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

Robert J. "Bob" Donahue
Marketing
July 20, 2010

.SIGN BOB'S GUESTBOOK

Larry Eichler
Captain
July 20, 2010

William Larry Eichler was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Larry was born on October 6, 1936 on an Indian Reservation in Toppenish, Washington. His parents were William and Virginia Ruth Eichler, and they raised Larry in Seattle, Washington. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life.

Growing up in the Eichler household was a bit different than most homes. There were good times to be had, but just as often there was a fair share of challenges as well. However, Larry was able to work through the usual family problems when they appeared, and he was the one person in the family who seemed able to keep the stress at bay. Larry was raised with one sibling, a younger sister, Carolyn.

While his teachers and even his friends generally thought of Larry as being a serious person, he managed to have a pretty good time in high school as he made that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Highline High School in 1954. Larry was a very logical person who enjoyed learning about factual information. Using his exceptional memory, he was able to learn much through observation. Larry always seemed to have a command of the facts and was able to make it seem as though he could easily master any problem that might be presented to him.

College life brought with it a new set of challenges, but Larry handled them well. Being a critical thinker who always remained intellectually independent, Larry was able to focus on the task at hand in order to complete his class work. He seemed to thrive on college reading assignments, something that often bogged down his classmates. Larry was able to read the material and retain the information in a way that impressed his fellow classmates. The ability to efficiently complete the task at hand was a skill that served Larry well during his college experience. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington in 1959.

On August 27, 1977 Larry exchanged wedding vows with Janice Dee Millar at the Community Lutheran Church of Las Vegas, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted to Janice, Larry held endearing, traditional values about marriage and family life. He took the responsibility of marriage to heart, giving it his total commitment. He was a source of strength to Janice and using his gifts at nurturing one-on-one relationships, he worked hard to make his new family happy.

Larry greatly enjoyed what he did for a living. He was a hard worker who expected the same in return from his co-workers. He was skilled at working effectively in small groups and in one-on-one situations as well as handling solo assignments efficiently. Larry enjoyed dealing with concrete ideas and could penetrate any amount of fuzzy information to reach the essential facts. Always able to attend to the task at hand, Larry was excellent at meeting deadlines. He was an efficient worker, one who paid careful attention to detail, allowing sufficient time to complete one task before moving on to the next. His primary occupation was as a commercial airline pilot. He was employed for 31 years by Northwest Airlines. Larry worked hard to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Larry was a United States Navy veteran. He was in the Submarine SVC serving in the Pacific. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Captain, USNR. A literal thinker who possessed a calm exterior, Larry seemed to enjoy the routines set forth by the military. His results-oriented approach to things made him committed to the job, and he understood well his role in serving his country.

Larry liked to experience things first-hand as well as learn about them. This trait carried over into his hobbies, where he was very methodical in how he organized his activities and categorized things. Since he enjoyed his private time, Larry always tried to allocate a specific time for working on his hobbies. His favorite pursuit in his early years was boating. Larry was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Favorite vacations included Hawaii and Sun Valley, Idaho.

 Larry found pleasure in sports. Being a person who was comfortable making win/lose decisions throughout life, he could appreciate that athletes made those types of decisions in sports. He applauded those who won, and he enjoyed the statistical data and sports facts and could find himself wrapped up in those details. Recreational sports included jogging and refereeing high school basketball games. He also would watch his favorite sporting events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were college basketball and football. In addition, Larry was an active member of the UNLV Athletic Fund.

 Larry was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had several dogs during his life, each being his favorite during that time. His most recent dog, Abby, an Australian Cattle Dog, was his best friend for 14+ years.

 When Larry’s retirement finally arrived in 1996, he was well prepared. He always trusted and placed value in what was logical and in the things he knew, so he was very confident in planning his retirement. He had begun the process early and had his retirement all laid out well in advance. His new life involved staying in Las Vegas and visiting his summer home in Sun Valley, Idaho. In retirement, he found new pleasure in walking the beautiful trails in Idaho with his dog, Abby, and visiting the Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum for great steaks and trout! Even in retirement, Larry continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in his new community and felt fulfilled.

 Larry Eichler passed away on July 20, 2010 at St. Rose Siena in Henderson, Nevada. Larry passed away from sudden Pulmonary Embolism and Acute Myocardial Infarction. He is survived by his wife Janice, sister Carolyn Eichler, and his niece Melinda Callaway. Memorial Service was held at Palm Mortuary, Eastern Chapel, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of William Larry Eichler. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was both practical and trustworthy. He was committed to the traditional values that he upheld his entire life. He committed himself to being a hard worker who expected the same effort in return from those around him. Most of all, he was committed to those he knew and loved.

.

Marta Marie Conat
SEA Credit Union
July 1, 2010
 

John "Jay" Camalick
Captain
June 5, 2010

.Captain John “Jay” CamalickOf Westminster, CO passed away on 5 June 2010. Jay was born February 14, 1950 in Chicago, IL to John and Eleanor. Both parents and an infant sister, Patty, preceded him in passing. His children, Chelsea, Ashley and Michael, as well as siblings Pam, Polly, Jim, Jeff, Joe and Jane survive him.

Jay grew up in Lansing, Il . Upon graduation from Thornton Fractional South H.S. in 1968, he received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jay graduated in 1972, having lettered in Varsity Baseball. He attended Pilot Training at Williams AFB, AZ, where he was a Distinguished Graduate. Following pilot training Jay was assigned to the 7th Military Airlift Squadron, Travis AFB, CA, flying the C-141 Starlifter. He flew missions all over the world, including South Viet Nam and Antarctica. After his military service, he was employed by Hughes Airwest in 1978, flying the DC-9. Jay later flew the MD-80 at Republic Airlines, followed by the A-320 for Northwest Airlines. Jay retired as an A-320 Captain.

Life Celebration will be held on Wednesday, June 16th at 4:oo PM at Westminster Christian Church, 3575 W. 96th Ave, Westminster, CO 80031.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jay’s name to the Hyland Hills Junior Golf League, 9650 Sheridan Blvd, Westminster, CO 80031

.

Phil Nault
Stations LAS
May 15, 2010
 

Philip M. Nault, 65, passed away May 15, 2010, after an heroic battle with cancer. Born in De­troit, he was a Las Vegas resi­dent since 1974. Phil proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Viet­nam War. He worked in the airline in­dustry for 40 years before his retire­ment in 2008. Phil is survived by his loving wife, of 40 years, Wendy; two sons; three granddaughters; two sis­ters; and two brothers. A memorial Mass will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Christ the King Catholic Community Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, followed by military hon­ors. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Paul Wycoff 
Stations FAT - EUG
May 10, 2010

On May 10, 2010 a mighty singing voice fell silent from cancer and a beloved husband, father, and friend joined his forefathers in the heavenly chorus.

Paul Eugene Wycoff, a descendent of Dutch immigrants who came to New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1637, was born in Kingman, Kansas in 1922. His father worked for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. His mother died when he was five years old and he lived for several years with relatives who taught him to sing.

During the Great Depression Paul worked at the Winfield Dairy and Ice Plant, delivering blocks of ice and serving ice cream, leading to a lifelong passion for chocolate ice cream. Paul won a college scholarship for his vocal performance, but was drafted into the Army in 1942.

Paul served as a military policeman and then a hospital corpsman during World War II. Assigned to the 229th General Hospital, he landed in France in August 1944 and sailed to the Pacific in 1945. He returned home to Winfield after the war ended.

Paul moved to California in 1946. His wartime marriage ended a few years later, but he was blessed with a daughter from that union. He married for a second time in 1954 to Jean Matthews and they had two children.

Paul worked as a masseur for the YMCA in Fresno during the 1950s.  He started his airline career with Pacific Airlines as a Station Agent in the 1960s as a station agent in Fresno.  He later transferred  to Eugene in the mid 70's where he retired from Republic in 1984.

Paul’s strong baritone voice inspired thousands as a loyal choir member and frequent soloist for the Fresno and then Eugene First United Methodist Churches. In retirement he sang over 350 musical programs at Eugene area nursing homes. His repertoire ranged from Home on the Range, Old Man River, and God Bless America, to selections from Handel’s Messiah. In 1986-87 he sang in the Eugene Opera’s production of Madame Butterfly.

Paul also volunteered in retirement to help at the Eugene relief nursery and as an officer in the Wyckoff House and Family Association and in Post 293 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Paul’s wife Jean died in 2006 and Paul moved to Corvallis to live with his daughter in 2007. He married Mary Lou Jones in 2009.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Wycoff, of Corvallis, daughter Sandra Daley of Santa Ana, California, son Wesley Wycoff of Herndon, Virginia, daughter Julie Monk of Corvallis, and their families, many nephews and nieces, including Karen Cornish of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and many dear friends.

The First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis will hold a memorial service for Paul at 11:00 am on Friday, May 14, 2010. A graveside entombment with military honors will take place at 2:00 pm at Oak Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made in Paul’s memory to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, 1801 Willamette Street, Suite 200, Eugene, Oregon 97401.

Kay Crum Woolley 
Inflight/Stations
May 5, 2010

KAY CRUM WOOLLEY Kay Crum Woolley of Las Vegas, a former Rockette, danced her way into Heaven, May 5, 2010. She was born Nov. 10, 1933, in Akron, Ohio, and was a 46-year resident of Nevada. Kay started dancing lessons at the age of four and also devoted many years of her life to figure skating. In the 1940's, she was a member of the Akron Skating Club, where she received numerous awards from the United States Figure Skating Association. In 1951, at the age of 17, she followed her love of dancing to New York City, and landed her first job as a Rockette performing at Radio City Music Hall. After deciding that her future lay in other directions, she studied with the dramatic coach, Stella Adler. Kay did several television roles, including Kraft Theater, many commercials such as advertising for Phillip Morris and a stint on the Red Skelton Show. Her career as a professional dancer culminated in Las Vegas, performing at area hotels including the Flamingo Hotel. Kay then made a career change and became a stewardess, model, liaison and ambassador for Bonanza Airlines in he 1960's. Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lucille Walden; and father, Harrold Webster Crum. Kay is survived by her devoted husband, of 40 years, James Kirk Woolley; loving son, Frank Scott Wooley; brother, Webb Crum; sister-in-law, Edna Crum; grandsons, Jordan, Ian and Jack; and nephews, Patrick Webster Crum and Michael Steven Crum. A celebration of Kay's life will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Christ the King Catholic Community Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive., Las Vegas, NV 89118. Donations may be made in Kay's name to Christ the King Catholic Community Church.

Doug Waddell 
Captain
April 4, 2010

Douglas Hamilton Waddell, age 74, passed away on April 4, 2010 in his home in Port Orchard, Washington, lovingly surrounded by his family. Born December 29, 1935 to Hamilton and Anne Waddell in Port Alberni, B.C. Canada, Doug spent his childhood in the logging and coastal towns of Port Alberni and Prince Rupert B.C. After graduating from Brooks High School in Powell River, B.C. Doug applied for U.S. citizenship and attended the University of Southern California.

Doug served in the USAF from 1955-1960 and was trained in electronic countermeasures, serving at Larson Air force Base in Moses Lake, WA.

He married his wife, Janice Marchetti, in 1963, residing in Seattle, and in 1967 was hired as a pilot by West Coast Airlines, later merging into Airwest, Hughes Airwest, Republic, and finally Northwest airlines. They resided in the Seattle area enjoying boating throughout the Washington and British Columbian Coasts. He retired as a captain on the Boeing 727 in 1995.

He and Janice retired to Port Orchard, Washington where they spent his remaining 15 years active in the boating community and lovingly involved in their 8 grandchildren's lives.

Doug is survived by his wife, Janice Mary Marchetti of Port Orchard, WA; children Teresa Wendland and Donna Waddell of Port Orchard, WA, Joanne Love and husband Steve Love of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren Brian, Jordan, and Megan Wendland, John, James and Olivia Love, Joe and Douglas Pierce; and his brothers Gary Waddell and wife Liz Waddell of Kitimat, B.C. and Roger Waddell and wife Michelle Waddell of Camrose, Alberta

Frank Butler
Captain
April 6, 2010

Our beloved friend and long time Captain, Frank Butler, passed away on April 6, 2010 at the age of 81.  Frank began his airline career with Southwest Airways after a stint in the Marine Corp. He went on to fly for Pacific, Air West, then Hughes Airwest, Repulbic Air Lines and we believe he retired from NWA in the late 80's.   A service will be held for Frank at 1 pm on Friday April 16, 2010 at the Bethel Church located at 1201 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128.

This obituary appeared in the San Jose Mercury News on Sunday, April 11, 2010.

Retired Lt. Col USMC Ray "Frank" Butler Resident of Monte Sereno Born May 8, 1928. Entered into rest on April 6, 2010 He will be greatly missed and remembered by his loving wife of 54 years, Dolly Butler and his two sons Michael and Timothy and daughter Dina. He also leaves behind six grandchildren. Frank had a career in the United States Marine Corps and served his country well with "honor, courage and commitment." He served in the Korean War as a fighter pilot flying the F9 Panther. He later became a commercial airline pilot and retired from this career in 1988. His passion was driving 18 wheelers when he wasn't flying. Memorial services will be held at Bethel Church, 1201 S. Winchester, Friday the 16th at 1:00 PM. Arrangements by DARLING-FISCHER.Retired Lt. Col USMC Ray "Frank" Butler Resident of Monte Sereno Born May 8, 1928. Entered into rest on April 6, 2010 He will be greatly missed and remembered by his loving wife of 54 years, Dolly Butler and his two sons Michael and Timothy and daughter Dina. He also leaves behind six grandchildren. Frank had a career in the United States Marine Corps and served his country well with "honor, courage and commitment." He served in the Korean War as a fighter pilot flying the F9 Panther. He later became a commercial airline pilot and retired from this career in 1988. His passion was driving 18 wheelers when he wasn't flying. Memorial services will be held at Bethel Church, 1201 S. Winchester, Friday the 16th at 1:00 PM. Arrangements by DARLING-FISCHER.

Jack Stevens 
Captain
March 12, 2010

Jack Stevens, long time Captain for Hughes Airwest, Republic and NWA passed away on March 12, 2010 due to complications from an auto accident.  No further details are available at this time.

Robert G. Bader 
Maintenance
Feb 25, 2010

Bader, Robert G. 91, of Phoenix passed away on February 25, 2010. Born Oct 25, 1918 in Minneapolis MN, moved to Phoenix in 1968. He worked as a mechanic/instructor for Northwest and Airwest Airlines for many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 69yrs, Erna and his children Gary (Marlene), Robert (Christine), and Janet Kemling (Larry). He had 6 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, his niece Susan, little yorkie Annie, and many friends at Boulder Ridge MHP. A memorial service was held March 6th, 2pm at Boulder Ridge in Phoenix.

Arlen Bruce Buchanan 
Captain
Feb 18, 2010

Arlen Bruce Buchanan, age 78, went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2010, in his home in Lyle, WA with his children and wife at his bedside.  Bruce was born February 6, 1932 (his father’s 40th birthday) in Yakima, WA to Leo L. and Laura Mae (Hesp) Buchanan, he was the second of seven children.   

Bruce grew up in Selah, WA, was a member of First Presbyterian  Church in Yakima, and graduated from Selah High School in 1950.  He attended Washington State College and then joined the Navy Cadet Program in 1952.  After graduating from the Cadet Program he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the USMC he was stationed at Pensacola, FL, Cherry Point, NC, Corpus Christi, TX, Sandpoint, WA, and Osaka, Japan.  He was part of the early days of military jet aviation flying the TV-2, F2H Banshee, F9F-5 Panther, F9F-6 Cougar, and A-4D Skyhawk as well as numerous prop aircraft.  He achieved the rank of Captain before leaving the Reserves.

After leaving Active Duty and transferring to the Reserve forces, Bruce signed on with a crop dusting company in the Yakima Valley where he had the opportunity to fly a Stearman bi-plane crop duster from Yakima to Nova Scotia, Canada to spray for the Spruce budworm.  He returned to the Yakima Valley and continued to crop dust until 1959 when West Coast Airlines hired him as a commercial airline pilot. After 33 years of commercial flying for West Coast, Hughes Airwest, Republic and finally Northwest Airlines he reluctantly hung up his wings and retired at age 60  During his commercial career, he flew various aircraft including the DC-3, F-27, DC-9, A-320 and retired as a 747 Captain, he was a proud member of the airline family and his colleagues would agree that he had the “right stuff” and was what pilots call a “good stick”.

In 1959, while stationed in Cherry Point, NC Bruce met and married Christine Tunstall, of Apex, North Carolina.  They moved to Boise, Idaho where their daughter Cheri Jo Buchanan was born.  After eight years of marriage they divorced.

In 1970, Bruce married Karron Griffin.  They had a daughter, Aimee Laura Buchanan and a son, Ian Monroe Buchanan.  He was promoted to Captain and moved to Phoenix, AZ.  After two years, they returned to the Yakima Valley where he bought his family’s pear orchard on his parent’s home place, while continuing to work for the airlines.  Bruce was also an avid cattleman.  He owned and operated a cattle and hay ranch in Selah from 1980 until 1999.  

Bruce fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing the historic Arivaca Ranch in Arivaca, AZ in 1999. While he was there he not only improved the ranch, he restored the pride the small community of Arivaca had in the ranch within which their town lies.  He was an active member of  the Arivaca Christian Center and embraced the community by serving on numerous Boards and started the annual ranch Fourth of July and Christmas celebrations at his home at the Arivaca Ranch Headquarters.

In 2007 he sold the Arivaca Ranch and moved to Lyle, WA, where he continued to support his community by actively participating in the local fire department fundraisers, was a member of the High Prairie Community Council, and was a member of the Washington State and Klickitat County Cattlemen’s Association.

Bruce will be deeply missed by his wife of 40 years, Karron Buchanan and his three children, Cheri Buchanan Hedger (Greg) of Chandler, AZ., Aimee Ozanich (Brent) of Selah, WA and Ian Buchanan (Robin) of San Diego, CA. and his grandchildren Christopher and Sydney Hedger, Michael and Elise Ozanich and Gavin and Clara Buchanan, and his brothers and sisters Lynn Buchanan (Connie) of Yakima, Betty Hillstrom-Keller (Doug) of Selah, Kaye Patton of Dallas, TX, Marilyn Buchanan of Seattle, WA, Roger Buchanan of Judith Gap, MT, and Doug Buchanan of Fairbanks, AK as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Words cannot express our gratitude toward Judy Merrell and Hospice of the Gorge staff, Rev. Steve Barker, Pastor Myrin Bentz and Pastor Fred Neth for their care and guidance during this trying time, and to Arlen and Sharon Aleckson, as well as,  the many members of Bruce’s family and friends who have gone out of their way to fill his last days with love and friendship. We, his family,  are also grateful for all the prayer warriors who kept our family uplifted throughout this difficult time.

We will celebrate our Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend’s life
Friday, February 26th at 2p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Yakima Washington.

Marvin Dale Kelley 
Stations - LAS
Feb 15, 2010

KELLEY, MARVIN DALE Dec. 11, 1947 to Feb. 15, 2010 Marvin "Kelley" as he was known to all, departed the day after Valentine's Day. He is survived by his wife, Susan Swenson Kelley, his son Steven Brinnich, sister Judy Mapes, friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents Otto Kelley and Ruth Morgan, and brothers Ken and Norman. Born in Sacramento, California, he had a love of sports, travel and words. He played high school football and basketball, went on to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam, and was decorated four separate times for heroism: Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.  Kelley began his airline career with Bonanza Air Lines in 1968 and retired from Northwest some 38 years later. During those years he worked in all phases of "Stations" operations mostly at McCarren in LAS.  An open house to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 20th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kelley Residence.

Robert (Bob) Bohna 
Captain
Jan 21, 2010

Robert H. (Bob) Bohna, well-known owner of Sonoma Truck and Auto for more than three decades, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, at the age of 85.

Active in Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley for many years, he participated in many of the club's civic fund-raising projects and frequently donated cars for raffles and auctions. Known by some of his friends as "Sonoma Bob," he was a regular at many country-western dance venues. 

Steve Luther, a local sponsor of dances and dance classes, said of Bohna this week, "He always kept the girls dancing and laughing. Bob truly bridged the generations with humor and friendliness. He will be greatly missed by his family and dancing friends." Bohna was also a fighter pilot in World War II, a genuine war hero, and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. After the war he became a commercial airline pilot, before retiring and moving to Sonoma to open his auto dealership. 

Luther cited a statement from Bohna, quoted in an article on his life, as indicative of why he continued to work well past the age when most people retire: "When I was flying for the airlines, I noticed the pilots who retired early were dead within 10 years. You want to stay healthy, you got to stay busy. If I can no longer fly like I used to, at least I can be around what I love, besides planes, and that's cars; but pretty girls run a close second."

Leslie G. Tison 
Captain
Jan 15, 2010

Leslie G. Tison, long time Captain for Hughes Airwest, Republic and Northwest passed away on Jan 15, 2010 from pancreatic cancer.  We have no further information at this time.

Donald K. Peters 
Captain
January 11, 2010

Donald Kenneth PETERS A veteran, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and most of all a man of great strength and unwavering love. Don was born January 9, 1922 and was a graduate of West Seattle High School. Don passed away peacefully on January 11, 2010 after living a life of adventure that took him from the sky's over Europe as a B-17 pilot completing an amazing 41 missions during WWII to chief pilot for Hughes Airwest in the 1970's and retirement as a Captain with Republic Airlines in 1982. Along the way he lived the American dream starting several successful businesses like Airway Oil in 1955 and Peters Chem-Dry in the late '80's. Don and his wife Eleanor traveled the world together enjoying 65 years of marriage. May they now celebrate their lives together in peace. Don is survived by his four children, Donna Peters, Stephen and Kathy Peters, Christine and Christopher Popich, Tom and Sue Peters, seven grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and his brother Jim Peters. A service will be held this Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at Washington Memorial Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the American Diabetes Association  or other charitable organization of choice. Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.

Published in The Seattle Times on January 15, 2010

James A Loomis
Captain
Jan 1, 2010

James Alfred LOOMIS 1933 ~ 2010 Jim Loomis finished his race and went into the open arms of Jesus while surrounded by his adoring family on January 1, 2010. Raised in Kansas City, MO, Jim was an eagle scout and a track star, setting a high school record that is yet to be broken. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1955 and entered the U.S. Air Force with his new bride, Maryvern, at his side. After his service in the Air Force, Captain Loomis flew for Hughes Air West, and, eventually finished his career flying for Northwest Airlines. A long time resident of Bellevue, WA, Jim served as an elder at Westminster Chapel and shared his knowledge and expertise in the sound and media ministry there. Because of God's work through Jim, many lives were touched and God was honored. His education in communications and fascination with electronics, eventually led him to build and operate Triad Recording Studios in Redmond, WA. After moving to Whidbey Island in 1992, he and Maryvern graciously welcomed guests to their beautiful home, the North Island Bed and Breakfast. Guests were treated to a level of excellence and hospitality that made them feel like friends rather than customers. He and Maryvern attended Family Bible Church in Oak Harbor where Jim was soon running the media department again, happily sharing his gifts in that area. Jim loved his family. He loved to spend time with all of them doing whatever they enjoyed most, whether it was hunting and fishing, playing baseball, watching movies, setting off fireworks, or playing hide and seek. His best friend, his wife, Maryvern was the person he adored most. His family's lives were better and happier because he was there. Above all, Jim loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. His life was spent looking for ways to share that love. Jim's way was to perform acts of service. If anyone he knew had a task they needed help with, he was there to do it, from watering their yard, to fixing their computer, to installing dimmers and lighting. He honored God and served as an example of Christ's love and generosity to us. Jim is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 54 years, Maryvern Loomis, and his adoring family, Greg and Ivana Loomis and Chad Howard of Ketchum, ID, Andy and Julie, Sam and Annie Loomis of Everett, WA. His many friends and his family miss him and look forward to the day we're reunited in heaven. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8 at Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, WA. Sign Jim's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.

Published in The Seattle Times from January 7 to January 8, 2010.

Robert K. Jorgensen 
V.P. - Engineering
May 19, 2009

Bob "Jorgy" Jorgensen, age 87, died in Chicago on May 19, 2009. He started his more than50 years in aviation as a B-52 test pilot with North American Aviation followed by a tour of duty with the Navy during WWII. He spent the next 20 years with the Northwest Airlines becoming the Director of Flight Engineers and helped usher the airline into the jet age. He then became vice president of Engineering with Hughes Airwest and subsequently developed multiple airlines throughout Asia. With this background, he became Executive Vice President of Operations with Phillippine Airlines, chief operating officer with Horizon Airlines, president and chief operating officer with Midway Aircraft and maintence engineering and vice-president of system safety with Midway Airlines. In addition to his extensive experience, Jorgy served in leadership positions with the Society of Air Safety Investigaors, Automotive Engineers Association, Airline Transport Association and Airline Pilots Association. He is survived by his wife Susan, his son Bob (Ayrian) and stepchildren Michael, Mark (Linda), Lisa (Michael), Jennifer, Kara (Ted) and Meg as well as 12 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Dick. A private memorial service will be held by the family. Memorials should be made to  Alzheimer's Association  of Illinois (www.alzheimer-illinois.org).

Don Rice
Stations
Dec 10, 2009

Art Pierce
Stations
Nov 27, 2009