NWA Capt. Revedy C. Ray III

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Revedy C. Ray III

December 30, 1939 - December 3, 2025

Following his military service, Revedy Cuthbert "RC" Ray III joined Northwest Airlines 08-05-1968 and retired with Northwest in 1999.  RC is survived by his wife Susan, and by his children and their families.

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/revedy-ray-iii 

Revedy C. Ray III's Obituary

Revedy C. Ray III (R.C.) Class of 1961, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Rosemary Durst Ray and R.C. Ray, Jr.  R.C. was raised in Little Rock and carried a fondness for his hometown with him throughout a life defined by service, adventure, and a love of the outdoors.

R.C. attended Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets where he formed lifelong bonds and developed skills that would continue to guide him. His love for his alma mater never faded, and he remained devoted to Texas A&M, proudly supporting the next generations of Aggies through the Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Foundation. While an undergraduate, he was selected to be a member of the Ross Volunteer Company, the official military honor guard for the Governor of Texas and the oldest student organization at Texas A&M University. He joined the United States Marine Corps, completing the Platoon Leaders Course as Battalion Honor Man. Following commissioning, he attended The Basic School and upon graduation entered flight training, receiving his Wings of Gold in 1963. R.C. was qualified to fly the T-34, TF-9J, F-11, and the A-4. As an A-4 pilot, he bravely flew over 100 combat missions in Vietnam, a testament to his courage, skill, and dedication to his fellow Marines and his country. His time in the cockpit fueled an interest in aviation that took him from military service to a distinguished 31-year career for Northwest Airlines. He was qualified to fly many airframes for Northwest that included the B727, B757, B767, and B747. His airframe qualifications also included a Cessna 185 seaplane and a Learjet.

R.C. found his peace and joy in the great outdoors. He had a deep love of hunting and fishing, passions he thoroughly enjoyed sharing with family and friends, creating many memories in the woods and on the water. He also loved cross-country and downhill skiing, running, and playing tennis, activities he shared with his children. He was a competitive and highly rated USTA tennis player, and at the peak of his running days, he completed a marathon.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Susan, sharing a lifetime of memories through their many adventures together. Growing up and throughout his entire life, he remained close to his sisters, Margaret and Martha, sharing a bond of love and laughter.

R.C.’s legacy lives through his four loving children: John (Hue) Ray; Bill (Valicia) Ray; Andy (Liz) Ray; and Maria Ray (Hill) Goodspeed. He was a proud Grandpa to eleven grandchildren: Emma Ray, Sara Ray, Hunter (Elise) Vickrey Rebecca Ray (Joe) Muhitch, Alex Ray, Chloe Ray, Katie Ray (Sam) Goecke, Andrew Ray, Connor Goodspeed, Jackson (Claire) Goodspeed, Anna Goodspeed, and great-grandchild, Peter Ambrose Goecke. He also leaves behind brother-in-law Richard (Martha) Brooks, sisters-in-law Paula (Dave) Skelton and Gina (John) Hernandez and several nieces and nephews.

His steady manner, quiet strength, and easy smile will be missed by family and friends. The family celebrated his life by holding a private ceremony surrounded by the peaceful sounds of rushing waters and birdsong.

Published on Legacy.com November 06, 2026

NWA/DL F/O Frank J. Soave

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL F/O Frank J. Soave

May 23, 1959 ~ August 20, 2026

Noted in the ALPA AIR LINE PILOT magazine for October, the passing of Delta F/O Frank J. Soave in August 2026......

Frank Joseph Soave joined Northwest Airlines 10-28-1985 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Detroit.  He is survived by his wife Melliss, along with his siblings, nieces, and nephews.

PCN memorial site 

Obituary information for Frank Soave  

Frank Soave Obituary

Frank Joseph Soave, 67, of South Lyon, passed away on August 20, 2026. He was born on May 23, 1959 to the late Frank and Marian Soave in Livonia, MI.

Frank spent well over 30 years as a commercial pilot, a profession that reflected his discipline, responsibility, and calm nature. He approached his work with dedication and professionalism, earning the respect of those who knew him through his career.

Outside of work, Frank found great joy in the outdoors and in the company of those he loved. He spent many years walleye fishing in Curtis, Michigan, with his father and brothers. Being on the water with family and friends was among his greatest pleasures. He also enjoyed metal detecting, a pastime that suited his curiosity and appreciation for discovery. Franks happy place was anywhere up north, especially Mackinaw Island where he and Melliss were married in 2007. He also loved taking pontoon boat rides with Melliss on their lake.

Frank was known by those closest to him as generous and wise. These words captured the essence of who he was and the way he lived his life. Frank carried himself with a quiet dignity that left a lasting impression. He was a gentle giant in many peoples lives. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived ,loved, and cared for those around him,and he was a prayer warrior for others.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Melliss Soave; siblings Karen (Arthur) Sigman, Francene (David) Montgomery; Cheryl (Marty) Valentine - Cooper, Tony (Mary) Soave, Chris (Pam) Soave; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

NWA/DL Capt. Patrick Chandonnet

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Patrick Chandonnet

June 27, 1944 – October 22, 2026

Lt Col Patrick "Pat" William Chandonnet served honorably for 20 years in the USAF and retired August 31, 1988.  Continuing with his love of flying, Patrick then joined Northwest Airlines 10-14-1988 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Minneapolis.  Pat is survived by his wife Helen, and by his daughters and their families.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd from 3:00-7:00pm at Henry W Anderson Funeral Home in Apple Valley, MN...please see obituary details below.

PCN memorial site

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Henry W. Anderson Funeral & Cremation Service | Apple Valley, MN  

Henry W. Anderson Funeral & Cremation Service | Apple Valley, MN henrywanderson.com

Lt Col Patrick William Chandonnet, retired, passed away on Thursday October 22, 2026. Patrick, the son of Leonce and Rosemarie Chandonnet, was born June 27, 1944, in Lowell MA. He graduated from Salina High in Salina KS in 1962. After high school, he attended Kansas State University and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He joined the US Air Force after college graduation. Early in his military career, he flew the OV-10 aircraft during the Vietnam War as a Forward Air Controller. After the war, he was stationed in Big Spring TX as a flight instructor for the T-38. Eventually he got to fly his dream airplane, the F-4 Phantom which he flew in Las Vegas, at Clark AFB in the Philippines, and in Florida.

During a mission while stationed in Las Vegas, his aircraft sustained a catastrophic hydraulic system failure with a risk of in-flight fire. Patrick declared an emergency and instead of returning directly to Nellis AFB over the city, he flew back to the base via a less direct but unpopulated route at great risk. His decision making and superior airmanship prevented the possible loss of life and saved a valuable aircraft. He was awarded the Tactical Air Command Aircrew of Distinction for his actions.

He was later stationed at Homestead AFB where he received his master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He served honorably for 20 years in the USAF and retired August 31, 1988.

Continuing with his love of flying, Patrick was then hired at Northwest Airlines which later merged with Delta Air Lines. During his airline career he flew the 727, A320, A330, DC-10, 747 and taught pilots as a simulator instructor.

He married the love of his life Helen A. Ogle of St Peter MN, daughter of Sherman and Marjorie Ogle on July 8, 1974. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Anna Chandonnet and her husband Jeremy Barsness of Shakopee and Laura Gudim and her husband Andrew Gudim of Apple Valley, sister Claire Bonneau of North Carolina and grandchildren Dylan and Maggie Gudim and Isabelle Barsness. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert, Raymond, and Gerard and sister Denise.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 3:00-7:00pm at Henry W Anderson Funeral Home in Apple Valley, MN. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donors' choice.

NWA/DL Capt. Lewis Kieffer

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF, NWA/DL Capt. Lewis Kieffer

May 20, 1957 ~ October 7, 2026

 

Lewis “Lew” Eugene Kieffer joined Northwest Airlines 01-23-1987 and retired with Delta Air Lines was based Minneapolis.  Lew is survived by his wife Sue, and by his children and grandchildren.  Services are set for October 14^th in Hastings, Minnesota…..visitation/Rosary the evening prior….please see obituary below for arrangements.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/lewis-eugene-kieffer-62622406 

 

Lewis Kieffer Obituary

Obituary published Honsa Family Funeral Home :

https://www.honsafamilyfuneral.com/  

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
Lewis, age 69, passed away on October 7, 2026. He was born in Hastings, Minnesota, the fourth of Edna and Charles Kieffer's five children. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sue, his six children Ryan (Anne), Drew (McKenzie), Charlie (Helen), Gennie, Catherine, and Teresa, and 14 grandchildren Mary, Marta, Blaise, Zelie, Charlie, Rouen, Finn, Enna, Eleanor, Theodore, Caroline, Charlotte, Maria, and Emma, and his brothers Ray (Sue) and Bill (Kymi), and sisters Mary Lou Tittensor and Mickey (Ted) Feyder.

Visitation:   4-7pm on October 13th with a Rosary at 6:30 at Honsa Funeral Home, 2460 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN.

Funeral mass:   10am on October 14th at St. Anne's Chapel, 2445 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN.   Burial to follow mass, at St. Boniface Cemetery, Hastings, MN

Luncheon:  To follow burial at GrandStay Hotel & Suites Hastings

Lew was a pilot for 40 years, loved spending time with family, hunting, playing hockey, and helping others.  He started his flying career in the Air Force flying C-141s before moving back to Minnesota and flying for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines, accumulating 22,000 flying hours over his career. Lew was happy to volunteer his time and handyman skills at St. Anne's Chapel, which he and Sue attended for 38 years. Since 1996, he has loved hosting family and friends at the hunting cabin up north. He spent countless hours preparing it for everyone's enjoyment. He especially loved bow hunting, turkey hunting, and protecting the cabin from porcupines. He also enjoyed shooting carp in the backwaters of the Mississippi near Hastings, Minnesota, where he grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers. In April of 2023, he and Sue moved to a lake home where he could take Sue water skiing every day. He also enjoyed pulling kids, grandkids, and friends tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. If he wasn't driving the boat, he was kept busy baiting fishing hooks for grandchildren and their friends. In the winter, he meticulously created a huge rink on the lake. He was always happy watching his children play sports or joining them in friendly hockey and volleyball games. In his spare time, he reluctantly traveled wherever his daughters and wife could convince him to go.

He loved to help his children, whether it was moving to another house or apartment, fixing a leaky dishwasher or a broken car, fencing a garden, building a chicken coop, putting up a backyard hockey rink, or replacing a mailbox. We'll always have reminders of his love for us.

He lived his life in the service of others, always striving to emulate St. Joseph. He will be missed by all.     Memorials preferred to: St. Anne's Academy https://saawbl.org/support-us#kpg_516967

 

NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald

July 9, 1955 ~ July 24, 2026

 

Scott joined Northwest Airlines 08-16-1991 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Seattle.  Scott is survived by his wife Kathy, and by his children and grandchildren.   

 

PCN memorial site 

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/roger-mcdonald

 

Roger Scott McDonald's Obituary

Roger Scott McDonald, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, pilot, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on July 24th, following his battle with acute leukemia.

Scott was born on July 9th, 1955, in Boise, Idaho, to Rodger and Joanne McDonald; their third of four children. He spent his early years in Boise before the family moved to Bellevue, Washington, where he grew up and developed the independence and work ethic that would define his life. In his youth he taught himself how to ski at Snoqualmie Pass, and enjoyed playing with his three siblings along the waters of Lake Washington. Scott played football for Bellevue High School, where he graduated in 1973.

Scott began his college studies in Colorado, where his love for skiing and the outdoors deepened. In his early twenties, drawn by a calling toward aviation and adventure, Scott made his way north to Alaska. There he trained as a pilot and flew small planes through the Alaskan bush. He completed his degree in Aviation through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During Scott’s time in Anchorage, he met the love of his life, Kathy Suver. The couple fell in love and got married atop Mount Alyeska in June 1982.

Pursuing his goal of becoming a commercial pilot, Scott joined Hawaiian Airlines and moved from Anchorage to Oahu, where he and Kathy spent three warm years. After their time in Hawaii, Scott’s career brought them back to Washington, where they put down roots and started a family, ultimately settling in Gig Harbor. Scott enjoyed a 30-year career as a commercial airline pilot, flying for Northwest and later Delta Air Lines. He loved flying and took pride in his work. Even after thousands of hours in the air, Scott never lost his appreciation for flight and travel.

Scott’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He and Kathy raised two sons, Conor and Cameron. He treasured being "Grandpa” to his three grandchildren: Sloane (10) and Silas (7), children of Conor and Rachel McDonald, and Cedric (8 months), son of Cameron and Cyndie McDonald. Some of Scott’s happiest moments came from family vacations, especially boat trips on Lake Chelan and ski trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. He also made countless memories at Crystal Mountain, skiing with his sons and close friends. He felt most at home on the slopes, where he found excitement and renewal. Scott also enjoyed golf, not only for the game itself but for the life lessons, friendships, and conversations it brought.

Those who knew Scott will remember him as a hardworking, humble, and thoughtful man. He believed in personal responsibility and self-reliance, often reminding others of his favorite saying, "If it's going to be, it's up to me". He lived those words every day, setting an example through actions rather than words. Around the house, Scott was always working on a DIY project, approaching each task with determination and a quiet belief that he could figure it out. He was admired for his ability to solve problems, and the effort he put into doing things the right way. He was also devoted a Seahawks fan who rarely missed a game, and his family likes to think their 2026 Super Bowl victory was a meaningful final tribute to a lifelong fan.

Scott's legacy lives on in those he loved, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to know him. Though Scott has left this world, his spirit remains present in every mountain sunrise, soaring above the peaks before dropping into an endless run of fresh powder.

NWA/DL Capt. Dennis Revell

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Dennis Revell

June 26, 1949 ~ October 3, 2026

 

Aviation was the defining passion of Dennis’s life. After completing his Air Force commitment, he began a long career as a commercial pilot………………….

Captain Dennis Boyd Revell joined Northwest Airlines 07-06-1990 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Detroit.  Dennis is survived by his wife Carole, and by his son Troy and his grandchildren.

Visitation and services will be held October 13th, at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home located in Lititz PA ….please see obituary below for details.

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/person/dennis-boyd-revell-62592819

 

Dennis Boyd Revell

Dennis Boyd Revell, 77, of Lititz, PA, and Naples, FL, passed away on October 3, 2026, with his family by his side after living with Parkinson’s disease for 23 years. He was born June 26, 1949, in Florence, South Carolina.

Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in 1972 and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force through ROTC. He went on to fly the C-141 Starlifter and became an aircraft commander and instructor pilot.

Aviation was the defining passion of Dennis’s life. After completing his Air Force commitment, he began a long career as a commercial airline pilot and ultimately retired as a captain with Delta Air Lines in 2014. Flying was never simply a profession for Dennis; it was a lifelong passion and one of his great joys. He owned his own airplanes beginning at age 24 and remained closely connected to private aviation throughout his life.

Dennis’s interests extended well beyond the cockpit. He loved airplanes, cars, and boats, and was happiest when building, repairing, or understanding how something worked. He also loved sports and excelled at many of them, especially water skiing, snow skiing, boating, and golf.

Dennis and Carole, his wife of 35 years, traveled extensively throughout the world together. They were members of Bent Creek Country Club in Lititz, Bonita Bay Country Club, and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole; his son, Troy; his niece and nephew, Cassie and Maxie; and two grandchildren.

Dennis will be remembered for his kindness, patience, athleticism, his strong work ethic, his mechanical curiosity, his love of sports and travel, and above all, his lifelong love of flying.

Friends and family will be received from 2PM to 4PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Charles F. Snyder, Jr., Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dennis’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (bit.ly/dennisrevell) or to Hospice & Community Care at: hospiceandcommunitycare.org  

NWA Geri Bedrossian, wife of Capt Harry Bedrossian

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Geri Bedrossian

August 2, 1932 - August 6, 2026

 Gig Harbor, Washington

 

Geri is a former NWA F/A and the wife of retired NWA Capt. Harry Bedrossian.

 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tribnet/name/geraldine-bedrossian-obituary?id=62450568

Geraldine Bedrossian Obituary

Geri - In Loving Memory

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Geri, who passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, after suffering a stroke.

Geri was a devoted wife to her husband, Harry, and a loving mother to their three children, Mary, Anne, and Harry III. She was the proud grandmother of Jack, Kate, Alexandria, Taylor, Donovon II, and Jaclynne, and great-grandmother to Liam. Her family was the greatest joy of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Geri was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph Wierske and Marie Schmidt. She grew up in Milwaukee, attended St. Josaphat Catholic School and Bay View High School, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin, where she majored in child development.

After college, Geri became a Stewardess (flight attendant) for Northwest Airlines, a job she thoroughly enjoyed for three years. In those days, the rules for stewardesses required them to remain single and retire from flying at age 32. She was recognized by LIFE magazine in 1958 as being one of the most glamorous stewardesses of that time. But Geri's plans changed when, on August 25, 1961, she and Harry eloped in San Francisco, California. Because of Northwest Airlines' regulations, Geri had to resign from the airline. Her final flight, however, was one she would never forget. Before her last flight to Fort Lauderdale, the Captain asked her, "How can we make your last flight memorable?" The flight ended up crashing upon landing. Fortunately, Geri was safe, and afterward she jokingly told the Captain, "You didn't have to go to that extreme to make my last flight that memorable." That story, and Geri's wonderful sense of humor, remained a favorite family memory.

Not long after Geri left Northwest Airlines, Harry was transferred from Seattle to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Mary, they returned to Seattle, where they built their family home on Mercer Island. There, their family grew with the arrival of Anne and Harry III.

Once her children were in school, Geri devoted her time to helping others. She volunteered at Lakeridge Elementary School as a teacher's aide, working with children who had reading disabilities. She also loved traveling with her family, enjoying both domestic and international vacations made possible by the benefits of Harry's airline employment.

After 26 wonderful years on Mercer Island, filled with family, friends, and countless activities on Lake Washington, their children had graduated from college and begun their careers. In 1992, Geri and Harry moved to Gig Harbor and built a home in Canterwood, a golf community where they began a new chapter of their lives together.

In their 60s, Geri and Harry took up golf, and Geri quickly embraced the game and the friendships that came with it. She became an active member of the community and participated in numerous activities, including chairing a committee for the local Gig Harbor charity F.I.S.H.

Geri was a kind, loving, and caring woman who adored her family. She was happiest surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, and her love and warmth touched everyone who knew her. After 65 years together, Harry says simply, "I will miss her every day."

At Geri's request, there will be a private burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Anthony's Hospital and to the nurses and staff at Cottesmore for the loving care they provided to Geri.

Geri will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

NWA Capt. Wesley Vermillion

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Wesley “Wes” Vermillion

July 5, 1938 – August 28, 2026

 

From family we have learned of the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Wesley Dean Vermillion. Wes joined Northwest Airlines 04-11-1966.  He is survived by his wife Colleen along with many dear friends and colleagues. 

Colleen Vermillion <3sailboat8@gmail.com>: Sep 16 06:16PM -0400 On the night of August 28th Wes Vermillion left us and went to be among the stars. Wes followed his Bliss. Long ago he found it, grabbed it, held on and lived his best life each day. Please go outside, find the brightest star in the night sky and remember your favorite Wes Vermillion story. He will hear you and enjoy the memory too! Fair Winds, Colleen Vermillion

https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/palm-harbor-fl/wesley-vermillion-13021539

Obituary  :  Wesley D Vermillion

July 5, 1938 – August 28, 2026

Wesley D Vermillion passed on August 28, 2026, at the age of 88, having been born on July 5, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, and residing in Safety Harbor, Florida.

NWA Capt. David Berg

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. David Berg

June 29, 1941 ~ September 3, 2026

 

 

David Ernie Berg died September 3, 2026 as a dazzling thunderstorm rolled through……………….

 David joined Northwest Airlines 02-28-1966 and retired with Northwest in 2001.  David is survived by his wife Arlene, and by his children and their families.

A memorial service and celebration of David’s life is planned for October 4th in Battle Lake, Minnesota…...please see obituary below for details.

https://www.glendenilson.com/obituaries/david-berg 

Obituary :

David Ernie Berg died Sept. 3, 2026 as a dazzling thunderstorm rolled through.

 David was born on June 29, 1941 to Ernest and Lorayne (nee Morstad) Berg in Montevideo, MN. On Labor Day 1959, after spending the day at the Minnesota State Fair, David was seriously injured in a car accident which left him in a full-body cast. He enrolled at the University of Minnesota in March 1960, still on crutches and navigating a brutally long and harsh winter. His arrival at the U would change the course of his life. 

 In spring 1962, David met Arlene Martin outside the phone booth in Pioneer Hall. Continuing his passion for aviation, which began as a teenager, he worked as an instructor at the U’s flight school at the Anoka County-Blaine airport. Convinced he couldn’t be an airline pilot because of less-than-perfect vision, he pursued a degree in pharmacy graduating in 1965. 

 David and Arlene were married in August 1965 at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church in Battle Lake, MN. While working as a pharmacist, he learned Northwest Orient Airlines was hiring people like him – low hours but the right aptitude to be an airline pilot. He was hired in February 1966. His 35-year career took him to some of his favorite places like Amsterdam, Honolulu, San Francisco and really anywhere with a bookstore and good Chinese food. He retired in 2001 as a DC-10 captain. 

 After retiring, he enjoyed sawing boards, building a treehouse, and creating a Japanese garden. What he most loved was spending as much time as possible with Arlene staring at the lake, frequently remarking on how fortunate he was to be right there.

 David and Arlene had three children, Marc, Jane, and Jill. Even though he was gone frequently for his job, he was very present for his kids and expected them to always be learning. He made them wooden animals, blocks, and boomerangs, and later cedar-strip canoes. He offered sage advice like “A point in every direction is the same as no point at all.” 

 He is preceded in death by his beloved in-laws Willard and Bernice Martin.

 He is survived by his wife Arlene whom he credited with running the operation and raising good kids. He is also survived by his children Marc (Christa) Berg, Jane (Doug) Pennington, and Jill (Joe) Driscoll. His eight grandchildren Daria, Carter, and Andrew Berg; Etta and Ivy Pennington; and Liam, Claire, and Emmett Driscoll will miss Grandpa Wookie deeply. 

 Fly West, Captain Berg! 

 Memorial service October 4, 2026 at Glendalough State Park. Visitation in the historic lodge at 1:00 p.m. Service in the dining hall at 2:00 p.m. 

 Memorials preferred to donor’s choice, Battle Lake Area Fire and Rescue Association, Battle Lake Area Community Fund or Park Partners at Glendalough State Park.

 https://www.glendenilson.com/obituaries/david-berg

 

RC/NWA Capt. Van F. Heywood

 

Belated, but not forgotten …………..

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, RC/NWA Capt. Van Farrell Heywood

December 3, 1936 ~ November 8, 2021

 

Van began his commercial flying with Hughs AirWest ( 1-29-1968 )  based Phoenix, and retired with Northwest Airlines in 1996.  Van is survived by his wife Corinne, and by his children and their families.  Corinne currently resides in Scottsdale AZ.

 

https://supersabresociety.org/biography/heywood-van-f/

Van Farrell Heywood

Preferred Name: Van

Nickname/Call Sign: Spruce 2

Highest Military Grade: 0-4 – Major

 

“”A hero in our midst” Arcadia News, by Mallory Gleich, Nov 1, 2021

 

A perfect day for Van Heywood would be to spend time hiking and hanging out with friends and family. But in 1958, when he joined the United States Air Force, his days were, well, a little different.

 

Heywood was born in an old farmhouse on Extension and Broadway Road in Mesa in 1936. He’s lived in the Grand Canyon state since, attending area schools and eventually getting a college degree in education and music from ASU.

 

While there, Heywood and some friends decided to join the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). After graduation, he was tested and chosen for flight school, and was awarded an officer’s rank right out of college.

 

“I’m thankful to be alive,” Heywood said. “I did 100 missions over North Vietnam (the bad area) and 24 missions over Laos (the other bad area). Only the 100 missions over North Vietnam counted for your tour, and you didn’t get to go home until you had 100 missions over North Vietnam.”

 

While in the military, Heywood was a jet pilot. He flew an F-105 Thunderchief and a F-100 Super Saber, the first fighter bomber series, allowing the soldiers to play different combat roles.

 

“In addition, I was a Wild Weasel. The Wild Weasels were a top-secret program designed to take out Surface to Air Missile sites (SAM sites) that would shoot our airplanes down. We were the first Wild Weasel flight to take out a SAM site successfully,” he said.

 

Heywood shared one particular mission that he will never forget: His first SAM strike, right before Christmas in 1965.

 

“To start, I flew about 12 Iron Hand (joint USAF-USN) missions. The technique we used was what we described as trolling (like the technique used in fishing). We acted as the bait, and the SAM site was the fish,” he said.

 

“In the designated area, we would fly in a loose and flexible formation. Many times a missile site would come up and start tracking us. We would start a turn toward the site to try and set up an attack. It seemed that the missile guys got the word about what we were up to, and when we turned toward the site, it would go off the air. We didn’t seem to be getting anywhere with the tactics we were using.”

 

“I could hear another flight in our area trying to join up after attacking a target. One of their flight had been hit, and they were trying to get him out of the target area along the Red River.”

 

“We were coming into the flat, open area bordering the Red River in SE Asia. We were fairly low, and the Weasel was making as many knots as I think he could get out of the F-100F. In not more than what seemed like two minutes, the Weasel called the SAM site swinging off our left. We all started a turn, and a voice transmitted excitedly, ‘I’ve got him.’

 

“As we continued turning, I saw two long, slender tubes on what appeared to be a transporter. They were pointed up at about 60 degrees and stuck out just barely beyond the tree line. ‘Missiles,’ I said to myself.”

 

“We had four LAU-3 rocket pods with 19 rockets in each pod, and I had armed up all four pods to fire at once. If I got only one shot, I wanted it to be a memorable one. Even though we were getting flak from the river, I concentrated on my run and wasn’t about to let the flak deter me. I steadied just long enough to get my sight picture for the rockets and fired. What an impressive sight! Seventy-six rockets were spewing out in front of my aircraft, and I was sure that the guys on the ground were impressed.”

 

“I elevated the gunsight piper on my second attack, held the trigger down, and gently walked the rudders until the gun fired out. The target was by now a roiling, boiling mass of dust and debris in which nothing could be seen except a few of the taller trees. I felt a little disturbed when the Weasel started calling out, ‘Everybody get down; he’s on us.’ After a couple of calls like that, I started thinking, ‘How is that possible?’ It wasn’t until later I found out another SAM site over by the river came up and was trying to get a shot at us.”

 

Heywood ended his tour as a Major in 1987 after earning various medals of honor, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is awarded to those who committed acts of heroism or achievement while participating in aerial flight.

 

Times were different then: even with the honor and bravery he showed, when Heywood returned from Vietnam, he had to make sure to not wear his uniform off base or he would get heckled by civilians.

 

Eventually, Heywood returned home to his wife, Corinne. The pair met through Corinne’s brother and although they had connected early on, it wasn’t until she was a freshman and he was a senior at ASU that the two started dating. After college, the pair were married and then transferred to different bases around the U.S.

 

Their love stood the test of time, as the pair have been together for 63 years – 40 of those in Arcadia. They have 12 children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

 

Heywood retired from the military after 29 years and 124 missions. Afterward, he received devastating news: because of the chemical Agent Orange that was sprayed over the foliage where he and his squadron were stationed, Heywood developed an aggressive form of cancer.

                                                                     

At publication time, he was being hospitalized and waiting to start chemo treatments, but told doctors that he has no regrets, has done everything he wanted to do in life, and isn’t afraid to die.

 

“I have stared down the barrels of weapons trying to kill me. I can face this!” Heywood said. “

 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/234158366/van-farrell-heywood

Van Farrell Heywood

Birth  :  3 Dec 1936

Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona

Death  :  8 Nov 2021 (aged 84)

Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona

Burial  :  National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona

NWA/DL Capt. Bill Bailey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

EAL/NWA/DAL

Captain William C. Bailey, USNR (Ret.)

March 10, 1950 — August 27, 2026

 

Captain Bailey began his time with Northwest Airlines 07-07-1989 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Katherine, and by his children and their families.

Services will be held this Friday, September 4^th in Florida…please see obituary below or visit the funeral home website for details.

 

PCN memorial site

https://www.degusipefuneralhome.com/obituaries?query=bailey 

Captain William C. Bailey, USNR (Ret.) passed away peacefully at his home in Longwood, Florida on August 27, 2026. A native of Oak Park, Illinois, Bill attended Fenwick High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball and golf. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1972, proudly serving as captain of the Naval Academy Golf Team.

After graduation, Bill served aboard the USS Kretchmer before earning his naval aviator wings in 1974. Flying the A-7E Corsair, he completed deployments to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean with the "Marauders" of VA-82 aboard the USS Nimitz. The “Marauders” earned the Battle "E" and the Admiral Wade McClusky Award. He later served as an instructor pilot with VA-174, transitioned to the Naval Reserve in 1979, and joined the "Blue Dolphins" of VA-203. During his tenure, the unit earned multiple top squadron honors, and Captain Bailey transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet before assuming command of the squadron in 1990. Bill cherished the many friendships he made during his Naval career.

In addition to his distinguished military service, Captain Bailey pursued a successful commercial aviation career, flying as a pilot for Eastern Airlines for 10 years, Northwest Airlines for 10 years, and concluding his career with Delta Air Lines until his retirement. At each airline he enjoyed working in the training department in addition to flying.

Outside of his career, Bill was happiest on the golf course, spending time with his family, working in his yard, traveling with his wife, and following the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, his kind nature towards everyone he met, his deep devotion to his family, and, most of all, his wonderful laugh.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Katherine; their children, Brian (Jackie) and Allison Grant (Jeffery); and their seven cherished grandsons: Brody, Holden, Reed, Ian, Declan, Ryan, and Wesley. He is also survived by his siblings, Jack (Emma), Robert (Shelly), Tim (Anne), Dan, and Mary Beth Catenzaro (Frank).

A Mass will be held on Friday, September 4, at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will take place at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date. Friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or a charity of your choice.

NWA Capt. John Lackey

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. John Lackey

November 6, 1939 ~ May 20, 2026

 

John passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his beloved beach home in Wildwood, New Jersey…………………

Following his military service, John Earl Lackey joined Northwest Airlines 05-06-1968 and retired with Northwest in 1999.  John is survived by his wife Claire, and by his children and his grandchildren. 

PCN memorial site 

 https://ingersollgreenwoodfh.com/tribute/details/1117  

John Earl Lackey passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at his beloved beach home in Wildwood, New Jersey. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Gore, Oklahoma.

 

John attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in mathematics education. After a brief time teaching high school, he joined the United States Navy and became an accomplished naval aviator. He proudly completed three tours in Vietnam flying the E-2 Hawkeye and achieved more than 100 successful aircraft carrier landings while serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga, USS Bon Homme Richard, and USS Kitty Hawk. He retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

 

In addition to his military service, John began a distinguished career with Northwest Airlines in 1968, flying for more than 30 years before retiring in 1999. He captained aircraft as large as the Boeing 747-200 and was known throughout his career for his professionalism and commitment to safety. It was at Northwest Airlines where he met the love of his life, Claire, who also enjoyed a long career with the airline. They married in June 1976 and shared nearly 50 devoted years together.

 

John loved Phillies baseball, Eagles football, boating, model trains, his dogs, and fixing anything that was broken. He was a member and past Commodore of the Cape Coral Cruise Club and spent many happy days boating with Claire aboard their beloved 40-foot Silverton, Claire E. He cherished winters in Southwest Florida and summers at the Jersey Shore.

 

Above all, John loved his family deeply. He is survived by his loving wife Claire; his children, Joseph and Jeffrey and his cherished grandchildren, Allison, Ryan, Alex, and Jade.

 

In a final reflection of the love that defined his life, John’s last words before going to bed Tuesday evening were simply, “I love you,” spoken while looking into his wife’s eyes.