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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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Thursday, December 19, 2024

RC/NWA Capt. Gary W. Hietala

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, RC/NWA Capt. Gary W. Hietala

December 12, 1943 — December 16, 2024



 

PCN memorial site

https://www.simpletraditions.com/obituaries/gary-hietala

 

Obituary Gary Wayne Hietala

Gary W. Hietala, long-time Saint Paul resident, died December 16, four days after his 81st birthday. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Diane Follmer, and four children: Cynthia, Scottsdale AZ, Wayne, Columbia Heights, Stephanie, Bloomington, and Stephen, Palm Coast FL. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, an increasing number of great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, nephew Bob Byerly, nieces and nephews, good friend Bradley Ruona and a host of friends.

 

Gary was an airline pilot who received numerous commendations for his airplane skill and safety. Before joining Republic Airlines and Northwest Airlines, he flew corporate aviation for several Twin Cities companies.

 

He was born in Seattle, Washington to Navy parents, lived some of his school years in the Minneapolis Kenwood area where he knew many residents because he had a paper route, and graduated from Aitkin High School in Aitkin, Minn. He held credits at Metro State University. He served in the U.S. Navy with honorable discharge in 1965.

 

Gary was a world traveler and terrific traveling companion. He could recall from memory the major streets in most large cities in the U.S. and many countries in Europe. He enjoyed going on cruises to see even more of the world.

 

Gary and Diane tackled some large projects together. They moved an 1893 Victorian house and restored it. Their home was pictured in National Geographic and numerous other publications. Then they moved several additional houses to provide community housing. They started a boat trip down the Mississippi River one year on November 1 and shoveled snow off the decks as they went south, the first of seven trips up and down the Mississippi River. Gary owned and restored several boats and was a member of the Saint Paul Yacht Club. He acquired his 100-ton Captain license and captained many boats on long voyages on major waterways.

 

He was preceded by his parents Bessie and Arthur Hietala, brother Mark, special aunt Alice Haapoja, parents-in-law Carl and Ruth Follmer, good friend Dan Trampe and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

 

Gary was a friend to all. He will be dearly missed by his host of family and friends. Memorials may be directed to your favorite animal rescue program, an Indigenous Peoples program such as Interfaith Action Department of Indian Work (651-789-3864) or Sharing and Caring Hands.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date after we have wiped our tears.

 

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