Robert M Toomey, 83, died March, 25, 2015, at Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, Colorado. He was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts and attended the state University. He was studying to be an engineer but when the opportunity to join the Air Force Cadet program became available, his longtime ambition to fly, won. Bob retired from the AF reserves as a Major and enjoyed every minute. He flew military aircraft and was then certified in Air Traffic Control. He was assigned to the Canadian border radar site during the cold war and also flew out of Duluth. He worked for the FAA for 6 years, in air traffic control and flight standards. He said it was a privilege to work with them even if they were “ ex Navy guys!”Bob was the only AF guy in the office!
Bob was an accomplished wood maker. He attended classes and made several pieces of furniture. There were many sides to Bob Toomey.
Capt. Bob, was stationed in New York, San Francisco, Auckland New Zealand and Berlin Germany from 1964-1991. Bob loved his job, he loved Pan Am and thought the Pan amers were very special.
Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sheila, five children, Kevin, Missey, Barbara, Christopher, Bob, all of Fort Collins,Co. Ten grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Burial with full Military Honors took place in Ft.Collins, Colorado.
A story about Bob…
A flight attendant phoned me when she heard that Bob passed and told me this account- On a Moscow flight an old Russian woman in peasant clothing, rags on her feet etc, boarded the flight to NY. She had a note- going to Cincinnati- she a five dollar bill cut in half to get her back to Russia. The attendant went into the cockpit to Bob with the info and he told her to delay the lady’s departing the plane. He took her off the plane and phoned the number on her paper. The attendant stayed with the lady who was confused by all the people and noise. Bob told the relatives what to expect and that she needed some warm clothing and if at all possible keep her with them. The Russians had given her a I way ticket and the fiver was supposed to be her half of the fare back. Weird but she swears it‘s true. They stayed with her until her connecting flight and made sure the airline understood the situation. Pan Amers went the extra mile many times.
~Sheila Toomey