On September 26, William George Frisbie, “Captain Bill” took his final flight, flying higher than he’d ever flown before. He will be dearly missed and always remembered as a loving husband, father, dear friend and a consummate airman.
Bill was born in Washington DC to Karl and Mona Frisbie. He began his travels early in life, attending high school in Seoul, Korea while his father served in the diplomatic corps. Upon returning to the states, he attended Monterey Peninsula College and then followed his dream by joining the Air Force.
In 1955 Bill married Joan in Carmel, CA. After five years of service and flying in the first supersonic squadron, 1st Lt. Frisbie retired from the Air Force and began his 35-year career with Pan American Airways. Bill began flying the Pacific out of SFO, followed by an assignment on Guam flying seaplanes throughout Micronesia. Upon returning stateside, Bill flew out of Miami before returning west to SFO for the remainder of his career.
In addition to years of flying 747’s throughout the world, he served as director of flight training and ultimately as Regional Chief Pilot-Pacific. As Chief Pilot, Bill set records in the industry, promoted aviation safety, mentored and supported pilots. During the Reagan and Bush administrations, he escorted Air Force One on numerous presidential charters for the White House. One of the greatest joys of his professional life was training the Air Force One flight crew on the new 747.
Upon retirement from PAA, Bill continued his work as advisor to the SFO airport commission, flying and training pilots for Tucson Aeroservice Center, and actively supporting pilots and working to promote industry standards throughout the country.
Bill’s integrity and service as an airman leave a lasting legacy in the world of aviation. In addition to work, Bill and Joan logged many flight hours in their own airplane over the past 50 years.
Highlights included traveling south with the Baja Bush Pilots from Mexico to Costa Rica and countries in between. Bill is survived by his wife Joan, his children Stephanie, Jeffrey, Carol and husband Ben, grandchildren Ian, Amber and husband Dave, great-grandchildren Addison and Cadence, and sisters Carolyn, Claudia and Cathy.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Paul. The family is very grateful for the loving support provided by friends and staff at Hospice of the Foothills, Cascades, Golden Empire Hospital, Sierra Presbyterian Church, and his faithful fellow airmen, (his “Band of Brothers”), of Nevada County and beyond.
Celebration of Life services will be held as follows: Saturday, October 22nd at the Nevada County Airport (time TBD) contact: clfrisbiehamadi@gmail.comSunday, October 23rd at NC Sierra Presbyterian Church at 1pm.