SAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Richard ‘Dick’ Boyle

December 26, 1930 ~ December 3, 2020

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Richard Gordon Boyle, age 89.  Captain Boyle joined Western Airlines 03-14-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1990, based SLC at the time of his retirement.  He is survived by many dear extended family members, close friends and aviation colleagues.  Captain Boyle’s most recent address is noted in whitepages as  PO Box 11975, Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

Obituary information for Captain Boyle is available for viewing online at

Arrangements were entrusted to Walton’s Funerals & Cremations, 875 W. 2nd St., Reno, NV 89503…(775) 323-7189.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary :  Richard G. ‘Dick’ Boyle

Zephyr Cove – Richard G. ‘Dick’ Boyle turned westbound for his final flight on December 3, 2020 from COVID pneumonia with underlying conditions. Dick was born December 26, 1930 in Pennsylvania, to Gordon D. and Virginia B. Boyle, née Dinger. The family relocated when Dick was a youngster to southern California. He later received a Bachelor of Business Administration from USC. Like so many young men of that time, he entered the United States Air Force, where he received his flight training. He continued to serve in the Air National Guard upon completion of his active duty service. After leaving active duty, he was hired by Western Airlines in 1966, where he flew until retiring from Delta Airlines in 1990.

Family and friends were always amazed at Dick’s passion for life. He raced cars – once with Steve McQueen. He was particularly proud of his Ferrari which he brought back from Italy in the 60s. As a cyclist he toured the world, including North America, and his mileage totaled in the thousands. On one tour, he rode a segment of the famously difficult Tour de France route – with a fractured hand. Dick also rode three of the five climbs that comprise the California ‘Death Ride’ not just once, but several times. ‘Tough nut’ described Richard Boyle.

Hiking, skiing and spending time in the outdoors were also favorite pursuits. He was particularly proud of his climb to the top of the Matterhorn.

Bikes and cycling were the central focus of Dick’s later years. He helped a friend get started in a Lake Tahoe bike shop, and taught cycling lessons. Dick taught many kids how to ride a bike. Generously sharing his two-wheel passion came naturally to Dick.

Dick was an avid collector of books, magazines and miniature liquor bottles in addition to Western Airlines memorabilia. He was particularly proud of his original editions of Edgar Rice Burroughs ‘Tarzan’ series.

He was predeceased by his parents, son James G. Boyle, and sister Virginia Lynn Potter. He is survived by his brother David E. Boyle, son Robert Boyle, stepson Robert W. Smith and Barbara, Robert’s wife, stepdaughter Sharon M. Smith, and granddaughters Amanda and Claudia Smith. He will be missed by a large extended family in Texas, Georgia, Illinois and Nevada, in addition to many friends from the airlines and the Air National Guard.