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

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.

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

PIERCE, Arthur W. age 81, passed away November 27, 2009. Preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother and sister, he is survived by step-daughters, Judith (John) Solose, Linda Adkins, Deborah (Byron) Berbaum and Paula (Tom) Storer; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his brother, Harold Pierce of Tucson. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was retired from the airline industry. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009 at BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway in Tucson.

Nicolas (Nic) Chapman
Captain
Nov 27, 2009

Born August 28, 1931, Nicolas Edward Chapman passed away on the morning of November 27, 2009 at home with loved ones due to complications from his 18 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Nick is survived by his wife - Shirley, his son - Nick Jr., his daughter - Kathleen, his grand-daughter - Emma, his brother - Dr. John Chapman, step-children - Sarah, Leah, and Nathan, and his step-grandson - Austin. Nick graduated from Stadium High School, Tacoma in 1949. After he graduated from the University of Washington, Nick joined the Navy where he flew Cougars and Panthers from aircraft carriers during the progression of the Korean War. Following the Navy, Nick flew for West Coast airlines and eventually retired from Northwest Airlines. Nick was an avid wood-worker; his mechanical skills led him to crafting a harpsichord and building his own sailboat and amphibious plane. His love of Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound brought him back to the northwest, all though he traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia. The place which was always Nick's home was at his family's beach place at Rocky Bay. While living his life quietly, Nick's shy sense of humor and quick-mind will be cherished by friends and family. Nick will be interred on Thursday, December 3rd at 10:30 AM at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042, with military honors. Followed by a memorial service at Christ's Church in Federal Way at 2 PM.

William (Bill) Thompson
Captain
Nov 17, 2009

William Ernest (Bill) Thompson III, aged 63 of Park City, beloved husband of Joan Thompson and father of Carrie Shoumatoff and Whitney Thompson, died November 17, 2009, at the site of Anasazi ruins in Blanding, Utah.

 Born July 25, 1946, in Richmond, Virginia, Bill graduated from the University of Virginia in 1968 and became a naval aviator. He flew the S-2 Tracker from the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany during the Vietnam War, and later flew submarine-tracking missions in the P-3 over the Pacific Ocean. In 1976 he became a pilot for Hughes Air West, the "Top Banana of the West." He lived in Palo Alto, California, until 1983, when he moved to Park City. He retired as a captain from Northwest Airlines in 2006.

Bill was actively involved in the Park City St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He helped in the reconstruction of the Park Avenue Chapel and served in various positions in the vestry. He recently traveled with the church to Mississippi to help rebuild homes that were damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

Bill had an extraordinary love of life and embraced each and every moment of every day. His true loves were the bicycle and a pair of skis, second only to his wife and children. On any given day you could see Bill riding the streets of Park City or spot his ski tracks on a mountainside above town. Before he retired from flying, he had convinced hotel operators in Paris, Amsterdam and Tokyo to stash his bicycles until his next layover. His gift to himself after retirement was a breakaway bicycle that fit into a suitcase. His favorite place to bike was southern France, where he fueled his rides with the finest wines and cheeses.

Bill was actively involved in the Park City St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He helped in the reconstruction of the Park Avenue Chapel and served in various positions in the vestry. He recently traveled with the church to Mississippi to help rebuild homes that were damaged in Hurricane Katrina.

Bill had an extraordinary love of life and embraced each and every moment of every day. His true loves were the bicycle and a pair of skis, second only to his wife and children. On any given day you could see Bill riding the streets of Park City or spot his ski tracks on a mountainside above town. Before he retired from flying, he had convinced hotel operators in Paris, Amsterdam and Tokyo to stash his bicycles until his next layover. His gift to himself after retirement was a breakaway bicycle that fit into a suitcase. His favorite place to bike was southern France, where he fueled his rides with the finest wines and cheeses.

 He is survived by his wife Joan; a daughter Carrie and her husband Andre Shoumatoff; a daughter Whitney Thompson; a sister, Jeanette Roberts and a brother, Robert Thompson; and a wonderful extended family. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in his name to Mountain Trails Foundation, P.O. Box 754, Park City, UT 84060 (www.mountaintrails.org). The community is invited to a pot-luck celebration of Bill's life on Monday, November 23, at the Miners Hospital in City Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.He is survived by his wife Joan; a daughter Carrie and her husband Andre Shoumatoff; a daughter Whitney Thompson; a sister, Jeanette Roberts and a brother, Robert Thompson; and a wonderful extended family. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in his name to Mountain Trails Foundation, P.O. Box 754, Park City, UT 84060 (www.mountaintrails.org). The community is invited to a pot-luck celebration of Bill's life on Monday, November 23, at the Miners Hospital in City Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

George R. Borton
Captain
Sept 29, 2009

George Borton passed away at age 87 in Gilroy, CA on Saturday, Sept 26, 2009 at home after a long illness. George was with his loving wife Marjorie Silvera-Borton and step daughter Robin Silvera-Vasquez at the time of passing.  

Born March 21,1922 in Wichita Falls, TX to George and Travis Borton and married to Anne Louise Borton in 1944 and Marjorie Silvera-Borton in 2007.

While attending Mid Western University he entered the first civilian pilot training program in 1939. He worked as a flight instructor in Dallas, TX, joined U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, served as a pilot in the Southwest Pacific and Korean War. Retired Captain Northwest Airlines and predecessor companies. Retired Colonel USAF.

Resided in Vallejo, Fairfield, Redwood City and Gilroy CA. Previously resided in Glendale and Surprise Arizona. Member Air Line Pilots Assn., Retired Reserve Officers Assn., American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Model T Club of America, 4th Ferry Group Army Air Corps, Sitting Ducks, NWA Retired Pilots and AOPA.

Survived by wife Marjorie Silvera-Borton of Gilroy, CA, son Robert Borton of Glendale, AZ, son Bruce Borton of Citrus Heights, CA and step daughter Robin Silvera-Vasquez of Gilroy, CA. Two grandchildren Cassandra McGaughey and Nicholas Borton, 4 great grandchildren.

Predeceased by wife Anne L. Borton 1991, daughter Trudie Martinez 2007

Services planned Friday October 09, 2009, Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, Arizona  85381 (623)-974-3671. Viewing 9:00 to 10:30 AM, Service 10:30 AM burial 12:30 PM National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024 (480) 513-3600.

 Family requests donations to Hospice  in lieu of flowers.  Online memory donations are available at:  

            http://www.hospicenet.org/html/donations.html

.

Dennis Wyatt
Stations
July 28, 2009

Dennis N. Wyatt, 69, died July 28, 2009, at his home in Medford following a long illness. His brother and sister-in-law were at his side. Dennis was born Nov. 20, 1939 in Honolulu, Hawaii and grew up in the Rogue Valley. He briefly attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., and was drafted into the U.S. Army. Although he did not support the military draft, he served honorably; years later, he enjoyed telling the true story of how he accidentally received a Top Secret clearance. He worked as a ramp agent and baggage handler, first for West Coast Airlines in North Bend, then later transferred to San Francisco where he worked until his retirement from Northwest Airlines. Dennis loved See's candy and kept family and friends well-stocked with gift certificates. He also loved history and trains. He used his airline employee discounts to fly to destinations where he could indulge in all forms of train travel, including subway and light rail. He is survived by his brother, Douglas Fitzsimmons of Medford; his sister, Pamela Fitzsimmons of Spokane, Wash.; his sister-in-law Terri Fitzsimmons; an aunt and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Wyatt and his mother, Helen Fitzsimmons. The family wishes to especially thank Dennis's caregiver, Sharon Fair of Addus Health Care and the staff of Providence Hospice for their compassion and efficiency.

At his request, no services are planned. Arrangements are being handled by Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives.

Alf N. Larsen Jr.
Captain
June 24, 2009

Alf N. Larsen, beloved father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at home on June 24, 2009 at the age of 87.  Alf was born in Ogden, Utah on December 4, 1921, son of Alf and Vera Larsen.  

Alf’s early passion in life was flying and he took his first solo flight at age 18 in a J2 Cub at Mines Field in Los Angeles.  After graduating from Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, he joined the Army Air Corps in October 1942.  During WWII, Alf served with the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group in North Africa and Italy, flying an amazing 50 missions in his Lockheed P-38 Lightning.  After successfully completing active duty with the rank of Captain, Alf remained in the Air Force reserves until October 1966, retiring with the rank of Major.  

His love of flying continued to drive his professional career as he joined Southwest Airways as a first officer in April 1952 and was checked out as a Captain in December 1958.  When he retired, 29 years later from Republic Airlines, (formerly Hughes Airwest), he had logged over 22,000 hours of flight time  always getting his many passengers to their destinations safely.  He was a “Top Banana” to all of us who knew him.

Previously of Hayward, CA, Alf was a resident of Livermore, CA for 24 years.  He was an avid golfer, tennis player and bicyclist and enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends.  He will be remembered for his constant and consistent service to others, always willing to help and generous to all.  He was a man of integrity, honor and a quiet courage to always do right by others.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Hatch (Mark) of Livermore,CA,  Robert Larsen (Denise) of Atherton, CA, and Paul Larsen (Steve) of San Francisco, CA,  seven grandchildren Paige Clarkson, Erin Brown, Ryan Hatch, Steven Hatch, David Hatch, Jared Hatch, John Hatch and 16 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brothers Curtis Larsen of Arizona, Jack Larsen of Fullerton, CA and his sister Beth McBride of Brea, CA.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary and a son, David.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1501 Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore on Friday, July 10th at 12 noon.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Hope Hospice, 6500 Dublin Blvd., Suite 100, Dublin, CA 94568.

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