Irv Tague was born a Westerner, in Washington State.  As he matured, his experience took him to the East via Alaska, where he was deeply involved in scheduling and economic analysis with Pan American World Airways.

Irv was a quiet, intense, private man, who was not given to chatter about himself, or much else.  When Tom Bailey asked me to help him put together a memorial to Irv, I had to talk to someone who had been personally involved with events that brought Irv to Hughes Airwest.

Fortunately, I was able to reach John Eichner, a retired partner in a highly regarded DCA transportation consulting firm, Simat, Helliesen and Eichner (SH&E), who were responsible for pairing Irv and RW.

The story begins, for the purpose of this tribute to Irv, with Irv's extensive work with Pan American World Airways, primarily on scheduling, where he came to the attention of the SH&E partners.  John Eichner told me that Irv was one of the best airline schedulers he ever knew, a talent Irv would use to great advantage with Northeast Airlines and Hughes Airwest as well as Pan Am.

SH&E had the Hughes organization as clients, so when Northeast Airlines was purchased by Howard Hughes, and there was a need for a variety of management improvements, Jim Austin - the new Hughes' selected president working with SH& E, had Irv brought in as consultant to improve scheduling in particular.

Subsequently, Irv's excellent work at NEA led SH&E to ask Irv to set up a West Coast office in San Mateo, a geographic decision not then related to Hughes Airwest. However, while that was being developed, the Hughes organization had its problems with the three-airline merger it had purchased.

All of the CAB and SEC work had not been finalized in Washington, among other things.  Almost all of you will have memory of some of the problems to be faced closer home.

Chester Davis, Hughes top attorney, asked SH&E for help to get things in order.  As a result of this request, Irv was shifted to San Mateo, but for the RW assignment rather than to set up an independent SH&E office.

Irv's excellent grasp of the problems that needed attention led to his selection as General Manager by the Hughes directors.

One of the descriptions I first encountered when we got to San Mateo was of Irv...."a skinny, quiet little guy who had an office down the hall.  We sure didn't think he was going to be the Boss!" This was one person's observation; mine was that Irv developed respect in a hurry.

Irv showed his savvy, continuing to work with Nat Simat and John Eichner as consultants in the development of RW through critical management, equipment and route changes.  Simat, a former CAB staff member, knew the Washington ropes, as did Eichner.  The two of them, Irv and SH&E were a good team.  Irv had the vision of what he wanted and needed, and SH&E knew how to help with the Washington, DC regulatory problems.

Irv was an interesting man for whom to work.  He was a very private individual, had out-of-the-norm working habits, and gave considerable authority to his staff to work for the objectives he had in mind.  He was not a personnel man, but received substantial support from his assistant, Dave Hinson, a top pilot and excellent manager and advisor.

In my opinion, Irv - working with Nat Simat, deserves the credit for the development of Hughes Airwest to be a major, successful regional airline. He had a good staff to assist him.  In addition, seeing the beginning of a turnaround, which continued, brought new hope to employees who began to improve the operation and service quality with new pride and energy.

When Irv left RW, he had in mind launching Midway Airlines, a major change on the Chicago aviation skyline, which had been ruled primarily by United Air Lines with a vested interest in only one major Chicago airport. Dave Hinson, later to be FAA Administrator, joined Irv and Nat Simat, and Midway Airlines became a successful and respected airline under Irv.

What a shame Irv's drive and competence was cut short.  How fortunate we at RW were to have been associated with him in the excellent airline he developed, with the help of all of us and the support of the Hughes name.

Russell V. Stephenson

Don Ballew
Captain
May 13, 2009

Donald W. BALLEW Of Bellevue died on May 13, 2009 at home of lung cancer. He was 78. Mr. Ballew was born on August 20, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved from the Mid-West to Oregon during the Second World War. Joining the Navy in 1948, he served as a naval aviator during the Korean War. He attended the University of Colorado for three years, and then transferred to the University of Oregon where he received the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mr. Ballew began his professional career as an Airline Pilot in 1958 by joining West Coast Airlines. Thirty-two years later, after a series of airline mergers, he retired from Northwest Airlines. His main interests during retirement centered on his immediate family, his extended faith family at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, boating (Past Commodore of the Tollycraft Boating Club), reading and travel. His home workshop also brought him much personal satisfaction, as Mr. Ballew was a tinkerer and a craftsman. Survivors include Kaye, his wife of 49 years, daughter Carolyn Ballew, of Renton, daughter Kathleen Graves, son in law John Graves and grandchildren, Michael and Allie, of Newcastle, brothers Richard of California and Jerry and Lyle of Oregon. A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2009 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 4228 SE Factoria Blvd, Bellevue, WA 98006-1929. Memorials may be made to the donor's favorite charity or to a St. Margaret's ministry of your choice. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family's on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com. Arrangements are by Flintoft's Funeral Home and Crematory.

Published in the NWsource on 5/24/2009

Chet Rettig
Captain
May 3, 2009

On behalf of Chet's family we wanted you to know that he passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 to the great airplane in the sky.  He was an exceptional father, husband, friend and grandfather. His enthusiasm for the people he loved, his sense of humor, his ability to make those around him feel special, and his eternal optimism will be sorely missed.

We will be holding services in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm, at All Saints Catholic Church, 534 N Recker Rd, Mesa, AZ 85205.   There will be a reception to follow at 2:00 at Anzio Landing at Falcon Field, 2613 N Thunderbird Cir Mesa, AZ 85215.  Everyone is more than welcome to come and celebrate the life of a man much beloved by all who knew him.  

Feel free to send any thoughts or share any memories with us when you RSVP to Leslie@Sifferman.net.

In leu of flowers please feel free to give a donation in the name of Chet Rettig to the Sacred Heart Nativity Schools. They are amazing schools helping break the cycle of poverty through education, and these schools have a very special place in Dad's heart, as they are run by Fr. Peter Pabst, a Jesuit with whom he loved and respected.  A link to this donation site can be accessed at:   

http://www.justgive.org/giving/donate.jsp?charityId=14714&

Please know that Dad really loved his family and friends, and that he lived a happy if not too short a life.   

All our love, Bobbie, Leslie (Sassie), and Rob

Frank Bonnell
Captain
April 27, 2009

To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check. Born May 4, 1931 and died at home surrounded by family on April 28, 2009 after suffering from a heart related illness. Frank, often called "Bernie" by long time friends and at home was the scion of an old Seattle Family. He was a graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington. Frank volunteered for combat duty serving in the 38th Infantry Regiment in Korea where he saw front line service. After the war, he worked in the family business at Bonnell Nurseries in Renton, Washington, as had his father and grandfather. Frank wanted to fly, so he went through many hours of flight training and became a pilot having flown with Pacific Northern Airlines, and later for Wien, West Coast, Air West, and finally retiring, after many years of service, as a Captain from Northwest Airlines. Always interested in real estate activities, Frank developed and then re-developed the last Bonnell Nurseries site which is now the present Wal-Mart Center in Renton, Washington. He is survived by, Polly, his loving wife of nearly 55 years, his sons Frank III and Peter, his daughter Camille, his grandchildren Sam Robbins, Jacqueline Bonnell, and Lauren Bonnell, his sister Barbara Bonnell Simonson, his nephews Steve, Phil, and Ken Holt, and Mike, Steve, and Bill Nolan, and nieces Colleen and Sarah Nolan. Frank and Polly traveled the wide world and lived for a lengthy period in France. He was interested in horticulture, the French language, words, dancing (particularly Argentine tango), and car restoration. A reception honoring Frank will be held May 21st at 4:00 p.m. at the Harbor Club located at 777 - 108th Ave. N.E., Suite 2500 Bellevue, Washington. Our dad was a giant. He rarely talked about himself, rarely complained about his own troubles, though he was no shrinking violet when he needed you to know something or felt strongly about something, and his deeds usually preceded or always followed his words. He was a romantic figure who whole heartedly supported the American way of life, believed in service to our country, believed those that took the initiative should reap the fruits of their labors, and he mostly believed in sacrifice for others which he demonstrated time-and-time-again. Our dad was our hero and we shall all miss him greatly but remember him always in our hearts.To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check. Born May 4, 1931 and died at home surrounded by family on April 28, 2009 after suffering from a heart related illness. Frank, often called "Bernie" by long time friends and at home was the scion of an old Seattle Family. He was a graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington. Frank volunteered for combat duty serving in the 38th Infantry Regiment in Korea where he saw front line service. After the war, he worked in the family business at Bonnell Nurseries in Renton, Washington, as had his father and grandfather. Frank wanted to fly, so he went through many hours of flight training and became a pilot having flown with Pacific Northern Airlines, and later for Wien, West Coast, Air West, and finally retiring, after many years of service, as a Captain from Northwest Airlines. Always interested in real estate activities, Frank developed and then re-developed the last Bonnell Nurseries site which is now the present Wal-Mart Center in Renton, Washington. He is survived by, Polly, his loving wife of nearly 55 years, his sons Frank III and Peter, his daughter Camille, his grandchildren Sam Robbins, Jacqueline Bonnell, and Lauren Bonnell, his sister Barbara Bonnell Simonson, his nephews Steve, Phil, and Ken Holt, and Mike, Steve, and Bill Nolan, and nieces Colleen and Sarah Nolan. Frank and Polly traveled the wide world and lived for a lengthy period in France. He was interested in horticulture, the French language, words, dancing (particularly Argentine tango), and car restoration. A reception honoring Frank will be held May 21st at 4:00 p.m. at the Harbor Club located at 777 - 108th Ave. N.E., Suite 2500 Bellevue, Washington. Our dad was a giant. He rarely talked about himself, rarely complained about his own troubles, though he was no shrinking violet when he needed you to know something or felt strongly about something, and his deeds usually preceded or always followed his words. He was a romantic figure who whole heartedly supported the American way of life, believed in service to our country, believed those that took the initiative should reap the fruits of their labors, and he mostly believed in sacrifice for others which he demonstrated time-and-time-again. Our dad was our hero and we shall all miss him greatly but remember him always in our hearts.

                    Thanks to Gene Kranc for this tribute.

Sam Brose
Captain
April 15, 2009

Monty Coleman
Reservations - SFO
March 22, 2009

Monty Coleman worked for many years in SFO Reservations and later transferred to the ticket counter.  He passed away on Sunday, Mar 22, 2009 after an extended stay in the hospital with intestinal problems. No further details are available at this time.

Jim Blackwell
Stations - BUR
March 8, 2009

James (Jim) A. Blackwell, 74, of New Port Richey, FL, died March 8, 2009.  He is survived by his sons, James, Douglas and David; Nine Grandchildren: and brother Bill.  Jim was Station Manager for Pacific and then Hughes Airwest.

Richard Schroeder
Stations - LAS
March 3, 2009

Richard “Dickie” Schroeder, of Las Vegas, passed away suddenly Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at age 63-years-old. Survived by his dear broth­ers, Henry (Jackie) Schroed­er and Mike (Joyce) Bauer; and many relatives and friends. Dickie was a “fun” uncle of many. A gathering to celebrate Dickie’s life will be held from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Doc Holliday’s, 9310 S. Eastern Ave., in Hend­erson. Dickie recently retired from Northwest Airlines, af­ter 41 years of service. Fu­ture services will be held in Wisconsin.

Patrick E. O'Grady
Captain
February 27, 2009

Brigadier General Pat O'Grady passed away quickly and peacefully from a stroke on February 27th surrounded by his family.

Pat was born in Seattle, WA on January 3rd 1922 and graduated from Seattle Prep. He began his flying career in 1940 at the age of 18. He entered the US Army Air Corps in 1943 and flew over the China-Burma-India "Hump" during World War II. He continued military service with the Air Force and retired in 1978 as Brigadier General and Commander of the Air National Guard in Portland, OR.

Pat was hired in 1946 to fly for West Coast Airlines. After many mergers, he retired from Republic Airlines in 1982.

Pat has logged in more than 37, 000 accident free flying hours in more than 120 makes and models of aircraft. He was a proud member of OX5, QB's, Monday Lunch Bunch, Order of Daedalians, ALPA, AOPA, P-38 National Association, Air Force Association, Willapa Harbor Pilots Association, RARE, and RNPA.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Martha; daughters Teri Rice, Peggy Sedwick and Kathleen O'Grady-Graham; brother Mike O'Grady, grand daughters Christine Ochoa, Erin Figy, Emily Gorchels and Audra Degg; grandsons Patrick and Declan O'Grady-Graham and great grand daughters Taylor Ochoa and Kayla Gorchels.

Mass will be at St. Philomena Catholic Church at 1790 South 222nd, Des Moines, Wa 98198 at 11:00 on Friday March 6th followed by a service at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery at 1:30. An Irish Wake will follow at the Normandy Park Community Center (Cove) at 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park, WA 98166 at around 3:30.

Memorial donations can be made to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128 to the General O'Grady fund. This will be used to refurbish the F-102 at this museum that has his name on it.

George C. Moulton
Marketing
February 25, 2009

George C. Moulton passed away on February 25, 2009.  He was 73 years old. George was born on September 16, 1935 in Emmett, Idaho to William and Irma Mouton.  George attended school in Emmett and graduated from Emmett High School in 1953. He then enrolled in Boise Junior College, but his college education was cut short when enlisted in the Navy in 1954.

Upon completion of his hitch in the Navy, George entered the airline and transportation industry, which turned into a career of over fifty years.  In 1956, he joined the staff of West Coast Airlines and subsequently became Manager of Interline and Agency Sales, directing all sales activities and programs affecting other airlines and travel agents. In 1961, he joined Air West (Bonanza) as Director of Interline – Agency Tour Sales where he worked for 10 years. His next move was to World Airways in 1971.  He was assigned to their corporate headquarters in Oakland, California and served as the Director of Inclusive Tour Charters. In 1977, he was promoted to Assistant Vice-President of Sales and in 1981, he was promoted to Vice-President of Sales and Marketing.

During his airline and travel career, George was honored by the industry when he was selected to serve three terms as Chairman of the Air Traffic Conference of America Travel Agents Committee, as Chairman of the airlines Consolidated Air Tour Manual and as Chairman of the U.S. regional airlines Interline Sales Managers Conference.

On July 11, 1987, George married the love of his life and soulmate Truth French in Lake Tahoe, NV.  They lived in Laguna Beach, CA for many years, but eventually settled in West Covina, CA in their beautiful home of the past 10 years.  

In his younger years, George earned his private pilot’s license. His love of flying stayed with him throughout the remainder of his life.  He had a tremendous love of travel, both through his career and as a hobby.  He traveled the world extensively visiting Europe, Australia, and Asia. He also traveled throughout the United States.  George told Truth “the only two places he had never been were Corsica and Catalina Island.”  He didn’t make it to Corsica, but he made it to Catalina.  His most loved destination was the Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.

George had a strong work ethic and a great sense of joy and love for life. He and his wife entertained extensively and with a great flair; their home was always open to family members and their many friends who gravitated to them.  Both George and Truth were gourmet cooks and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, reading, discussing and debating politics (George was known to argue at length with the TV announcers and analysts), traveling and most of all, being in the company of their family and friends.

George was preceded to heaven by his Father and Mother. He leaves behind on this earth his adored wife of 22 years, Truth, his daughters Teresa Moulton of Burlingame, CA, Shelly Hook (Allen) of Yuma, AZ and Janelle Conaway (Michael) of Boise, ID., his step-children Craig French (Vivian) of West Covina, CA and Kendall (B. Koebke) French of San Diego, CA, his grandchildren Brendan French, Amanda Conaway, Trevor French, Tanner Hook, Delino Hook and Mike Conaway, his brother William Moulton and his sister Barbara Cole (Bob) of Boise, ID. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews as well as a bundle of very close friends.  George was one of the “Good Guys.”

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