Home of Pan American World Airways Retired Pilots and Employees
1927-1991Remembering those who passed in 2018…
William Quincy Glathe passed away on November 6, 2018. Born on March 3, 1930, he was a descendent of John Quincy Adams, 6th president of U.S. for whom he was named. Bill was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. grew up in Glen Allen, Illinois and later moved to Palo Alto graduating from Palo Alto High School. He flew as Captain for Pan American Airways for 32 years and later United Airlines. Bill loved his country and was the first to volunteer when Pan Am loaned aircraft and crew for Desert Storm. He received a Commendation for his service. He retired as a US Navy Captain and Commander of a Navy reserve squadron after 20 years of active reserve duty.
Captain Frederick Cyril Losen, Pan Am/Delta pilot, passed away on Sept. 29, 2018 at age 79. Born in New York state on September 22, 1939, Fred was a military veteran. He joined Pan American Airways 01-19-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines.
Roy Hoffman, 88 of Pleasant Mount, Pa. passed away peacefully on November 26, 2018 in Hudson, Florida where he spent his winters. He thoroughly enjoyed his many years with Pan American traveling the world. The last four years of his career were with United Airlines flying to the Orient.
Joel Asbury Nightingale, born March 29,1929 in Louisville, Kentucky died December 19, 2018 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Joel was the son of George Ainsworth and Olivia Stamper Nightingale. Joel attended DuPont Manual High School, the University of Kentucky, and graduated from Kansas State University. He had a long career as a pilot with the US Air Force, Pan American Air Lines and, finally, with US Steel Corporation.
Lawrence (Larry) M. Norton (FEO Berlin) passed on September 12th 2018 in Berlin Germany. Anne-Marie Lasa( PAA Crew, Berlin) and myself, Heike Schiappacasse (Angelo Roca’s daughter) were present, easing his passing into the Light. He was 92 years old. Larry was born on June 28th, 1926, the youngest of 7 children in Fremont, Ohio. He soon found himself joining the Navy as a gunner and was stationed in San Francisco. After the war, he joined Pan Am as a flight engineer and traveled the world. Larry was equipped with a wicked sense of humor.
John T. Goliber Sr. passed peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 12, 1935, in Albany, John was the middle son of the late Joseph and Margaret Goliber, and brother Richard and the late Joseph Jr. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, earned a degree in economics from Siena College, and his wings from the U.S. Air Force where he flew F-86’s, C-97’s, and C-130’s, completing his military career with the 109th Tactical Airlift Group in Schenectady. He retired in 1991 after 25 years with Pan American World Airways where he piloted B-707’s, L-1011’s, and B-747’s.
Daniel J. Dwyer, 84, died on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Dan was a graduate of St. John’s Academy, class of ’52 and St. Michael’s College, class of ’57. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as an officer aviator. After his Air Force service, he worked as a pilot for Pan America World Airways and Atlas Air. Dan flew many types of aircraft but loved flying the 747.
Leon Thaddeus Scarbrough, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 11th, 2018. He was 80 years old.. Leon was born October 20th, 1938 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Leon (“Pat”) and Pearl Scarbrough. As an “Army Brat” he moved often and lived in several locations such as Japan, Oklahoma, Germany, and Colorado. He graduated from the American High School in Heidelberg, Germany and later graduated from Auburn University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Administration. READ MORE >>>
Hudnalle B. McLean, Jr., 84, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Born in Richland County, SC, he was the son of the late Hudnalle B. McLean, Sr. and Helen Allen McLean. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a retired commercial airline pilot. Mr. McLean was a devoted member of Sandy Level Baptist Church. READ MORE >>>
Austin Louis “Al” Joyner, age 80, husband of Marika Bollen Joyner, passed away after a long illness on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 with his family by his side. Al was born on November 14, 1938 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the late Austin and Leila Carre’ Joyner. He attended Steven’s Tech in Hoboken, NJ and spent the last 45 years residing in Madison, CT. Al was a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam during the beginning of the conflict in 1963. After 9 years in the Marine Corps he honorably discharged and became a pilot for Pan-Am World Airways. After Pan-Am went out of business he went back to school and became a financial advisor until his retirement.
Earl (Bud) Lemon passed away one week short of his 93rd birthday on December 17, 2017 in Watsonville, California. Earl was married to Evelyn Lemon. Their marriage was a true love affair of 66 years until Evelyn’s death in 2013. Earl is survived by his two sons, 4 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Earl served as a Navigator in the Marine Corps during World War II in the Central and South Pacific. He also served in the Marine Corps as Navigator for 5 months after the war ended flying the American Military officers around China accepting the surrender of the Japanese. On July 1946 Earl went to work for Pan American Airlines as a Navigation Instructor in San Francisco. Earl used the GI Bill to earn his commercial pilot’s licence. Earl joined Pan American’s flight crew as a Navigator in 1955. Earl served as Navigator on the DC 4, DC 7, Stratocruiser, and 707. He flew the 707 and the 747 as First Officer and Captain. Earl often talked about the flight in 1957 he served as one of the Navigators on the Pan American Stratocruiser Clipper America, first airliner to service Operation Deep Freeze in McMurdo Sound Antarctica. After retiring as 747 Captain from Pan American in 1984, Earl and Evelyn loved working their kiwi and avocado farm in Watsonville. Earl and Evelyn also loved fishing together on Eagle Lake in California where they also had a cabin. Earl was kind, loving, hard working and a devoted family man.
Leo Forrestal passed away on November 11, 2018.
William Q. “Bill” Glathe passed away on Nov. 7th, 2018. He flew in Pan Am from 1957-58 and again from 1963-1991. On Tuesday Nov. 7th 2018. Bill Glathe fell down near the front door of his home, his wife went to check on him and found him unresponsive and she called 911. The ambulance arrived and revived him, but unfortunately he passed away in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. It is believed that he had a a massive heart attack, however an autopsy will not be performed. Bill will be cremated and his ashes will be spread at a private location.
Bill Thomas was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, at a time when the sky was bright blue and Griffith Park was nearby to a boy who loved horses. He left college after a few years, going back later to earn his degree in business. He joined the U.S. Navy, and then transferred to the U.S. Air Force where his pilot’s training led to his life’s work, a Pan Am 747 Captain flying the Pacific Routes. Flying was one of the loves of his life; the other was his family.
Capt. A. Stewart Wilson passed away on October 21, 2018.
Kyle Robert Bradford, age 90 of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. Kyle was born on December 27th 1927 in Hamlin Twp., MI to Clara (Kellogg) and Walter Bradford Sr. He attended Olivet High School and went on to honorably serve in US Navy and then US Air Force where he learned to fly as part of the Warrant Officer program. After leaving the service, Kyle spent many hours hanging out and flying at the Miller field airport in Eaton Rapids with his brother Lyle. He landed a job as a navigator for Pan American Airlines and during a furlough married Margaret Brown of Eaton Rapids. Together, they settled in California where he continued to fly for Pan Am and retired as a Captain of 747s in 1987. READ MORE >>>
“Captain” Richard (Dick) Mayhew, a long-time resident and active member of the Ridgefield community, passed away on September 20, 2018 in Danbury Hospital after a short illness. He was 98 years old. Richard joined the military in 1941 and after completing cadet training became certified as a pilot on March 30, 1942. He served as a Navy flight instructor, training pilots during WWII at air bases in Jacksonville, Miami and Deland, FL. He started his 34-year commercial aviation career with TWA in 1946. He moved to Ridgefield in the 1950’s and flew for Pan American Airlines, as Chief Navigator for 17 years, and ultimately retired as a 747 Captain in 1980.
Rick Blake, long time Pan Am captain, passed away in April 2018.
James Albert Lytle, Jr. went home to be with the Lord at 100 years of age on Tuesday, September 25, in Naples FL. Born on April 4, 1918, James is survived by his wife of 77 years, Vivian Alexa Lytle, his four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. James served in the United States Air Corps during World War II and continued on to fly for Pan Am for 32 years. After retiring as a Captain, James worked in real estate before fully retiring at age 92. A disciplined man who worked hard, James adored flying airplanes, loved playing golf, and was an avid sports fan. Above all else, James cherished his family; he was a man of faith and integrity, remaining loyal, kind and strong throughout all the days of his life. He treasured his wife, Vivian, and was a romantic throughout their long marriage. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, constancy and unconditional love.
Einar Jens Mogensen died on August 7, 2018 in Spokane of an aortic aneurysm. He was born to Jens and Anna Mogensen on the family farm near Wells, Minnesota, on October 9, 1936. Einar joined the U.S. Navy and served as a pilot, flying surveillance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his Naval career, Einar flew for Pan AM for 25 years and Delta Airlines for 15 years.
Captain Daniel L. Robert (French) passed away on Sept. 7, 2018 in France. He loved flying for Pan Am with crew members and everyone surrounding the airplane he was flying for the well-being of all passengers.
Thomas Henry Kewin, 96 of Mill Valley, CA died at home August 15, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Velma (Morris) Kewin. Tom started his own obituary: “Fresh out of the Boeing School of Aeronautics, Tom was hired by Pan American Airways Systems in March 1943 as an apprentice Flight Engineer (Rocket Ranger). After 5 months of training at Treasure Island he made his first trip to Hawaii as the Second Engineer on the Martin M-130 ‘China Clipper.’ Twenty-two and a half hours!
Frank Bell passed away on August 31, 2018. A native Floridian, Frank Bell was born on Merritt Island and raised in Lake Worth on May 10, 1921. He attended Palm Beach Junior College and later transferred to University of Florida. Before his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was sent to Italy, where he flew 35 sorties over Europe. For his service during WWII, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, the European Battle Theater Ribbon with seven Battle Stars, and was discharged with the rank of captain. Pan American World Airways hired Frank in July of 1945.
Leslie “Les” Brissette, early Pan Am pilot, passed away on August 26, 2018 at the age of 103. Always sunny and optimistic, Les was always armed with a pocket full of jokes to keep any crowd laughing. Born and brought up on a farm in Saranac, New York, Les declares that he “didn’t see much future in farming and it sure wasn’t paying” so he took a temporary Civil Service job with the 1940 census. With WWII on the horizon, the government set up seven “free” flight training schools around the country and Les was assigned to what he refers as “Parkersburg, West-By-God Virginia” and started training on the UPF 7. “Very maneuverable” he recalled. Then he transferred to Northeastern’s flight school in Burlington Vermont where PAA came recruiting.
John T. Goliber, Sr. passed peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 12, 1935, in Albany, John was the middle son of the late Joseph and Margaret Goliber, and brother Richard and the late Joseph Jr.
He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, earned a degree in economics from Siena College, and his wings from the U.S. Air Force where he flew F-86’s, C-97’s, and C-130’s, completing his military career with the 109th Tactical Airlift Group in Schenectady. He retired in 1991 after 25 years with Pan American World Airways where he piloted B-707’s, L-1011’s, and B-747’s.
Luke Poynter passed away August 4th, 2018, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 80. He was born November 30th, 1937, in Gassville, Arkansas, the son of Steve and Versa (Duggins) Poynter. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1955. He attended Arkansas Tech from 1955-1957. He then entered the Naval Aviation Program in Pensacola, FL. He served in the Navy for 6 years serving at various Navy bases. He married Shirley Tucker on January 2nd, 1959, in Ava, MO. After his military commitment he became a commercial airline pilot for Pan American World Airlines for 24 years.
David K. Holland, 77, of Toms River died Friday, July 20th in Toms River, NJ, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Elizabeth, NJ and was the oldest of four children. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and then Officer Candidate School for the United States Marine Corps.
Captain Merlin Leon Tryon, 79, of Brookfield, beloved husband of Renate Tryon, died at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. He was born in Thatcher, AZ, son of the late Merlin Oscar and Josephine (Haley) Tryon. Merlin was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving stateside with the United States Marine Corps. He worked for many years as a pilot for Pan Am.
Gus Littlefield passed away on May 31, 2018. No additional information available.
Paul A. Johns, of Iola, WI, age 104, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 with family and friends by his side. He was born in Yeoman, Indiana on October 11, 1913 to the late Roy and Ethel (Hildebrand) Johns. Paul married his high school sweetheart, Elvie Kallio, in 1934. They were married for 55 years.
Paul’s passion was always flying. He began his 66 years as a pilot in 1929 when he soloed in a glider at age 15. In the years that followed, he soloed in a Curtiss Junior, received a limited commercial certificate, joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, acquired radio repair and aircraft mechanic certifications and worked at the airport that would become Glenview Naval Air Station. He then began instructing pilots in instrument flying on the Link trainer, first for the Navy and later for United Airlines.In 1939, Pan American Airways hired him to establish an instrument training program for pilots ferrying aircraft to Europe via South America, once this was a success he fulfilled his dream to become a line pilot, flying DC-3s to the Caribbean and South America. In 1944, he transferred to Pan American’s Pacific fleet, flying the PB2Y3 flying boat and the fabled Boeing 314 Clipper “Flying Boat” from San Francisco to Honolulu. As a Senior Pilot and Master Navigator, Paul completed 220 flights on the longest overwater route flown by any airline at that time.
Leslie Jefferson Williams made his final ascent to Heaven on Monday, June 11, 2018. Born in Ft. Meyers, FL in 1924 and raised in Orlando, Les was a Florida-Boy through and through. He began his lifelong love of flying in the Army Air Corp in 1938. He was a B-17 Co-Pilot and was honorably discharged at the end of WWII.
On the GI Bill, Les enrolled at Florida State University where he met and fell in love with his first wife, Joan D. Pickerill. After graduating FSU with a degree in Zoology, Les worked as a crop duster pilot in Georgia, before he and his young wife, now with two daughters, moved to San Marcos, Texas to be an Air Force flight instructor and administrator.
Les dreamed of flying for National Airlines and in 1962 he got his wish. Now with three little daughters, Les and Joan moved back to Florida and Les joined National Airlines, flying 727’s and later flew as Captain for Pan American Airlines.
Robert Barnard “Bob” McEachran, age 79, of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s on Saturday May 26, 2018. Bob was born March 17, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN to the late Dr. Gordon and Elsie McEachran. Bob graduated from West High in 1957 and attended the University of Minnesota. He joined the United States Marine Corp in 1961 and served in Vietnam from 1964-1965 as a helicopter pilot with HMM365, receiving 15 air medals. Bob joined Pan Am in 1967 and retired from Delta Airlines as a Captain. Bob enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, antique cars, hot rods and ranching on his property in Montana. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, ready smile and his ability to fix anything. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathleen Flynn McEachran; loving children, Molly Burns (William) and Michele Zeitz (Doug Heuer); brother, Dr. James McEachran DDS and cherished grandson, Gordon Thomas Zeitz. He is preceded in death by his son, Thomas McEachran.
Bill Taylor passed away on May 26, 2018. There will be a memorial service on Thursday, July 19th in Ponte Vedra. One of Bill’s favorite quotes seems appropriate: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” More information to follow.
Retired Captain Donn Foreman passed away on May 21, 2018. There will be a service at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina WA, 8398 NE 12th St, 98039, on June 22nd, 2018 at 11:00 a,m,
Vincent J. Calamia, Massapequa Park, New York. Vincent was born on April 23, 1923 and passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the age of 95. Vincent was a resident of New York at the time of passing. He is survived by his wife Sina. They were married for 69 years. He was a member of the Clipper Pioneers. “But we’ll have our wings and the wind will be with us…”
Lt. Col. John Becker “Mad Jack” Riederich (Retired), passed away on April 24, 2018, at 80 years. He “ran out of airspeed, altitude and ideas,” as he lost his battle with leukemia, and not without a fight. John was a graduate of West Haven, CT High School, where he was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame for athletic achievement, dedication, courage and character. John was a pilot in the military for 28 years where he flew a multitude of aircraft including but not limited to F-102’s and F-4’s. He had a profound effect on many under his command. He flew for the airlines both Pan American Airways and Delta. John had a wonderful career and life.
Stephen Yonych Sr., 88, passed away at Waterbury Hospital Saturday, April 21, 2018, in the company of his family. He is survived by wife Sheila Fisher Yonych; children Alexis, Gail, Stephen, Kevin, Kate; sister Lillian; and five grandchildren. Stephen was a veteran of the USAF, serving during the Korean War, then went on to fly for Pan American Airways and United Airlines. He was born in New York City on June 23, 1929, to William and Mary (Sobeska) Yonych, who lived in Galway, N.Y., on a farm where he grew up. They were emigrants from the Ukraine. He lived life to the fullest and will be missed by many. Friends may call the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St., on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., with a service at 11. Burial with full military honors will be held in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown at 1 p.m.
To send an online condolence, visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.
Bob Owens (Robert B) of Stuart, FL, passed away at age 80 on March 7th. Bob spent most of his career in the IGS and made the merger with Delta. He is survived by his wife Inge.
Captain Darrel Lee Rogers (Lee) passed away peacefully last July 2017 with his family, at the home of his son, outside Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is survived by his wife, Maria, to whom he had been married for 68 years, his two sons, three grandsons and two great grandchildren.
Lee was born in Taft,California in 1920 and began flying with Pan Am in 1942 in Miami. Over the following 38 years in his career as a pilot with Pan Am, he flew the Consolidated Commodore Flying boat, the Sikorsky S-42, the DC-3, the Boeing Stratoliner 377, the DC-4, DC-6,DC-7, DC-8, the Boeing 707 and finally the 747 & 747SP. He was based in Miami, Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, New York, Lisbon,Portugal and Sidney,Australia. He spent many years of his life in Brazil where he retired in 1980. Lee never tired of telling his friends and family members stories about flying with Pan Am all over the world. He loved visiting various countries, appreciated different cultures and languages and adopted Brazil as his own home later in life. Lee often insisted on taking his family on many of his trips with Pan Am and would always remind them that when in any foreign country, one should always be respectful and considerate. Pan Am and flying were his life long loves and those of us who knew him treasured his company as he was always patient,considerate,loving and simply the perfect gentleman. He left his family and friends a legacy of a loving man who conducted his life in a manner many of us strive to imitate.
John Ramey, age 77, of Palm Beach Gardens, passed away March 9, 2017. He is survived by his wife Brit-Marie.
Ivey Eugene “Gino” Williamson, 83, passed away on April 4, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. He was born in Wilson County, North Carolina on December 7, 1934. After graduating from North Carolina State University, Gino entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland. In 1962, he was awarded a flight training assignment at Moody AFB. Upon receiving his pilot’s wings, he was assigned to McChord AFB with the mission of flying C-124s in and out of Vietnam. While in the Air Force, he met his future wife, Marlene Andersen, in San Francisco, where she was stationed as a flight attendant with TWA. After they were married, Gino transitioned to the private sector and flew for Pan American World Airways, flying B-707s and later L-1011s all over the world. While flying commercially, he also flew with the Air Force Reserve in C-124s and C-130s. In 1985, he was part of the United Airlines purchase of Pan Am’s Pacific routes and L-1011s. He finished his career in commercial aviation as a United captain on the B-757 and B-767 airplanes, retiring in 1995 and later moving to Surprise, Arizona. READ MORE >>>
Peter Lyon Loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on March 27th, 2018 Born on February 14.1938 in Philadelphia. PA, he grew up on Long Beach Island, NJ. Pete attended Duke University in 1955, where he participated in the ROTC program. After graduation in 1959 he joined the USMC and trained as a fighter pilot on the F8 Crusader. His career was spent flying out of Parris Island, SC. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1964 he joined Pan American Airways and flew DC8’s, 707’s and & 747s until 1986, when he was transferred to United Airlines, where he flew 747-404 in the Pacific and orient until his retirement in 1998.
Robert H. McCrory has gone to his reward, or as he would have said, “gone to my next assignment”, on March 9, 2018. He was the first to admit he led a charmed life, or in religious terms, “a blessed life.” Robert was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma January 13, 1924, he passed at the address where was born, 94 years, 1 month and 26 days later, that he had returned to in 1981. The son of Jean L. and Arthur K. McCrory, he was the grandson of Ardmore pioneers H. C. and Mary A. Ledbetter. A graduate of Ardmore High School, the class of 1941, Robert went to aviation mechanic school and was employed by Pan American Airways for the next thirty-seven years as part of Pan-Am. During World War II Robert served in the U. S. Navy, and received an Honorable Discharge at the war’s end.
Captain Herbert Taylor Mingin passed away on March 18th 2018, just almost a month after celebrating his 100th birthday in Florida. He started with Pan American Airways in 1943, during World War II. He flew the iconic B-314 “Clipper.” He also flew the DC-4, DC-6, DC-7, DC-8 and B-707 before retiring on the B-747 in 1978..
LeRoy W. Bish, Jr., 84, died March 2, 2018 at his home in Vail, AZ from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Roy was a proud veteran serving in both the Marines and the Navy. After high school, he enlisted in the Marines and served in the Korean War. He then attended Parks College at St. Louis University where his love of flying began. He graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, joined the Navy and attended the Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL where he got his Naval Aviator wings. He was an airline pilot for Pan American World Airways, first as a navigator, then as a first officer on the 707 and then as Captain on the L1011 and 747. He served with distinction for over 27 years and never lost his love of flying. READ MORE >>>
Perry Wilson, who flew on boats in the Navy and Boeings at Pan Am, died on Thursday, March 8, 2018. More information to follow.
Bentley LaMontagne, formerly of Brookfield, CT, passed away at his home in Cary, NC at the age of 98 on January 25, 2018. He began flying as a flight engineer for American Overseas prior to WWII. He flew C-87s during the war on several fronts including flying the “hump” between India and China. After the war, he joined Pan Am based out of JFK. In the course of his career he flew as a flight engineer on multiple types of aircraft ending his flying career on 747s.
James Roger Douglass passed away on February 23, 2018 surrounded by his daughter and granddaughter. Born and raised in Belle, West Virginia, James earned his BA at West Virginia Institute of Technology and studied for his Masters Degree at Indiana University in Business and Music. Jim had a long career as an airline pilot starting with his cadet training in the Air Force to being hired as a commercial airline pilot with Pan American World Airways. While furloughed from Pan Am, he was recommended for a job with Bendix Aviation that led to him working with NASA on the space programs, most notably the Friendship 7 mission piloted by John Glenn. Jim served as the simulation and check pilot for all the tracking stations worldwide that would communicate with and monitor Glenn’s groundbreaking flight. Jim was called back to work with Pan Am where he continued to fly for Pan Am until the airline ceased operations. He was invited by United Airlines to join their ranks as a flight engineer, which he did until his final retirement in 1998.
Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Douglass, 86, was smart, funny, feisty, caring, thoughtful and full of class. She was a fashion beacon, always impeccably dressed and poised. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University, making her a huge Buckeye fan! After college, she worked for a major jewelry store and volunteered as a Grey Lady with the Red Cross. In 1956 she met a young Air Force pilot, Jim Douglass, at the officers’ club in Columbus. Six weeks later, they were married. When Jim was hired as a commercial airline pilot with Pan Am, they moved to the East Coast, settling in Edison, while they searched for where they wanted to spend their lives. They found that place in Sparta. Betty and Jim lived at Lake Mohawk for 58 years.
Richard Earl Butler passed away Jan 14 2018 at his home in the Punta del Monte ranch at 100′ years old. His birthday June 2, 2017 he became I00 years old. He starting flying in Brownville Tx flying DC 3’s to Mexico and Central America and flew 747 SP’s to the Orient when he retired from Pan Am. 1977.
John B. “Jack” Sorensen passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Windsor, CA on January 31, 2018. He was 86 years old. Jack was born to Arthur and Elva Sorensen, in Elmhurst, a suburb of Chicago, IL in 1931, where he grew up and was educated. After several years in college, Jack joined the Army (1951-1953) where he received an honorable discharge. His dream of flying as a commercial pilot became a reality when he received monies from the GI Bill. He enrolled in the Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University in Miami FL and upon receiving his commercial pilot’s license, began flying for the private sector. He was hired as an engineer pilot for Pan American Airlines, flying international routes out of NYC. He was quickly promoted to Captain and was the youngest pilot in PAA history to be checked out as a 747 Captain.
Robert Emmett Brickey died peacefully of natural causes in his home on February 6, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah, his loving wife, Janice Russell Brickey, by his side.
Upon graduation from high school, Bob earned an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, CO, where he continued his athletic career, was introduced to the Code of Honor that defined the rest of his life, and to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a military officer and pilot. He served two tours in Vietnam, flying over 270 combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, 18 Air medals and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Bob returned to Utah in 1965 and began a career in commercial aviation. He flew for Pan American World Airways until December 1991. He finished his commercial flying career with United Airlines.
Francis “FRANK” RICCHI 87, passed away on Tuesday January 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a long-time friend of the Pan Am community, stellar aviator, flight instructor, check pilot, former Marine and just all around good guy made his last flight into the sunset this past week. Frank (sometimes known as the “Red Wop” because he had red hair) had the unique talent as a flight instructor to point out a discrepancy in a fellow aviator’s performance without projecting any feeling of rejection or failure. Everyone who flew with Frank as a crew member, instructor or on a check ride would come away with a degree of new information offered in such a subtle manner that nary a feather would be ruffled.
Captain Jerry Millon passed away on Jan. 6, 2018. He worked for Pan Am from 1951 – 1985. More information to follow.