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

Fran Scheinbaum
Executive Secretary
April 18, 2008

Fran began her career with Bonanza in Las Vegas in 1955 working in payroll.  When BL moved their corporate headquarters from LAS to PHX in 1966, Fran and husband Nat moved right along with them.  Fran was Executive Assistant to Bob Sherer, VP of Finance for BL.  Then in 1968 with the formation of "Air West," Fran and Nat were on the move again, this time to the new corporate location for Air West in San Mateo.  Fran continued working with Bob until his departure in 1970. About that time, the Hughes organization (Summa Corp) purchased Air West and named Irv Tague as the new General Manager. Fran was named Irv's Executive Secretary.  In 1974 when the international headquarters left downtown San Mateo for the beautiful new facility on  Clearview Way,  she began working for Ron Carlson, VP of Industrial Relations, a position she held until retiring in 1981. 

Fran was a wonderful person who genuinely cared about her fellow employees and the airline she worked for.  She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and had a stare that could drop you in your tracks if you got out of line in the hallowed halls of the "head shed."  (Not that we ever did that!) Always the consummate professional, Fran was extremely helpful to us in our efforts to keep the Employee's Clubs of RW moving forward.   She and Nat were always present at the annual Christmas Party and the Company Picnics.

Here is Fran's obituary that appeared in the Las Vegas Review Journal on April 22, 2008.  Please take a moment to click on the link at the bottom to register your thoughts in Fran's "Memorial Book."

"Frances G. Scheinbaum, 90, a Las Vegas resident since 1949, passed away April 18, 2008. Born in New York City, to the late Abraham and Miriam Geist, she moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19, where she met the love of her life, Nat Scheinbaum and they would spend the last 72 years of her life together. Frances spent 26 years in the airline industry, beginning with Bonanza Airlines, as an executive administrative assistant before retiring in 1981. She was an avid golfer and bowler. Frances was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Sheldon and George Geist; and son, Mort. She is survived by her loving husband, of 66 years, Nat; beloved daughters, Rita (Bud) Hirshberg of San Antonio, and Barbara (Doug Stroinski) Saunders of Henderson; loving son, Jay (Arlys) Scheinbaum of Henderson; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, at King David Memorial Chapel, 2697 Eldorado Lane. Burial will be in the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.".

Larry King
Accounting/Payroll
February 11, 2008

Larry King passed away peacefully at his home in Redwood City February 11, 2008 at the age of 67. He was born in San Francisco , December 23, 1940 and was a resident of Redwood City for 35 years.

Dearly beloved husband of Ann King for 40 years. Cherished father of Dave (Cynthia Carlton), Andy (Holly Siegroth) and John (Shawn) King. Devoted grandfather of Calista King. Dear brother of Tim (Joan) King, Jerry King and Betty Greer. Also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Larry was predeceased by his mother, his father, one brother, three sisters and two nieces.

Larry was a member and on the board of many groups and organizations throughout the Bay Area. He loved coaching and was past president of North Redwood Little League. He was an active member and past president of The Golden Gate chapter of Enrolled Agents and Inland Society of Tax Consultants. He enjoyed his membership with the Sequoia Club, Business Person's Lunch Club and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.

Friends may visit (AT CHURCH) Sunday, February 17, 2008 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and are invited to attend the Vigil Service at 7:30 PM and the Funeral Mass on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 300 Fulton Street , Redwood City . Reception will follow in the school hall. Burial will be held, with Military Honors on Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 at 11:30 AM at Sacramento Valley V.A. National Cemetery , 5810 Midway Road in Dixon . All are welcome and maps will be available at the Vigil and Mass services.

Mernie Pierce
Stations - FAT
March 25, 2008