~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Bob Blanchard

August 22, 1939 ~ May 14, 2025

From family comes word with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Robert “Bob” Brooks Blanchard, age 85.  Bob joined Western Airlines 04-03-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1999 based LAX.  A memorial service and reception will be held May 30^th….please see details below.  Bob is survived by his wife Lynn, and by his children and their families. 

Concolences may be sent to the family at 

648 9TH ST. , MANHATTAN BEACH CA 90266-5802

Pilot, Family Man, Storyteller

Retired Delta 737 captain and Hughes Aircraft Company engineer, Robert Brooks “Bob” Blanchard Sr., 85, of Manhattan Beach died at home on May 14.

Bob was born Aug. 22, 1939 in Kenansville, N.C. to Oscar Charles and Laura Brooks Blanchard. He grew up in Wallace, N.C., graduating from Wallace-Rose Hill High School and NC State University, with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the AFROTC and joined the USAF as a pilot, ultimately flying the F-102 Deuce in fighter interceptor missions out of Misawa, Japan in the mid-1960s. He later flew the F-104 Starfighter at Eglin Air Force Base.

Upon leaving active duty, he had two careers—27 years as an engineer at Hughes Aircraft Co. and 30 years as a pilot for Western Airlines, which eventually became Delta. At Hughes, he worked on a number of breakthrough airborne systems, including heads-up displays that are now standard on 737 and 787 aircraft. For the airlines, he served as scheduling committee chair and helped computerize the pilot schedule bidding process. He also served as a pilot representative for two contract negotiations.

Bob was a man of many adventures who never lost his love for flying—traveling often to his beloved Topsail Island, NC, and throughout the Americas and the world, including Africa, China, and Europe. He loved sharing good times with family and friends. An enthusiastic storyteller, he is remembered as someone who never met a stranger. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Lynn; children Sabrina, Judson and Dana; nephew Jarrod, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Jo, and son, Brooks.

A memorial service and reception will be held May 30, 2025 at noon at

Journey of Faith church, 1243 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 

648 9TH ST. , MANHATTAN BEACH CA 90266-5802

IN THE CARE OF Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

Irene Huerta Thompson, a previous long-time resident of Westlake Village, CA, passed away in the early morning hours of March 19th surrounded by her two sons. She was 85 years old.

Irene passed away in Milan, Michigan – where she lived for the last one and half years, to be near her eldest son, Robert and his family. She spent the previous 6 years living in Arkansas next to her youngest son Dan and his family.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents (Jack and Margaret Huerta), her husband (Fred), and many other loving family and friends. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Becky) and Dan (Julie), as well as her nine grandchildren Hope (25) (Jazzmyn), Noah (22) (Katie), Elliott (22), Sydney (20), Sutter (19), Sawyer (18), Jade (16), Cali (10), and Crew (9) and her four brothers: Al (Terri), Gerard (Debra), Jack, and Ed.

Irene was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from Inglewood High School. She was a stewardess for Western Airlines for 10 years before prioritizing her family and having children. She continued to have close friendships and a great love for those she worked with while flying.

Her husband, Fred, was a pilot for Western Airlines and later Delta Air Lines. They were married for 33 years before Fred passed away. She has been a widow for 20 years and is now reunited with her life partner and best friend.

Irene was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved easily and completely. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Arbor Oaks Senior Living and all the wonderful people that worked there – they truly became part of the family. They loved Irene and made her life better and gave her a wonderful home.

In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away, unexpectedly, on April 25, 2025, at age 83.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife Kathy, son Robert and step-sons Rob and Mark, six grandchildren, and his brother-in-law R. Forrest. He is preceded in death by his much-loved sister, Nancy.

Jeff was born on January 2, 1942 to Ferdinand and Genevieve Greenwood. He grew up on his family’s farm in Howard City, MI where he worked after school and summers there, and on the Grassley Dairy Farm where his lifelong love of tractors began. He remained close to many of his high school classmates.

Upon graduation from Ferris State University in MI, Greenwood entered flight school at Pensacola Naval Air Station. He was a highly decorated Vietnam pilot; with 29 medals, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Award, and Air Medals for Meritorious Achievement in Arial flight. He flew the A-4 Skyhawk for the “Blue Diamonds” Attack Squadron VA 146, and had deployments on the USS Ranger, USS Constellation, and the USS Forrestal. Greenwood also served as a Navy Reserve Pilot at NAS Alameda, CA until resigning in October 1979. Greenwood believed in peace through strength and that his job in Vietnam was to enable our men on the ground to come home.

Greenwood flew for Western Airlines from 1972 through the merger with Delta Airlines in 1987, and flew as a Captain until his required retirement at age 60.

In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Jeff enjoyed his retirement years. He built a large tractor barn on their property, in which he restored a 1946 John Deere BW and a 1953 John Deere 50. He also restored a manure spreader to be a people mover which he called a Politician’s Wagon. Each was in many parades sporting US flags, and in static displays at the Nevada County Fair, and the annual Draft Horse Classic. He had a smaller John Deere tractor (called his expensive wheelbarrow) which he used to help keep their shared road in tip top shape. Jeff also grew a large vegetable garden whose bounty he and Kathy loved to share with family, friends and neighbors.

In memoriam: Captain Jeffrey George Greenwood, USN (Ret)

Jeff and Kathy enjoyed visiting National Parks pulling their trailer, with their dogs, visiting 25 parks over the past 15 years. This past April they did a Rhine River cruise, then to Paris, and from there a tour to the sacred ground of Normandy at Utah and Omaha beaches.

Jeff was a member of the Gold Country Flywheeler Early Day Gas Engines & Tractor Assoc., and Quiet Birdmen, Nevada City Hangar, CA

There will be a Celebration of Jeff’s Life in the Marlow Hanger at the Nevada County Airport this summer, date TBA.

Interment will be at the Greenwood Memorial Garden Cemetery in Grass Valley, CA
If you would like to make a donation to honor Jeff, the family asks that you consider the following: Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Twin Cities Church, 11726 Rough & Ready Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Capt. Jeffrey Greenwood was much loved by many and will be greatly missed.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF/WA/DL – Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Weizenegger Jr. (Retired)

March 11, 1945 – April 7, 2025

Richard (Rick) E. Weizenegger Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated Air Force Veteran, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:18 p.m.

Rick joined Western Airlines 02-28-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Marci, and by his daughters and their families.

Richard (Rick) E. Weizenegger Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated Air Force Veteran, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:18 p.m., surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He was 80 years old.

Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on March 11, 1945, to Patricia and Richard E. Weizenegger Sr., Rick spent his youth water skiing and fishing the lakes of Wisconsin. His adventurous spirit and love for flight led him to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Science and graduated with the Class of 1967 from the 7th Squadron. While there, he proudly served as Team Captain of the men’s gymnastics team, competing in pommel horse.

Rick’s military career was nothing short of extraordinary. He served with valor in Vietnam at Phan-Rang Air Force Base flying the F-100 Super Sabre. Recognized for his excellence and courage, he won through competition the honored title of “Top Gun.” Over the course of his service, he piloted a range of aircraft including the F-4 Phantom, C-4, F-4E, Western Airlines 727, and Delta Airlines Boeing 767 and 777.

Rick served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 10 years, 9 months, and 22 days before continuing his service with the Air National Guard for an additional 13 years, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His dedication to service earned him numerous awards and commendations, including:

• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

• Air Force Longevity Service Award with 20LC

• National Defense Service Medal

• Vietnam Service Medal

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea)

• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device & 20LC

• Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 2 Palms

• Distinguished Flying Cross with 20LC

• Air Medal with 20LC

• Air Force Commendation Medal

Following his military service, Rick continued his aviation career flying international commercial flights for Western Airlines and then Delta Airlines. Later, he piloted private jets for high-profile clients including Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, Céline Dion, NFL Superbowl Quarterback John Elway, and NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

Rick also held an MBA in Business Management, Marketing and Finance and was as passionate about learning as he was about flying.

Yet, beyond his accolades and adventures, Rick’s greatest joy and adventure in life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Marci Weizenegger (Muffett Meairs); his three daughters, Kjersti Timmons (Husband Michael Timmons), Katie Golden (Husband Martin Golden), and Margaret Parks; and six adoring grandchildren: Piper Parks, Finley Parks, Bennett Parks, Charlotte Timmons, Maizy Golden, and Decklin Golden. He was a pillar of strength and love in their lives, always quick with a story, a laugh, and unwavering support. He was their Hero.

Rick lived a life of honor, adventure, and deep devotion. His legacy of courage, kindness, and love will live on in all who had the privilege to know him.

A memorial service celebrating Rick’s life will be held at the United States Air Force Academy, Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rick’s memory to a Veteran’s charity of your choice.

Fly high, Rick. You’ve earned your wings once more.

PCN memorial site  
https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2025/04/wadl-lt-colret-richard-e-weizenegger-jr.html

IN THE CARE OF Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery – Chapel Hillhttps://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/centennial-co/richard-weizenegger-12339677

~ In Memory Of ~

GAF/USAF Veteran, WA/DL Capt. Wolfgang Walter Zink, “Gori”

~ October 05, 1940 to February 11, 2025 ~

Wolfgang was born October 05, 1940 in Dietersweiler Baden-Württemberg Germany. He originally studied to become an electrician but decided to join the new German Luftwaffe in 1959 instead. He was sent to the United States shortly after basic flight training to attend the newly instated joint training program with the USAF at Williams AFB and later Luke AFB. There he trained in the T-33 and later piloted the F-84F. His “Jabo 32” squadron mates and friends mostly referred to him by his callsign “Gori”. In 1962, Wolfgang met and married his wife of 56 years Bette in Mesa Arizona and soon after decided to live in the United States full-time.

In 1966 Wolfgang decided to pursue a career of flying for commercial airlines and ultimately ended up being hired by Western Airlines where he was based in LAX and SLC flying B707, DC-10 and 737 before merging with Delta Airlines and flying around the world in the 757/767 based out of JFK until his retirement in 2000.

After retirement Wolfgang enjoyed time with his family, many friends and squadron-mates. His love of flying never diminished as he became an honorary member of the “Cactus Starfighter Squadron” at Luke AFB where he cherished the opportunity to share stories with fellow German airmen young and old and to participate in their charity and social events.

Wolfgang took his final flight west from Scottsdale, AZ the morning of February 11, 2025 and is survived by his son Matt, daughter-in-law Traci, Grandsons Corbin and Larson, sister-in-law Patricia, half-brother Eugene and countless others who he touched through the years.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Edward Louis Peri

June 28, 1941 ~ March 22, 2024

As noted in the January/February issue of the Air Line Pilot magazine’s In Memoriam page, the passing of Western/Delta pilot Captain Edward Louis Peri, age 82.  Ed joined Western Airlines 03-03-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1999.  He was based SEA and then SLC/030 in the years prior to retiring.

Western/delta pilot Ed Peri passed away March 22, 2024. Ed was born in Portland, Oregon in June 1941. He was a proud Eagle Scout & graduated from U of Portland. He and his wife Charleen married in 1964 & had 60 wonderful years together. He did pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock, Texas. He served in Vietnam & Iceland & was based on Cape Cod. He joined western airlines in 1969 and they built their home in country to raise their family, and hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was the pride & love for his children, Josh & Jenny, both now captains for Delta.  He and Char traveled the world & spent winters in Arizona after retirement. A life of joy well lived. He’s survived by his wife Char, children Josh and Jenny, daughter in law Dani and grandchildren Maddi, Zach and Sadie. 

Ed is laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, condolences may be sent to the family at 

36724 156TH AVE SE # S , AUBURN WA 98092-9426

Charleen Peri

Charleenperi@gmail.com

PCN memorial site : https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2025/02/wadl-capt-edward-louis-peri.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/268775161/edward-louis-peri

Birth  :  28 Jun 1941  Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon

Married : Charleen Chapman  June 12, 1964

Death   :    22 Mar 2024 (aged 82)   King County, Washington

Burial   :   Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, King County, Washington

https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/EDWARDLOUISPERI/a63049

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Edwin F. Madigan Sr.

March 19, 1940 ~ January 9, 2025

Remembering the life of Capt. Ed Madigan…. Edwin Francis Madigan joined Western Airlines 03-03-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2000 based SLC/030.  Ed is survived by his wife Sally, and by his children and their families.

With great sadness we announce the passing of Edwin F. Madigan Sr. of Hot Springs, SD on January 9, 2025 at the age of 84. Ed passed while at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD. Ed was born in Chicago, IL on March 19, 1940 and grew up in Galesburg, IL. Ed graduated from Utah State University in Logan with a degree in Political Science.

Ed had a great love for flying which began as entered the USAF in 1963 and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1985 after 22 years of service. Ed flew B-52’s in the US and the Caribou (C7) while serving 2 years in Vietnam (1968-1969). Ed was awarded the AF Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Airmen Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and several Special Operations Group Commendations during his service in Vietnam. Ed also flew the O2 while serving the Air National Guard in Peoria IL, Boise ID, and Minneapolis MN for his remaining 20 years of service.

Ed flew as a commercial airline pilot from 1969-2000, spending 18 years with Western Airlines flying the B-727, B-737, and DC-10. Ed flew his remaining 13 years with Delta Airlines operating the B-737, L-1011, B-757, and B-767.

When Ed was not flying, he enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. Ed also enjoyed riding ATV’s near Hot Springs, SD.

Ed was proceeded in joining the Lord by his mother Oma and Father Francis P. Madigan.

Ed is survived by his wife Sally of 47 years; sons Edwin Jr., Brian; daughter Rachel Bevis; daughters-in-law Katie (Edwin Jr.) and Sarah (Brian); grandchildren Dalton (Rachel), Jeffrey (Edwin Jr.), Erin (Edwin Jr.), AJ (Brian), Jake (Brian) and Elizabeth (Brian); great-granddaughter Ally (Dalton); several cousins, nieces, nephews and loving friends of many years, including Dr. Mehdi Heravi whom he met at Utah State University and Ray Bishop whom he met in Vietnam.

A rosary will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD at 7pm on January 16th, 2025. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; at 10am on January 17th, 2025, immediately followed by a luncheon. Ed’s final resting place will be honored at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD at 3pm. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion in Hot Springs, SD at 6pm.

For those who may wish to send condolences, I see the family’s residence address listed in whitepages as 

1327 Sheridan St., Hot Springs, SD 57747.

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Karl Irving Lassey

October 21, 1934  –  August 19, 2019

KARL IRVING LASSEY, of San Juan Capistrano, CA was born in Kansas to Maurine Gladys Savage and Jay Gwynn Lassey on 20 Oct 1934. He departed this life on 19 Aug 2019, surrounded by his children in his own home.

Karl delivered the “Salina Journal” and participated in many activities, while attending Miltonvale [KS] High School and graduated in 1952. He graduated from Bethany College [Lindsborg, KS] with an associated degree in 1954 and North Texas State [Denton, TX] in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in music.

He joined the Navy and became a Naval aviator in 1958. Karl received his wings and was pinned by Jacqueline Norman, his wife at the time. He was deployed in 1958 on the “USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier” and the “USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier” in 1960 with the “Aces” Attack Squadron 152, piloting the Sky Raider. In 1961 he was promoted to Navy Lieutenant. During this time in his career, he was a Navy lawyer. In 1964, he became test pilot in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where Lt. Lassey successfully landed an A-4 Skyhawk with a failed landing gear, saving a million-dollar plane for the Navy. In 1965 he was deployed on the “USS Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier” as a member of the A-4 “Stingers” Strike Fighter Squadron 113, completing 100 arrested landings, becoming a “Centurion” in 1966. In 1967 while deployed on the “USS Enterprise,” he became a Centurion for the second time and received two Distinguished Flying cross medals for his heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight and combat with the enemy. Karl served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He retired from the Navy in 1968, after 30 years of serving his country.

Karl loved flying and obtained his commercial pilot license for the Cherokee 149 plane. Karl was hired first by Western Airlines, and later Delta Airlines, as a commercial pilot, staying in that position for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

Karl married Jacqueline Norman in September 1958. Together they had two children: Nancy and Kelly. They divorced in 1968. In 1969, Karl became a Cub Scout Leader for his son Kelly’s troop. Karl had been a Cub Scout as a child with his Dad as his leader. That year he also joined the “Orange County Doctor’s Band,” which was a jazz band made of musicians who were in other professions, to play his trumpet and flugelhorn. He stayed an active playing member until 1994. Karl bought a home in San Juan Capistrano in 1969, where he remained until his passing. About 1969 he purchased his first sailboat, and named her ‘Sola Via’ for Western Airlines’ slogan, which meant “the only way to fly”.

Karl married Sally Ann Drummond McGraw on 29 Dec 1971; they celebrated 47 years together before she passed in May 1919. Karl is survived by his children: three daughters, Nancy Lassey, Kelly McGraw-Martino, and Erin McGraw; and son Sean (Scott Lahon) McGraw; two sisters: Linda Braun (Melvin) of Miltonvale, KS; and Sharon (Bob) Meadows of Huntington Beach, CA, and one brother Greg Lassey (Anne) of Peck, KS.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Ann, parents, and two sons, Patrick McGraw and Kelly Scott Lassey. He leaves to mourn four children, three siblings, 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

He enjoyed life, exploring many hobbies, including photography, backpacking, motorcycle riding, traveling the world, playing jazz, racing his sailboat, flying his twin Cessna, amateur ham radio and motorhome camping with Sam’s Radio Hams Club.

Karl was an extraordinary man, though humble, and rarely talked of the many things he accomplished unless asked. He is missed and remembered by all those who knew and loved him.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Arlene Doney Penhallegon, widow of WAL Capt. H. Wade Penhallegon

May 13, 1935 ~ January 3, 2025

Our dear friend and accomplished artist Arlene Penhallegon was born/raised and schooled in Montana.  Arlene Joyce Doney and Western Airlines Captain Harold Wade Penhallegon were married in Utah on March 8, 1966. 

Wade was born in Washington state on January 21, 1925.  He hired on with Western Airlines 04-09-1951 and was based LAX.  Captain Penhallegon passed on December 21, 1984 at the age of 59.

Arlene was a resident of Cornville AZ. 

Arrangements are pending.

John Paul Chambers, age 96, of Saint Helena, California passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. John was born in Pueblo, CO.

https://obituaries.neptune-society.com/obituaries/fairfield-ca/john-chambers-12054163

John joined Western Airlines 11-17-1952.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family’s address listed in whitepages as 

3360 Saint Helena Hwy N, Saint Helena, CA 94574.