30 pm

Memorial Service: 1:00 - 2:00 pm

All proceedings will take place at: White Pine Funeral Home, 753 South 100 East, Logan, UT 84321

 

A virtual broadcast of Brian's Memorial Service in Utah can be viewed via Zoom at: CLICK HERE TO WATCH SERVICE VIA ZOOM

 

Graveside dedication immediately following the memorial service at the Logan City Cemetery.

 

Condolences and Contributions

 

We invite you to post photos and memories of Brian on:

 

https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/Ns2LYvLL

 

Flowers and condolences for the Nazareth, PA, memorial can be sent to the Daems residence at 206 Lucas Lane, Nazareth, PA 18064.

 

Flowers and condolences for the Logan, UT, memorial can be sent to the family through the White Pine Funeral Home.

 

Charitable Contributions to the Family can be made through GoFundMe:

 

Donate to Support Brian Daems' Family in Their Time of Loss, organized by Pam Apollo

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brian-daems-family-in-their-time-of-loss?qid=2a5c894f83ddd3f311492b989137716b  

 

 

Charitable contributions can also be made on Brian’s behalf to the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, a park where he loved to ride, walk, and hike with his family and friends.

 

Make checks payable to: PPFF – Jacobsburg (Pennsylvania Parks/Forest Foundation)

Please notate contributions on the check in memory of “the unofficial trail maintenance man.”

 

Mail donations to:

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

400 Belfast Rd, Nazareth, PA 18064

………………………………………………………………

https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2024/12/09/identity-released-of-57-year-old-man-who-died-in-glider-plane-crash-friday-afternoon-in-indian-river/76860915007/

Identity released of 57-year-old man who died in glider plane crash Friday afternoon

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The man who died in glider plane crash in Indian River County Friday has been identified as Brian Richard Daems, 57, according to a recently-released report from the Indian River County Sheriff's Office.

Daems, of the 200 block of Lucas Lane in Nazareth, Pa., was piloting a glider plane Friday afternoon when it crashed into a median on State Road 60 west of Interstate 95. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board responded to the scene and are actively investigating the incident, according to sheriff's officials………………………………

Sunday, December 8, 2024

DL Capt. Richard Dale Morin

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Richard Dale Morin

Aug. 19, 1930 ~ 2017


hired 07-09-1956

Saturday, December 7, 2024

PAA/DL Capt. Jimmy H. Shuman

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Jimmy H. Shuman

February 3, 1938 ~ December 1, 2024



Sharing the memory of Pan Am/Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Jimmy Shuman, age 86.  Jimmy joined Pan American 10-29-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Frances, and by his daughters Gina and Donna.

PCN memorial site

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jimmy-shuman-obituary?id=56955223 

 

Jimmy Shuman Obituary

 

Jimmy Shuman, 86, went peacefully to be with God on Sunday, December 1, 2024. Born on February 3, 1938, in Reidsville, GA, Jimmy was a proud alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he played football under the legendary Coach Bobby Dodd. It was during his time at Georgia Tech that he met his beloved wife, Frances, on a blind date. He graduated in the summer of 1961 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and soon after, the couple married.

 

Following his graduation, Jimmy joined the Army after completing ROTC at Georgia Tech. He later transitioned to the Air National Guard at Dobbins Air Force Base and pursued pilot training in Del Rio, TX. His aviation career took flight with Pan American World Airways, where he worked for 26 years. Concurrently, he served as a fighter jet pilot in the Florida Air National Guard for 20 years until his retirement from military service. After Pan American Airways ceased operations, Jimmy continued his flying career with Delta Airlines for an additional 12 years before retiring. Jimmy and Frances built a home at Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee, where he enjoyed retirement playing golf, teaching his grandchildren to drive the pontoon boat and jet skis, as well as water skiing and fishing.

 

One of his cherished memories was playing golf at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, where he achieved a hole-in-one on the par-3 course.

 

In 2017, Jimmy and Frances sold their home and moved to be closer to their daughters in Atlanta where they lived until his passing. Jimmy will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a wonderful friend. He is survived by his loving wife Frances Shuman and their daughters Gina Marshall and Donna Peyton.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

DL Capt. Richard Earl Pepper

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Richard Earl Pepper

October 31, 1936 — November 21, 2024

 

We remember and celebrate the life of retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Richard “Dick” Pepper, age 88.  Dick joined Delta Air Lines 03-22-1965 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Sara Anne, and by his children and his grandchildren.

Obituary information is available online at

https://www.lordandstephens.com/obituaries/richard-pepper 

 

PCN memorial site

Richard Earl Pepper

Athens, GA

 

Richard (Dick) Pepper passed away peacefully in his sleep the evening of Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Presbyterian Village Athens while in skilled nursing. He was 88 years old. During the day he was surrounded by loving family and friends.

 

Memorial service is December 8, 2024 at Smoke Rise Baptist Church 2:00 pm. The family will visit at the church from 1:00 pm to service time.

 

He is preceded by his mother, Dorothy and father, Lawrence, Pepper. He is survived by his beloved wife Sara Anne, 3 sons Rick (Patty), Greg (Julie) and Matt (Samantha) Pepper. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rich (Iliana), Gregory, Drew, Timoth, Annika, Jake and Max, and one great grandson Jack Pepper. He was their loving Pa.

 

Dick was born October 31, 1936, in Baltimore, MD. Later his family moved to Ottumwa, IA. Dick graduated from Iowa State University in 1958, followed by being a Naval aviator, based in Eva Beach, Hawaii. This led to his career as a pilot for Delta Airlines for 31 years.

 

Dick & Sara Anne met in Pensacola, FL, and were married in August of 1961.

 

Dick loved flying, but he was always ready for meaningful activities. He and Sara Anne and several other families were led to help lay the groundwork of Smoke Rise Baptist Church in the late 1960’s. He had many leading roles in the church during the years and loved the church dearly. He was involved in the boys’ athletic activities, Boy Scouts, etc.

 

Another meaningful endeavor was being involved in African Children’s Mission as a member of the board, and he made several trips to Uganda in its support. He joined several international mission teams sponsored by Smoke Rise as a way of giving back for all his blessings.

 

Dick was a family man, and loved Sara Anne and all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild so much. He leaves a legacy of deep faith filled with love and compassion for his family, friends, and life. He will be genuinely missed.

 

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to either, Smoke Rise Baptist Church, 5901 Hugh Howell Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 or African Children’s Mission, African Children’s Mission, PO Box 26470, Birmingham, AL 35260.

 

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

 

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

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ga/stone-mountain/richard-earl-pepper-18934781 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 8th 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Smoke Rise Baptist Church (5901 Hugh Howell Rd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087). A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 8th 2024 at 2:00 PM at the same location.

In memory of Richard Earl Pepper, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities: SMOKE RISE BAPTIST CHURCH AFRICAN CHILDRENS MISSION INC.

 

DL Capt. GREGORY MAKRIDAKIS JR.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. GREGORY MAKRIDAKIS JR.

January 6, 1964 ~ November 28, 2024



We have just received word with the passing of Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Greg Makridakis, age 60.  Greg joined Delta Air Lines 10-16-1997 and was based ATL.  He is survived by his daughter Alena.

Arrangements entrusted to Island Cremations and Funeral Home 

   https://islandcremations.com/obituaries/gregory-makridakis-jr/9940/ 

PCN memorial site :

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gregory-makridakis-memorial?id=56918171  

 

In Memoriam: Capt. Greg Makridakis

         Our hearts are heavy to announce the passing of ATL Capt. Greg Makridakis on Nov. 28. Greg is survived by his daughter, Alena.

 

Celebration of life

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18

Time: 5:30 p.m. local time 

Location: Coastline Community Church (Community Center)

409 E Eau Gallie Blvd, Indian Harbour Beach, FL 32937

Dress: Casual

----------------------------------- 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gregory-makridakis-obituary?id=56918171  

Gregory Makridakis Jr. passed away at the age of 60 unexpectedly due to health complications. He is survived by his daughter, Alena, sisters Katherine and Linda, and numerous family members. Greg was born on January 6th, 1964 in Toms River, NJ. He spent a portion of his life here until his family transitioned to the rural areas of Virginia. After attending Averett University, he was the first in his family to receive his bachelors. Greg majored in business and aviation in order to become a successful captain at Delta airlines for over 25 years. In 1996, Greg worked for Shawnee Homes where he sold and set 15 modular homes. Following the theme of construction, he recently built his own cabin home in the mountains of Blue Ridge, GA with the help of his cousins Billy and Wyatt. Up until passing, he dedicated his Sundays to volunteering with children at his local Church. Greg spent an insurmountable amount of the last 19 years with his daughter Alena. Through her childhood they traveled the world together, from Mexico to Italy to Yosemite and many more destinations.