~ IN MEMORY ~

WA Capt. Everett R. Hudgins

November 2, 1926 ~ November 3, 2025 

Everett Rankin Hudgins joined Western Airlines 3/29/1955 and was based Los Angeles.  Captain Hudgins had most recently resided in California :  22040 Tiara St, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. 

PCN memorial site https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/03/wa-capt-everett-r-hudgins.html

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/canoga-park-ca/everett-hudgins-12619179

https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ca/woodland-hills/everett-hudgins-20605656

IN THE CARE OF

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

Everett R Hudgins, born on November 2, 1926, passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 99. He was a resident of Woodland Hills, California.

~ IN MEMORY ~

PNA/WA Capt. Gerald “Jerry” Russell Papke

April 19, 1925 – March 12, 2025

Jerry Papke, age 99, made his final journey to “The Happy Hunting Ground” on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He departed from his home, overlooking the desert animals, and was surrounded by his children in his final days.

Jerry grew up in Polson, Montana. He spent his young days swimming at the family cabin, boating, hunting, working on ranches, and going to school when he had to. At 17, he joined the Marines and fought for our freedom in WWII, across the South Pacific. Upon his return, he worked for the Forest Service and logged, depending on the season. Jerry and his brother Jim, were the last hand cut logging team for their company. For the Forest Service, he worked as a Fire lookout and guided a biologist studying how elk herds avoided starvation in the winter. The forest service was not for the faint of heart. Grizzly encounters, snow so deep that you dug from the roof to the bottom of the door to enter a cabin and months alone were just a few of his adventures. Knowing he couldn’t log forever, the Montana Mountain Man moved to Los Angeles and used the GI bill to study Aviation Mechanics. In LA he took various jobs while going to school. Imagine, Montana Mountains, alone for months, to driving trucks through LA traffic! He had met the love of his life, Bonnie, while in Montana, and brought her to LA with him. Most of his early career was spent in the mountains. His final career was as an airline Captain, flying over the land that he loved, or was it? After retiring, Jerry worked another 20 years, packing in and guiding hunters beside his son, Russ, for Colorado High Guide. He braided and sold custom reins and dog leashes through his daughter Laurie’s company, Wild West Leather and Fur. This is actually only a partial list of his jobs, but what was most important about Jerry’s careers were his integrity, bravery, lifelong learning skills and most importantly his ability to create deep and lasting relationships across the decades and the country.

Though an important part of his life, he could not be defined by his careers. He would be better defined by the man that he was. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, mentor and friend. He was a man of community, who was always looking out for the welfare of others. Jerry was a man who would stop to help people he didn’t know, invite strangers to Thanksgiving and help his neighbors at the drop of a hat. He was everyone’s go to man, whether you had a rattlesnake on your porch, your vehicle stuck in the snow, something broken down, a need for a “stand in” dad to teach you how to ride a bike, or fatherly advice. He volunteered for the fire department, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, spoke in schools, drove DAV Veterans to Vegas well into his 80’s, and actively supported Unity Spiritual Center of Mohave Valley. He inspired people with his kindness, positive attitude and the ability to find good in everything and everyone. In his 90’s when asked what the key to happiness is, he said, “not judging others” which left people of all ages and backgrounds feeling welcomed and appreciated by him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; parents, Doris and Joe Papke; daughter, Brenda (Bob) Papke; granddaughter, Lindiwe Ann Khali; his brother, Jim Papke and sister Patricia Papke.

Jerry is survived by his children, Laurie (Dee) Zimmershied, Nancy (Dennis) Papke and Russ (Susan) Papke; his grandchildren, Scott Cocharo, Lauren (Mark) Maloy, Kyle Papke, Dan (Tori) Cocharo, Lee (Hanna) Andersen, Andy Papke, Dillon Kuzins and Danielle Saye; and great grandchildren; Brandon Cocharo, Sam and Thomas Maloy, Bonnie and Alice Anderson, Abigail Cocharo, and Ashton and Cole Sprague

The family invites those who knew him to honor his life with a “Final Toast” on April 19, 2025. The gathering will be an open house at his home in Bullhead City. Please contact one of his children for more details.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to one of Jerry’s favorite charities, one of your own, or try to live by his words, “Everyday I pray I can make someone’s life better.”

*Unity Spiritual Center of Mohave Valley, 967 Hancock Rd Ste 93, Bullhead City, AZ, 86442 unityofmohavevalley.org

*Diamondback Elementary School: PTO Papke Memorial Fund, 2550 Tesota Way, Bullhead City, AZ 86442

(please mention in all Memo’s Papke Memorial Fund)

*Southern Nevada VA Healthcare ww.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online

PCN memorial site  https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/03/pnawa-capt-gerald-jerry-russell-papke.html

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/285154314/gerald_russell-papke

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bullhead-city-az/gerald-papke-12282921

The 100-year anniversary of our beloved “Only Way to Fly”, Western Airlines 1926-2026 reunion is happening on September 22 & 23, 2026, at The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.

The website is up and ready to receive your participation:

https://westernairlines100.com

Bring your memories, your stories, your name tags (if you still have them) most of all your laughter. Family members and friends are welcome. Let us all connect and remember the best part of Western Airlines, the EMPLOYEES!

The room rates for our reunion are good Sunday through Thursday if you’d like to come early or stay longer and enjoy all that the Grand Sierra Resort has to offer.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Robert Bruce Skanchy 

November 27, 1944 ~ February 8, 2026

Robert Bruce Skanchy joined Western Airlines 11-27-1978 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Karen, and by his sons and their families.  

Robert Bruce (Bob) Skanchy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, on February 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 81. Born on November 27, 1944, in Logan, Utah, Bruce lived a life marked by adventure, dedication, and an enduring devotion to family and friends.

Bruce was born to Antonne L. (Tony) and Lula “Lu” Karren Skanchy. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Karen, in Burley, Idaho, beginning a cherished partnership that spanned decades. Together, they built a life rich with laughter, outdoor adventure, and treasured family memories. Bruce was a devoted husband, a proud father to his two sons, Mark and Jason, and a loyal friend whose presence was a gift to all who knew him.

From an early age, Bruce felt drawn to the sky. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, flying the legendary B-52 bomber. That passion for aviation remained a constant throughout his life. He went on to fly corporate aircraft, built a distinguished career with Western Airlines, and ultimately completed his long and storied professional journey with Delta Airlines. His legacy in aviation was one of skill, professionalism, and deep pride-soaring as high as the planes he piloted.

When not in the cockpit, Bruce embraced life outdoors. He had a lifelong love for snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, boating, and exploring the open trail, finding his greatest joy in sharing these pursuits with those he loved. In later years, he returned to aviation in a quieter way, building intricate model airplanes and model trains-projects that brought him great satisfaction and calm. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, Bruce valued faith, fellowship, and the lifelong friendships that enriched his life.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hill Skanchy; his sons, Mark and Jason; honorary granddaughters, Sadie Slikker, Emma Slikker DelRosario, Grace Slikker Botelhoand; and the many family members and friends whose lives were brighter for having known him. He was preceded in death by his father, Antonne L. (Tony) Skanchy; his mother, Lula “Lu” Karren Skanchy; his brothers, Antone Lewis Skanchy, Rex Karren Skanchy; and his sister, LuJean Skanchy Fowler.

Funeral services will be held on February 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. A graveside service will follow, with refreshments afterward. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in celebration of a life well lived and deeply loved.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:  7179 S Villandrie Ln, Salt Lake City, UT 84121.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, WA/DL Capt. Donald Ray Chapman

November 23, 1941 ~ January 17, 2026

Donald Ray Chapman passed away on January 17, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Don is survived by his beautiful wife Julie Chapman, daughter Lisa Dawson, and three stepsons Jon, Jason and Jeff Salyards. He was the adoring grandfather of 10 grandchildren. 

He was proud of his service as a Naval Aviator with 199 combat missions in Vietnam. He retired as a Navy Captain, after 31 years of service in 1994. One of his last requests was for the words, “Fighter Pilot,” to be part of his tombstone inscription. He was also a retired airline pilot with over 30 years of experience finally serving as a Captain with Delta Airlines. 

His contributions to the community are too many to accurately list here. He was a long-time member and former President of the Newnan Kiwanis Club. He was a proud member of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was also dedicated to serving with AMVETS. He frequently gave presentations to high school students about his experiences in the military. And if you went to High School anywhere in the South Atlanta suburbs, you likely have a small yellow card with Don’s 10 Rules for Success. For these contributions and numerous other accomplishments, he was honored as the Coweta County Citizen of the Year in 2009. 

I’m certain that almost all of the people who read these words have two things in common. First, at one point in your life, Don bought you lunch, helped you pay a bill, or provided resources for you to pursue a dream. His generosity, in this regard, was legendary. Second, at several points in your life, Don probably told you a joke. Often it would begin with, “Did you hear the one about …” His humor, in this regard, was also legendary.

In lieu of flowers or any donations, you can honor Don’s life by doing two things. First, he would be delighted for each one of us to carry on his legacy by providing a random act of kindness. For the stranger in the restaurant, buy lunch; for the person next to you in line, pay for their groceries, or for a friend in need, pay one of their monthly bills. Second, it would warm Don’s heart if, sometime in the next month, you turned to a stranger, your server at lunch, or the store clerk behind the counter, and said, “Did you hear the one about …” 

The family will have a small private ceremony. Don hosted a large party for his 80th birthday after learning of his diagnosis.

He was very clear that he wanted this celebration, rather than a traditional funeral, to be his way of saying thank you and goodbye to all of his friends and family.

~ IN MEMORY ~

LAX/ATL WA/DL Flt. Control/Dispatcher Robert “Bob” Shelley Baird

October 29, 1937 – January 6, 2026

Bob attended Airline School which helped him get a job with Western Airlines. This was the beginning of a distinguished 49 year career……started with Western as a clerk and worked his way to becoming a dispatcher and eventually Director of Flight Control for Western Airlines………..after a merger with Delta Air Lines, he stayed in a management role and moved to Atlanta GA. …..his final years with Delta doing what he loved best, dispatching airplanes. Bob was a pioneer in his field……

Bob hired on with Western 12-14-1957 and was based LAX.   

OBITUARY

Robert S. Baird Passed away peacefully, Tuesday January 6th at Cache Valley Assisted Living in Providence UT. He was born, the first of three children, to Bob and Annie Baird in Hailey ID, October 29th, 1937.

“Bob”, as he was known to all except his mother, was raised in and around Melba ID where he graduated from Melba High School in 1955. Following High School, he was afforded the opportunity to attend Airline School which helped him get a job with Western Airlines. This was the beginning of a distinguished 49 year career. He started with Western as a clerk and worked his way to becoming a dispatcher and eventually Director of Flight Control for Western Airlines. In 1986 after a merger with Delta Airlines, he stayed in a management role and moved to Atlanta GA. He decided to step away from management towards the end of his career and spent his final years with Delta doing what he loved best, dispatching airplanes. Bob was a pioneer in his field. If you spend time with those who have worked with him, you will hear numerous stories of how his innovations were not only essential to the success of Western Airlines but shared with other airlines as well.

In December of 1960 Bob married Janis Rene Leonhardt. They had one child, Bart, and would move to Inglewood CA. Bob and Janis divorced in 1971. In April of 1972 Bob Married Wanda Hope Williamson. She had four sons, Dennis, Larry, Keith, and Jeff.

Bob and Wanda lived in Carson CA until 1986 and then moved to Georgia, eventually building a home in Fayetteville and living there for over 35 years. Together they enjoyed square dancing and working in their yard. They were very avid square dancers and had the opportunity to dance all over the country together. Bob loved fishing and NASCAR. He and his brother-in-law Jim had season tickets to the Atlanta Motor Speedway for a number of years. He especially enjoyed his beloved Atlanta Braves. He lived in Los Angeles for twenty-five years as a devoted Braves fan with disdain for the LA Dodgers.

While in Georgia, Bob and Wanda became members of the Harp’s Crossing Baptist Church of Fayetteville. So many of their best friends came through this association. When Wanda passed in June of 2021 Harp’s became a lifeline to Bob as his friends wrapped their arms around him and helped him through his grief. In 2024 Bob Moved to Utah. His declining health had made it too difficult for his family to care for him long distance. He hated to leave Georgia and went “kicking and screaming” but as was Bob’s nature he developed new friends and he was a joy to the residents at Blacksmith Fork and Cache Valley Assisted Livings. Dementia stole so much from Bob, it is truly a blessing for him to be reunited with Wanda and other loved ones. But despite the challenges he faced he was always able, in his own way, to keep his loving nature and sly sense of humor and quick wit.

As a family we (as well as Bob) would like to thank those who have helped him through his final journey. His good friend and Pastor Ken Helms as well as all the members of his Harps Crossing family. His friends and neighbors David and Ariska Griggs. His nurse in GA and friend to he and Wanda over the years Jacklyn Holcombe. With out you all he would not have been able to stay in Georgia as long as he was able to. His friends and the staff at Cache Valley and Blacksmith Fork Assisted Livings. Special thanks to Shana and her staff at CVAL and his nurse Beckie and Atlas Home Health and Hospice for loving care and support.

Bob is survived by his sons James Dennis Williamson (Suzan) Lampe MO, Lawrence Williamson (Penny) Colleyville TX, Johnnie Keith Williamson (Nancy) Seattle WA, Bart Baird (Heidi) Hyrum UT, and Jeffery Williamson, (Jennifer) Huntersville NC, 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren and a sister-in-law Jelene Baird.

Bob was cremated with the services of Premier Mortuary of Roy Utah. No formal services are scheduled at this time. He will be interred with his wife Wanda in Jasper Alabama. His family, and I am sure Bob as well, would like to thank those who have helped him over the last few years.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. John David Dorris

September 7, 1946  ~  December 13, 2025

John Dorris passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025 in Denver, CO. He was born in Galveston, TX in 1946 to Loris and Sara Dorris. He left behind a legacy of love, adventure and dedication. As the son of an Air Force pilot, John moved frequently during his childhood, including a memorable period spent in Japan, where he graduated from Narimasu High School in 1964. Along with his six siblings, he crossed the seas by ship, shaping the adventurous spirit that would define his life.

John pursued higher education at Louisiana Tech University before seeking even greater adventures. He joined the Air Force in 1968 and went on to earn his wings at Moody AFB, GA and then flew C-123 aircraft during the Vietnam War. After his service, John transitioned to the Air Force Reserve, aiming to fulfill his dream of becoming an airline pilot. He was hired by Western Airlines and retired from Delta Air Lines.

In 1980, John met the love of his life, Debbie, and they married in 1983 in Redlands, CA, where he was stationed at Norton AFB, CA. Their family grew to include three wonderful children: Bethany, Jeffrey, and Susie. In 1990, the family moved to Peachtree City, GA, where John took great joy in flying for Delta, often taking his family on exciting layovers and overseas trips.

John was not only a dedicated husband and loving father but also a loyal friend. Known for his hospitality, he often invited fellow pilots over for barbecues and homemade meals, albeit with a well-known wait until 9:00 PM for late arrivals. After moving to Chesterfield, MO, he continued his military career at Scott AFB in O’Fallon, IL. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 2006 as a Major General at Offutt AFB, NE.

His guidance as a father, mentorship as a leader, and zest for life left a profound impact on those around him. John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love for family, and his incredible ability to bring people together.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debbie; his children, Bethany, Jeff Dorris (Kelly), and Susie Dorris (Sam); and his siblings, Mary Palmer, Debbie Evans, and Janet McGrath. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loris and Sara Dorris, and his siblings, Tannie Paquette, Anne Bonelli, and Sara Hover. He will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. on January 29, 2026 at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230, http://wingsmuseum.org/. Kindly RSVP to dawndeshefy@gmail.com  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John’s memory be made to Honor Flight via www.highplainshonorflight.org/donate   

To view the obituary and to share memories online, please visit 

https://www.abplace-funeral-cremation.com/obituaries/John-David-Dorris?obId=46729422

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. David L. Schmatjen

May 9, 1939 ~ October 22, 2025

David served his country from 1963 to 1969, flying cargo planes in the Vietnam War, and retiring from the USAF as a Captain, then transitioned to a distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot.

David Leroy “Doc” Schmatjen joined Western Airlines 06-13-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  David is survived by his wife Judith, and by his children and their families.  

David Leroy “Doc” Schmatjen passed away on October 22, 2025 in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He was 86 years old.

The youngest of six children, he was born on May 9, 1939 in Portland, Oregon, to John D. Schmatjen and Esther (Karber) Schmatjen. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, he began graduate studies at Kansas State University, leaving prior to completion to join the United States Air Force.

He served his country from 1963 to 1969, flying cargo planes in the Vietnam war, and retiring from the USAF as a Captain. He then transitioned to a distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot, flying first for Western Airlines and then for Delta. While stationed at Travis AFB in 1966, he met and fell in love with Judith Ross. They were married in Hawaii on January 20, 1968, and raised their family in Davis, California.

David pursued many interests over his lifetime, including woodworking, golf, and world travel. He had a particular love for classic country music, spy novels, and “intended” puns. At the end of his life, he endured a seven-year struggle with Lewy Body Dementia that slowly took the function of his body and mind out of his control. His loved ones and caregivers were truly blessed that he remained his same gentle, pleasant, and incredibly witty self right through the end. He was a lifelong Christian and his family has been given strength and comfort knowing he is with Jesus.

David is survived by his loving wife, Judith Schmatjen of Lake Oswego; daughter Jill Arena of Lake Oswego; daughter Heidi Noon and her husband Steven Noon of Irvine, California; son Marc Schmatjen and his wife Sandra Schmatjen of Rocklin, California; and six wonderful grandchildren who brought their “Papa Doc” great joy.

David also leaves behind two sisters: Peggy Spada of St. Paul, Oregon, and Janis Thiessen of Dallas, Oregon.

“He has not gone west, but merely flown ahead into the sunrise – where horizons have no end and skies are always clear.” – unknown

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026 at The Ironlight in Lake Oswego. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org), or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org).

Per whitepages listing, the family’s most recent address : 565 2nd St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. James Austin Ball

February 8, 1944 – December 13, 2025

Jim joined Western Airlines 09-08-1986 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2003.  He is survived by his wife Patricia.  Jim had most recently resided in South Dakota : 13959 Canyon Spur, Piedmont, SD 57769. 

James “Jim” Ball, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in Rapid City, SD on December 13, 2025.

Jim was born on February 8, 1944, in Teaneck, New Jersey, to Michael and Rita Ball and lived a life full of adventure, service, and exciting connection. He grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Bergen Catholic High School before attending St. Bonaventure University in New York. He proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in the Philippines, and while there, he discovered his passion for 1960s music while volunteering as a DJ at the radio station on base. Upon returning to George Air Force Base in California, he pursued flying and later earned his private pilot instructor license while living in Van Nuys, CA.

It was there that Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Akin. They were married on October 19, 1974, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, beginning a lifelong journey together filled with love and exploration.

Jim’s aviation career took him across the country. He worked for the FAA’s Flight Standards Division, with assignments in Casper, WY; Great Falls, MT; and Montclair, CA. He later joined Western Air as a Flight Engineer on the Boeing 727, and after Western was acquired by Delta Airlines, he continued flying as a Captain on the 737 until his retirement in 2003.

In retirement, Jim and Patricia embraced life on the road, traveling in their motorhome and becoming “Winter Texans,” exploring the southern states and forming lasting friendships along the way. They lived in Hampstead and Moultonborough, New Hampshire, before settling in South Dakota.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Rita; his brother, Robert Ball; and his niece Patricia Van Belleghem. He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia; his brother Michael (Janet) Ball; sisters-in-law Dianne (Walt) Simons and Angela Strand; and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

Jim will be remembered for his warm spirit, his love of music and flight, and the quick, deep bonds he formed with everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the stories shared by those who knew him and the skies he once soared.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, December 19, 2025 at Kirk Funeral Home followed by light refreshments. Graveside rites will follow at 1:30 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery, in Sturgis.

https://www.kirkfuneralhome.com/obituary/james-a-ball

~ IN MEMORY ~

PNA/WA/DL Capt. Jack Charles Volkel

October 4, 1942 ~ November 1, 2025

We have learned that Captain Jack Volkel Jr. passed away the weekend of November 1^st.  Jack began his commercial flying with PNA/Western Airlines 03-15-1965 and retired with Delta Air Lines based PDX/030 at time of retirement.  Aviation professionals abound in the Volkel family…..Jack’s father Captain Jack Volkel Sr. was a Captain with Northwest Airlines (details below) and Jack Jr.’s grandfather Calvin Volkel (1894 – 1942) was an early aviation enthusiast and held a private pilot’s license.  Jack Jr.’s sister Shann is a former Northwest Airlines F/A and is the widow of PNA/WA/DL Captain Al Blake.  Their daughter Stephanie is a pilot for United Airlines.  Stephanie’s husband also is a pilot for United.  Jack Jr.’s brother in law was PNA/WA/DL Captain Allan “Al” Blake (1939-2020, see link below).  Jack Jr. was born in Minnesota and moved with his family to Washington state in 1953.  He had most recently resided in Texas. 

PCN memorial site   https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2025/12/pnawadl-capt-jack-charles-volkel.html

Bellevue High School Class of 1960

sad to report that Jack Volkel, BHS 1960, passed away at his home in Texas this past weekend. Jack retired several years ago after 38 years as a pilot, instructor pilot, and Chief Pilot for Delta Airlines. He is survived by Carel, his wife of 55 years, two daughters, and two grandchildren.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/112022163201/user/1370076795

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53950410/jack-volkel

Jack Volkel Sr.

Birth   28 Feb 1922   Winona MN

Death   20 Jul 1995 (aged 73)    Bellevue WA

NWA hire date 03-23-1942

JACK VOLKEL, RET. NORTHWEST AIRLINE CAPTAIN, 73, of Bellevue, WA passed away on Thursday, July 20, 1995, in Issaquah. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

Jack was born on Feb 28, 1922 in Winona, MN, the son of Calvin and Hazel Volkel. He was raised in Winona where he graduated from high school. Jack loved flying and when he was 16, his father purchased a Piper Cub for him. He logged in many hours of flying time completing his requirements to become a licensed pilot and in 1942 was hired by Northwest Airlines. In 1953 he and his family moved to Bellevue.

After retiring from Northwest, he started AeroDyne Corp. in 1965 at the Renton Airport and operated the business through 1985. Jack was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, a member of the Retired Northwest Pilot’s Assoc. and a member of the Seattle Evergreen Model A Club………….
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Gerry of Bellevue, one son, Jack, of Bellevue, one daughter, Shann Blake of Issaquah, and four granddaughters, Stephanie and Susan Blake, and Nancy and Laurie Volkel…….

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/810058927296565315/3570204293458498281

Capt. Allan Grant Blake

June 5, 1939 ~ April 5, 2020