NWA Capt. Gabriel James Fernandez

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Gabriel James Fernandez

December 6, 1942 ~ November 19, 2020

 

From our Retired Northwest Pilots group comes this news and obituary…..friends write:  “Captain Gabriel 'Jim' Fernandez, age 77, has died early this morning after suffering the effects of a stroke. Jim was hired by NWA on October 10, 1966 and retired in 2002. He was held in high regard by his colleagues and will be greatly missed. Details to follow as they become available.”  Please note…although obit below says DOB Dec. 7, our pilot roster records and California birth records show birth date as 12-06-1942.  Captain Fernandez joined Northwest Airlines 10-10-1966.  He had most recently resided at 31 Pine St. in Edmonds, WA.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  : Gabriel James Fernandez, the first-born-son to Gabriel Jesus Fernandez and Polly Nunes Fernandez on December 7, 1942. This unique and loving soul was born to fly. He set his sights on the prize while working at Valley Fair Market in San Jose, CA during his young years.  Every  paycheck  went  to pay for flying lessons starting at 16 yrs old. He graduated from San Jose State, and served in the Air National Guard. His dream was fulfilled October 10, 1966 when he was accepted into the Pilot Training program with Northwest (Orient) Airlines. He loved being an Airline Pilot and was very fortunate to be with the same airline his entire career, and fly with extraordinary people, many of whom became lifelong friends. Captain Fernandez retired from NWA January 31, 2002.

 

His personal life was full of his larger-than-life passion of flying 6-8 airplanes of his own, even restoring from the frame up a 1928 Travel-Air Bi-Plane. Many of his planes he had for 30-40 years as well as doing his own maintenance on with the help of his friend, Merle. He was a regular fixture around Arlington then Paine Field, known not just as a retired Captain but as a trusted, tried and true Aviator, always a source of flying facts and Aviation History.

 

Gabriel, Jim, or Geem, as he was known to many, spent his last day flying in his RV4 around the Puget Sound, on Veterans Day November 11, 2020, where he experienced a severe hemorrhagic stroke. He had the experience and training deeply engrained in his ability to bring down the RV4 safely and taxi over to his hanger, where the guys were waiting for him, as the control tower had alerted that he could not communicate. He was taken by ambulance to Providence Hospital where he succumbed; our Captain Gabriel James Fernandez Flew West forever on November 19, 2020.

 

Gabriel played the guitar and even crafted an originally written “birthday song” for his granddaughters on their birthdays. He had a wonderful sense of humor, mastering any accent for a humorous delivery of a joke. He leaves behind his wife, Linda Mae, a family of daughters and sons-in- law that he took and loved as his own, as well as grandchildren who lovingly refer to Gabe as their PaPa Pilot. He also leaves a Brother, Rich, his wife, Gloria, and nephew, Drew, as well as an uncountable number great Panamanian cousins.

Lt. Col, DL Capt. William ‘Bill’ Joseph Rodway

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Lt. Col, DL Capt. William ‘Bill’ Joseph Rodway

July 13, 1951 ~ January 16, 2021

 

News has reached our group that retired Delta pilot Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Rodway, age 69, has passed due to an apparent heart attack. Captain Rodway joined Delta Air Lines 08-10-1979.

http://www.swaviator.com/html/issueon00/extreme.html  “Bill is a former Naval Aviator who flew A-7 Light Attack jets off carriers before taking a cushy job with the New Mexico Air National Guard "Tacos" flying F-16s (affectionately referred to as "Lawn Darts"). Bill drives a Delta 737 around to pay the bills (and fund his recently acquired aerobatic addiction). After wrapping up his military career with the Guard, Bill caught the aerobatic bug and bought in on a share of the S2-B. He claims his horizon will take him no further than perhaps the intermediate level of competitive aerobatics, but don’t believe anything he tells you when he’s trying to act humble – after all, he is a former Naval Aviator.”

Obituary information with photos and an online guestbook is available at the funeral home website: 

 https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituary/William-Rodway 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary  :  William Joseph Rodway

 

Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Joseph Rodway, a retired Delta Airlines Captain, retired New Mexico Air National Guard/USAF and resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico took his last solo flight to heaven on January 16, 2021.

 

He was born on July 13, 1951 to the late William and Edythe Rodway in White Plains, New York. He is survived by the love of his life of 23 years and "co-pilot," Lorena Zubia-Foust; her children, Matthew Foust, Heather Foust, April Gallagher and son-in-law, Tom Gallagher; two granddaughters, Lorelai Gallagher, and London Gallagher; two brothers, Robert Rodway and David Rodway; and niece, Indira Rodway.

 

Bill graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1973 with a degree in Science and Psychology and his weekends were fulfilled with flying lessons. While in college he saw a billboard that read "Fly for free, Join the Navy!" and quickly pursued that dream. For those of you who knew Bill, you know that the Navy had him at the word "free!" During his 8-year naval aviator career, he remarkably made over 300-nighttime carrier landings in an A-7 light attack jet. While stationed in Japan, his most memorable flights were off the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, which is now a museum in San Diego, CA.

 

After leaving the Navy, Bill was hired by Delta Airlines as a commercial pilot in 1979. He flew the Boeing 737 and advanced rapidly as an airman check pilot. Bill retired as a Captain in 2005 and enjoyed his last years flying the Boeing 767. One of his favorite places to fly into was Jackson Hole, WY. Simultaneously, while working for Delta, Bill joined the New Mexico Air National Guard for the next 15 years and flew with the "Tacos." He enjoyed the New Mexico blue skies and speed from the cockpit of the F-16 FALCON fighter jet. As if retiring from the USAF as a Lt. Colonel wasn't enough, he pushed his capabilities for a little "extreme" adventure in aerobatic flying. We're talking about pilots who like to be upside down, sideways and pulling G's while perfecting precise routines in a 3-Dimensional "box" of airspace. Bill had the need for speed! Bill's passion for flying was more than just a career and always quoted, "Find a career you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life!"

 

Bill knew how to have fun! As a member of the New Mexico Viper Club, driving at high speeds in his 2004 yellow Dodge Viper, he knew how to set an adrenaline rush on the long stretchy roads and winding mountains! There was always a good story to tell. One of the best stories was when 15 exotic cars were pulled over by two law enforcement officers in Montrose, CO, long story! Bill being a man of service and having the most upright respect for law enforcement, volunteered as a Bernalillo County Sheriff Reserve Deputy for 10 years. Within the first year, he received the "Outstanding Cadet" award and was President of the Reserves for a term during his service with BCSO.

 

Bill was an excellent family man and provider, listener, and workout partner (he was a member of Defined Fitness for years and won a couple of body building competitions). He was adventurous in many sport arenas, courageous, knowledgeable and most of all, lovable. He had the rare combination of someone who loved life and had a firm understanding of what was important - the simplicity of living life with those you love.

 

One of the best qualities that Bill had was mentoring people and helping them achieve their goals. He always made people feel as if they were the most important person in the room. He was an animated storyteller and had memorable and funny stories to share. Bill was always inclined to learn new things and mastered them quickly. He was extremely accomplished, yet humble.

 

Bill had a larger-than-life presence and personality. He loved spending quality time with his granddaughters and he always looked forward to picking them up from one of his 5-Star daycares. Their favorite places to go were the library and airport. He also loved spending time with his 4 Shih Tzu's who adored him and listened to his every command.

 

This past year Bill and Lorena spent hours flying in their baby blue Cirrus SR22T aircraft throughout the Southwest. A recent accomplishment was flying into the North America's highest airport in Leadville, CO at 9,934 feet. Bill loved making memorable moments for those who flew in his plane.

 

Bill was an all-American man. Words cannot describe how much Bill will be missed by his family and an abundant amount of loving friends! Even though his passing was unexpected, he will be fondly remembered for his leadership, tenacity, patience, and kind heart.

 

This coming March, Bill was going to start his volunteer efforts for the Barkhouse organization flying his Cirrus Vision Jet plane to escort dogs and finding good homes for them. The family asks in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to the "animal rescue freedom flight" in Bill's honor at https://www.barkhouse.org/donate or you can send a check to: Barkhouse.Org., 4670 Calle de Nubes, Las Cruces, NM 88012.

 

Bill's Celebration of Life will be held privately. Please visit our online guestbook for William at

www.FrenchFunerals.com

 

 

DL Capt. Howard ‘Howie’ Lynch

Celebration of Life...................

We invite you to come and gather together to celebrate with our family and friends the extraordinary life of Howie Lynch at the Elks Club, 8239 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida on the one year anniversary of his passing, Sunday February 6th at 2:00 pm. Let us all remember him with laughter and a few tears. We will be providing food and drinks for all to enjoy while we reminisce. Please confirm your attendance by sending us a text or call us at 305-731-8683 OR email RTannie@bellsouth.net by January 23rd, 2022.

 Update…..this obituary information comes to us from the family of DL Capt. Howard ‘Howie’ Lynch…….please see below.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Captain Lynch is survived by his wife Mary Ann, his children and his grandchildren. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at

2691 Sombrero Blvd.

Marthon, FL 33050-2471

 Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN  

In Memory of Howard T. Lynch 

In loving honor we mourn the loss of Howard Thomas Lynch, 85. On February 6, 2021 Captain Lynch passed away peacefully after an extraordinary life. He was born in New Haven, CT, March 12th 1935. His love of the Florida Keys began when he first visited in 1945. He finally moved to Marathon in1976.While living here he was a member of the Elks Club for 43 years. 

After graduating from high school he served overseas with the United States Army, 6th Armored Division. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Howard attended Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University. He then went on to a distinguished career with both United and Delta Airlines. His career as a pilot enabled him to satisfy his passion for flying and provided for the many amazing experiences along with his years of service. Captain "Howie" Lynch retired from Delta Airlines in March of 1995 after 33 years with Delta. 

He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor, his intelligence, his delicious cooking, his love of travel, his joy of fishing, but most of all for his love and dedication to his family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Ann Lynch of Marathon, FL.  He is additionally survived by his three children: Beth Lynch-Rolleston of Princeton Junction, NJ, Pat Lynch and his wife Kelly of Pompano Beach, FL, and Matt Lynch of Marathon, FL.  Howard also leaves behind his four grandchildren: Patrick and Cole Lynch and Alex and Rachel Rolleston. 

A memorial service will be held on the one year anniversary of his death, February 6th 2022, location to be determined.

............................................................

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Howard ‘Howie’ Lynch

March 12, 1935 ~ February 6, 2021

 

Dear friends and colleagues, we have sad news to share from the family of Captain Lynch…..wife Ann writes that her husband Howie passed on Saturday.  Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Howard Thomas Lynch Sr. was 85 years of age at the time of his passing.  Captain Lynch joined Delta Air Lines 11-19-1962 and was based Atlanta. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at :  

2691 Sombrero Blvd.

Marthon, FL 33050-2471

Arrangements are pending….as we learn of more details, we will be sure to pass along those updates.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

NWA Capt. Gilman Roger Wilson

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Gilman Roger Wilson

February 7, 1922 - January 28, 2021

 

Notification with the passing of RNPA member retired Northwest pilot Capt. Gilman Roger Wilson, age 98.  Captain Wilson joined Northwest Airlines in 1957 as is noted in his obituary below.  Widowed in February 2015, Captain Wilson is survived by his grand- and great grandchildren.

To view his obituary online please visit

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wcfcourier/name/gilman-wilson-obituary?pid=197675588

Captain Wilson had most recently resided in Arizona:  18170 N 91st Ave Apt 2134, Peoria, AZ 85382.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  Gilman R. Wilson

Gilman R. Wilson, 98, of Peoria, AZ, formerly of Waterloo, died Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Senita Ridge Assisted Living. He was born February 7, 1922, in Waterloo, son of Arthur V. and Ella Drews Wilson. Gilman graduated from La Porte City High School in 1940. He received his pilot training at Livingston Field in Waterloo and pilot instructor training at Randolph Field in San Antonio, TX. Gilman married Beverly A. Wood on December 28, 1952 in Minneapolis, MN. She died February 2, 2015. He worked for Northwest Airlines as a pilot from 1957 until his retirement in 1982, logging in over 23,600 flight hours. He was an avid aviator and always looked forward to sharing his flying stories with his grandson and nephew, Tim Anton of Phoenix.

 

He is survived by two grandsons, Gary (Jyoti) Watters of Madison‚ WI, and Gilman L. (Shelly) Watters of Phoenix, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Abigail, and Foster; daughter-in-law, Marsha Watters of Phoenix; and one sister, Jean (Charles) Kromer of Waverly.

 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; two brothers, Truman Wilson and Elliot Wilson; one sister, Joan Ringdahl and step-mother, Geraldine Ronk Wilson.

 

Family services will be held with burial in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials to the family. Visit www.LockeFuneralHome.com  for more.

Published by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on Feb. 7, 2021.

…………………………………………

Beverly Alice Wilson  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/142648096/beverly-alice-wilson

BIRTH :  8 Feb 1921, Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa, USA

DEATH  :  2 Feb 2015 (aged 93), Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA

BURIAL  :  Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA

Beverly Alice Wilson, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away February 2, 2015 at the age of 93.

She was born February 8, 1921 in Waterloo, Iowa.

She was preceded by her son Gary Watters Sr.

She is survived by her husband Gilman Wilson, daughter-in-law Marsha Watters, grandson Gary Watters, his wife Jyoti Watters and great-grandchildren Joshua and Abigail, and grandson Gilman Watters, his wife Shelly Watters and great-grandchild Foster.

NWA Capt. Robert Thomas Loveridge & Janice Earhart Loveridge

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

JANICE EARHART LOVERIDGE, widow of NWA Capt. Robert T. Loveridge

05 Dec 1938 ~ 05 Jan 2021

USAF, NWA Capt. Robert Thomas Loveridge, age 84

04 AUG 1936 ~ 17 DEC 2020

 

Notification with the passing of JANICE EARHART LOVERIDGE…..Janice’s obituary reads: “She followed her beloved husband Bob Loveridge, who had passed 19 days prior to Covid-19…… Joint services with her deceased husband Bob are planned later in the summer at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, with Bob being buried with full military honors.”  According to this, Janice’s husband Bob, that being Captain Robert Thomas Loveridge, passed in December 2020 but to date I’ve not been able to find a full online obituary for him.  I did however find this notice:  “Mr. Robert Loveridge - Class of 1959, CS-05..Deceased on December 17, 2020 - Informed on December 30, 2020. Funeral services are currently pending.” which was posted on the USAF Academy site … https://www.usafa.org/Heritage/GBNF?page=3   

Born  08-04-1936, Captain Loveridge joined Northwest Airlines 06-03-1968.

Janice’s obituary is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mtstandard/name/janice-earhart-obituary?n=janice-earhart&pid=197675871

If anyone has more information please let us know….corrections/additional information is always welcome.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :  JANICE EARHART LOVERIDGE

On January 5th, 2021, in Spokane Washington, beloved mother, grandmother, matriarch, and friend, sadly and mercifully passed after battling Parkinson's Disease and Covid-19. She followed her beloved husband Bob Loveridge, who had passed 19 days prior to Covid-19. She will be forever remembered for her unbridled love and support for her children and grandchildren, and her innate ability to make everyone around her feel warm and welcomed.

 

Janice was born to Frank and Ella Gould in Butte, MT. She was the apple of her father's eye, which was apparent with his wide smile whenever she was in his presence. She was raised in a modest but comfortable house on Keokuk St. She attended Hawthorne Grade School, and later graduated from Butte High School in 1956. She belonged to most every club and organization during high school and was very popular.

 

Soon thereafter, Janice went away To Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, WA, but returned early to marry her high school sweetheart, Bob Earhart. They raised three sons, Lee, Dan, and Ron in a happy, and typical Butte upbringing. There were many good times, but one of them were when the boys could skip school so she could take them to Bridger Bowl skiing. Janice and Bob divorced in 1975, but they remained friends. The Earhart's at Ramsay remained close to her heart, even though she did not see them often. She remained in Butte and worked at a local dentist office until leaving for greener pastures of Spokane in 1980. Up until then, she dated many fine, and some not so fine gentlemen, but no date started without a Lydia's lobster first. It was in Spokane she met her second husband, Bob Daniels at a golf course. Janice realized immediately Bob was an absolute class act, and they wed shortly after in 1983. Jan moved to be with Bob in Port Ludlow, WA. Together they enjoyed all the Pacific Northwest had to offer. Bob had three sons, Don, Danne, and Scott that she loved as her own. His life was tragically cut short due to an automobile accident in 1986.

 

Janice was working in a dentist office in Seattle when happenstance brought her together with her 3rd Bob. A flight attendant with Northwest Airlines was visiting her office and Janice casually asked her if she knew a pilot named Bob Loveridge. Bob was in Janice's first wedding and had been lifelong friends. He was also recently widowed. They were married in 1988 where they laughed, loved, and traveled the world. Janice loved to travel to meet Bob in different cities to be with him on his overnight trips. Living the good life, they had homes in Arizona, Flathead Lake, and Twin Lakes, ID. No two people enjoyed life as much as Janice and Bob. Even their last residence in Post Falls reminded one a lot more of a resort then an assisted living facility. A bonus of the relationship was Bob's son Mike and numerous grandchildren that Janice adored. Bob and Janice were inseparable until their deaths. Even though Bob suffered many physical ailments, his compassion and care of Janice as her disease progressed, was nothing short of miraculous and really something to behold. Bob was simply one of the most amazing people that ever put on a pair of shoes, and she was blessed to have had him.

 

Janice was of the Lutheran faith and was active at Gold Hill Lutheran in Butte, and Tacoma Lutheran with her favorite, Pastor Kirby. Janice was a world class shopper and would not leave a store unless every single item had been perused. She never bought anything unless it was on sale. It made for some interesting Christmas gifts. She always left the tags on so you could see her unbelievable bargains. She loved a hot bowl of soup, a Matt's hamburger, a Lydia's lobster, a Bloody Mary in the morning, a vodka Pepsi in the afternoon, and a Lemon Drop martini at night. She was the life of any party and was not beyond chastising anyone that could not keep up. She could be caustic if someone wronged her children, or if you were a poor server. She was pretty, classy, and always dressed to the nines. She made friends easily, and literally did not go anywhere in the world that she did not know someone. Her many planned family vacations to Disney World, Hawaii, California, or just gatherings at her homes, were incredible and made for some great stories and much laughter. Even though the infliction of Parkinson's was rendering her physical abilities useless, she never complained, never asked why. Janice lived a long and full life. She will be forever remembered and sorely missed by all that knew her.

 

Preceding her in death is her father, Frank Gould; mother, Ella Gould; brother, Frank Gould Jr; husband, Bob Daniels; husband, Bob Loveridge. Janice is survived by sons, Lee (Deb) Earhart, Butte; Dan (Deb) Earhart, Spokane; Ron (Miguel) Earhart, Burbank; Mike (Heather) Loveridge, Billings; Don, Danne (Lynda), Scott (Patti) Daniels, Seattle; grandchildren, Kreg and Clint Earhart, Jessi Earhart, William, Peyton, Nathan Loveridge, Dylan Davis, Devon Dohrman; great granddaughters, Presley Singer, Charli Loveridge; nephew, Greg Gould; and niece Tracy Feldmann.Janice has been cremated. Joint services with her deceased husband Bob are planned later in the summer at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, with Bob being buried with full military honors.

 

Special thanks to the Earhart's of Spokane, Dan, Deb, Jessi, and Hospice, that made her last days on Earth as comfortable as possible despite the Covid-19 scourge of rules and regulations.

 

Mom. I still see your face before me, your voice I long to hear. I miss and love you dearly, God knows I wish you were here. Tears fall freely from my eyes like a river, filled with grief. My only comfort now, is that, from pain, you have found relief. Missing you..