WA/DL Capt. Alan J. McKinnon

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Alan J. McKinnon

February 17, 1939 ~ September 6, 2017

 

Notice with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Alan McKinnon has been received.  Alan John McKinnon was 78 years of age at the time of his passing.  Captain McKinnon joined Western Airlines 03-14-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines, based LAX/030.  He is survived by his wife Margaret and their daughter Kathleen.  

Captain McKinnon’s obituary may be viewed online at 

 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/obituary.aspx?pid=186664707 

or at

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/alan-mc-kinnon-obituary?pid=1000000186664707 

Captain McKinnon’s obituary notes that services will be private.

For those wishing to send personal condolences, whitepages notes the family residence as

1979 Stonesgate St., Westlake Village CA 91361-1615  ...  (805) 497-4024.

If more information is received, we will be sure to pass it along.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary.................

Alan John McKinnon, Westlake Village, CA

Captain Alan McKinnon, a 46 year resident of Westlake Village, passed away on September 6, 2017.

 

He was a fifth generation Californian, born in Sacramento, raised in Merced, Westwood Village, and Edwards Air Force Base. At Edwards he watched Chuck Yeager break the sound barrier and decided then and there to be a pilot. He accepted a job with Western Airlines which later merged with Delta. He was a captain for over 30 years and flew for 36 years. Alan's fellow pilots called him "a natural" and one of the best with whom they had ever flown.

 

Alan was a listener, not a talker, and he never said a bad word about anyone (unless he was referring to the driver in front of him). He was a gentle giant, and his laughter was infectious.

 

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 44 years; his daughter, Kathleen (who was always Daddy's Little Girl); his beloved sister, Marj Johnson and her husband, Cal; and many nieces and nephews.

 

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Hema Nathan, and Dr. David Chi for guiding us on this journey no one wants to be on and to our dear friends who held us up when we were falling down.

 

There will be a private celebration of his life in San Francisco at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Boys' and Girls' Club of Conejo Valley. ( www.bgcconejo.org )

 

" To Fly West, My Friend, Is A Flight We All Must Take for a Final Check," safe landing sweet one.

 

Published in Ventura County Star from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, 2017

DL Capt. Donald Edward Watkins

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Donald E. Watkins

May 30, 1938 ~ September 5, 2017

 

Notification with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Donald Edward Watkins, age 79.  Captain Watkins joined Delta Air Lines 10-18-1965 and retired with Delta in May 1997, based 030/ATL.  He is survived by his son Jay.

To view/sign the online obituary and guestbook please visit 

  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?n=donald-edward-watkins&pid=186652326&fhid=4911 

Captain Watkins had most recently resided at

761 Burning Tree Drive SE , Marietta GA 30067-4721  ...  (770) 953-2425  (770) 422-4916

Captain Watkins’ obituary below indicates services will be private.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN

 

Obituary..................Donald Edward Watkins passed away on September 5, 2017 at Atria East Cobb in Marietta, Georgia. Don will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his son, James Edward (Jay) Watkins III. Don was born in DeKalb County on May 30, 1938, to Mary and Jim Watkins, both deceased. He graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in 1958 after earning a military scholarship to Auburn University. After graduation, Don entered the United States Navy, where he was honored to be one of the first four pilots selected to fly the F-4 Phantom jet from an aircraft carrier in the Vietnam War. After serving 5 years in the Navy, Don became a pilot with Delta Air Lines. He was a very happy member of the Delta family for over 30 years before his retirement in 1997. He and Jay continued to travel extensively together to many beautiful places, his favorite being Hawaii. Don wished to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in Hawaiian waters by Jay and others who loved him. This will be his memorial service.

.Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Sept. 15 to Sept. 16, 2017

C&S/DL Capt. James Lee Haydon

~ IN MEMORY ~

C&S/DL Capt. James Lee Haydon

October 18, 1924 ~ February 11, 2017

 

Belated notice, as noted in the September 2017 issue of ALPA's Airline Pilot magazine's  In Memoriam column, the passing of C&S/DL pilot Captain James Lee Haydon, age 92.  Born/raised in Kentucky, Captain Haydon joined Chicago & Southern 02-12-1951 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1984.  He was based Houston, then DFW at the time of his retirement. 

I believe Capt. Haydon is survived by his wife Eleanor and had most recently resided at

933 Harpole Road E , Argyle TX 76226-4004.... (940) 464-1122.

A brief tribute can be found online at http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/James-Lee-Haydon-104464532

also at http://www.familyowned.net/obituaries/James-Haydon-2/

No other information is available at this time.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN

 

James Lee Haydon .... October 18, 1924 - February 11, 2017

James was born on October 18, 1924 and passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017.

James was a resident of Mount Sterling, Kentucky at the time of passing.

Cremation under the direction of Denton Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

NWA Capt. Vincent G. Vaccaro, and wife Betty Jo

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Vincent G. Vaccaro

August 13, 1925 ~ September 3, 2017

 

Notice with the passing of retired Northwest mechanic/flight engineer/pilot Captain Vincent Guy Vaccaro, age 92, and his wife Betty Jo, age 90.  Captain Vaccaro joined Northwest Airlines 06-18-1948 and retired with Northwest 09-30-1985 (retired as S/O to remain past age 60).  Please see both obituaries below.  Friends and family will gather for Vince and Betty at 10:30 AM this Friday, September 22nd at Woodbury Estates, 2825 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury, MN with services following at 11 AM. Private interment at Union Cemetery, Maplewood.  Captain Vaccaro’s obituary may be viewed online at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary.aspx?pid=186575837

If more information is received, we will be sure to advise.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

 

OBITUARIES..................

Vaccaro, Vincent Guy, Age 92, of Burnsville, MN died peacefully on Sept. 3, 2017. Preceded in death by wife, Betty Jo and sister, Nina Krepps. Survived by children, Victoria (Ethan) Hertz, Paul (Susan), Phillip (Nancy); 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; relatives and friends. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Vince had a long career with Northwest Airlines as a mechanic, flight engineer and pilot. There will be a gathering for Vince and Betty at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22 at Woodbury Estates, 2825 Woodlane Dr., Woodbury, MN with a service at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon. Private interment at Union Cemetery, Maplewood. Memorials preferred to The Pillars Hospice or Our Lady of Peace Hospice.

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

Vaccaro, Betty Jo, Age 90 of Burnsville, MN, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2017. Survived by husband, Vincent; children, Victoria (Ethan) Hertz, Paul (Susan), Phillip (Nancy); 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Lois) Fleming; relatives; and friends. A private service will be held. Thank you to The Alton Memory Care for providing loving support and care for the past 5 years. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or Our Lady of Peace Hospice.

NWA Capt. Ronald E. Riel

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Ronald E. Riel

March 23, 1938 ~ September 10, 2017

We have received news with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Captain Ronald Eugene Riel, age 79.  Captain Riel first joined Northwest Airlines 11-06-1967.  He is survived by his wife Kathie, their children and grandchildren.  The online obituary may be viewed at

http://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/ronald-eugene-riel/article_8a87a71a-980a-11e7-87ae-dfdb8d5cde09.html 

also at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/spokesman/obituary.aspx?pid=186643700 

Condolences and memories may be shared by mailing the family at  

5302 South Best Lane, Spokane WA  99206  or Kathron2@comcast.net  ...  (509) 922-8914)

Services for Captain Riel were held last Thursday in Spokane Valley, Washington.

            Thank you,

                ~ Carol for the PCN 

Ronald Eugene Riel died peacefully in his home on September 10, 2017 in Spokane Valley, WA at the age of 79.

Ronald is survived by the love of his life, wife, Kathie Riel; five children and their spouses Ron Riel (Terry), Cherie Wall (Dave), Laurie Gilstrap (Kerry), David Riel (Barbara) and Michele Haus (Al); 16 grandchildren; Alex and Natalie Riel, Ryan and Nick (Tara) Wall, Nicole (Kasey Folsom), Justin, Jaclyn, and Joseph Gilstrap, Darren and Ethan Cheatham, Devin and Jennifer Riel, Brandon, Ashley, Emily and Maria Haus; and four great grandchildren, Makenna Wall, Lincoln Wall, Kasey and Brentin Folsom; sister Jan Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents Ronald Joseph and Alice Agnes Riel.

Ron was born on March 23, 1938 in Yakima, WA.  He grew up on the family hop farm in Wapato, WA where he learned to operate heavy equipment. His love of flying started at an early age and he achieved his pilot’s license in high school.  He graduated from Marquette High School in 1956 and from Gonzaga University in 1962 with a degree in Marketing. While at Gonzaga, he was a member of the ROTC, and of the renowned Gonzaga Glee Club.  He married Kathie Acher, his college sweetheart, in 1962. They recently celebrated their 55^th wedding anniversary with a family gathering in Minnesota. Immediately after graduating from Gonzaga, he entered the Navy as an Ensign and moved to Milton, Florida to attend Navy Flight School.  After several years of training, he was deployed overseas multiple times in support of the Vietnam War where he flew P2V patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.  After his military service, he was hired by Northwest Orient Airlines as a pilot.  Over the next 10 years, Ron and Kathie happily welcomed their five children into their home.  His children remember him as a hard-working father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and was always there to share his wisdom.  Frequent camping and motorhome trips throughout their childhood will be cherished memories. Though a pilot strike caused him to work at various jobs for a few years, eventually, he was recalled to work at Northwest, and returned to his true calling and enjoyed  a rewarding career as a pilot.  During his career with Northwest, he was privileged to fly many different types of aircraft and retired as a B-747-400 Captain. 

Upon retirement, Ron and Kathie returned to the Pacific Northwest, settling in the Spokane Valley.  Ron was very active during retirement.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, holding several officer positions. He was also an active member of the Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club where he volunteered and served in numerous capacities and was honored to ultimately preside as Lieutenant Governor of Division 46 of the Pacific Northwest District.  He was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spokane Valley where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.   Ron was a lifelong Gonzaga Basketball fan, attending both the men’s and women’s games for many years.  Ron could frequently be found working in his yard on his tractor or indoors enjoying a fine novel.  Ron always had a passion for fishing and enjoyed his last fishing trip on Father’s Day with one of his sons and a granddaughter.

A funeral is scheduled for 14 September 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ronald Riel's life.

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

From: RNPA News Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 4:37 PM   Subject: RNPA News: Ron Riel Has Flown West.

Bob Kunold writes: 

Ron Riel passed away Sept 10.  I'll forward an e-mail from Martin Wilcox M.D. our flight surgeon......

It is with a sense of great sadness that I must share with you that Ron Riel passed away quietly at home in the Spokane Valley earlier today.  I had talked with Ron several times over the past two months.  It was apparent that he was weakening but he had tried to hold his own.  Kathie called last Thursday and said he was not eating and had lost a great deal of weight.  She sounded well considering the circumstances and the family members were coming for what turned out to be their final visit.  Hospice came in to assist during what was felt to be his final days but Ron decided to depart before they were ready for him.

I remember Ron for a great number of things.  He was one of two squadron members who participated in the infamous Flying A formation in August of 1966.  I was a newby flight surgeon and had gone down to Ault Field because I had been informed that I would soon become VP-1s flight surgeon.  Shortly after their current flight surgeon departed, I went down to be introduced to the squadron.  I learned years later that there were two pilots overjoyed to see (view) me.  Ron and Ernie Perkins.  Seems they had a bit of trouble adhering to the Navy’s stringent weight restrictions for pilots.  Both were delighted to see that the new flight surgeon suffered from the same malady.  Maybe there as some slack coming.

Then there will always be the legend of his farewell party as he departed the Navy for commercial aviation.  That was conducted at the O club at NAS Sangley Point. Seems there was a problem with his shot record and he would not be allowed back in the continental United States unless he received 5-cc (that is a hell of a big shot) of gamma globulin.  Finally convinced, and in typical Ron Riel style, he dropped his drawers in front of all those assembled and I administered 5 cc of saline.  It turns out that there was no actual requirement for a GG shot but now I had my payback for some of the pranks he had pulled on me.  For years he would bemoan the fact that he had the most miserable trip home sitting on that lump in his derrière.  It was only when I roasted him when he was inducted as President of the Spokane Valley Kiwanis that I shared the truth with him.  He threatened to never speak to me again.  But he did.

As a pilot, he was a perfectionist.  And I think his children bore the brunt of some of that perfection.  But Ron was a very caring man who was greatly loved by his family and friends and he left a legacy of service.  He was always a member of the “Work Party” for the VP-1 Reunions for that era.  Kathie, you are a saint!

And he could be so very, very funny.  Like his self-extraction of his entire body from his car on a ferry between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island during one of our reunions.  They had parked him very close to a pillar and he was either going to stay in the car or squeeze himself out.  Out he wriggled.  Like a tube of toothpaste.  It was hilarious.  And then he went back into the car by the same route.  Those who had seen the initial extrication were waiting with cameras.

Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend.  You have earned your rest.

I am sure the family would love to hear your favorite Ron Riel story(ies).

Kathie Riel

5302 South Best Lane

Spokane, WA 

99206

Kathron2@comcast.net

(509) 922-8914 

Martin