~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Don L. Peterson

JUNE 7, 1929 ~ APRIL 20, 2022

Word has been received with news of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Don Lemoine Peterson, age 92. Captain Peterson joined Western Airlines on 09-19-1955 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  Don is survived by his wife Toni, and by his daughters, and his grand- and great-grandchildren.  

 Don Lemoine Peterson, age 92, passed away on April 20, 2022, in Park City, Utah. He was born at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 7, 1929, to Vadal Peterson and Elvira Wood. Don was the youngest of five children, 4 boys, and one girl. (Vadal, Laura, Ray, and Wood) Don graduated from the University of Utah, joined the Air Force, and learned to fly. After four years he returned to Utah and joined the Utah Air National Guard, where he served for 26 years. During the early period of his return to Utah, he began to fly for Frontier Airlines. In 1955 he became a pilot for Western Airlines and flew for them until they merged with Delta. He continued as a senior pilot with Delta until he retired in 1989. 

Don always loved to fly and continued after his retirement to fly small planes and joined the World Beechcraft Society. He and his wife attended many fly-ins and made many friends throughout the country. Post-retirement he worked as a simulator instructor for Morris Airlines. Don was an avid skier and loved to fish. He traveled to Alaska every year to a fishing camp and brought home the spoils. He and his wife belonged to the Saturday Night Dance Club and the Delta Pioneers. He babied his dog Coco who came to live with him after his brother Wood Peterson passed away. 

Don is survived by three daughters from his first marriage, Pamela, Sherrie, and Karrie. He has nine grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. In 1988 Don remarried Annette (Toni) Cefalu and they lived happily for 34 years. Don related well to his stepson Michael Fabri who has a daughter Alexandria.

Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at 1 pm. No flowers, please. Donations may be made in memory of Don to any kind of animal rescue or adoption agency.

To view the obituary online please visit Dignity Memorial

For those who wish to send condolences, white pages list their current address as 

8681 Gorgoza Dr., Park City, UT 84098.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL pilot William Gordon Simons

October 25, 1938 ~ April 19, 2022

William Gordon Simons, 83, of Springfield, Oregon, passed away on April 19, 2022. Bill was born to parents Guy and Helen Simons in Seaside, Oregon on October 25th, 1938. He graduated from Springfield High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, after which he joined the Air Force and married Marilyn Williams. 

He spent eight years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot, including a year in Vietnam, and later enjoyed a long career as a commercial airline pilot with Western Airlines and Delta Airlines. After many years away due to his career, he moved back to Springfield and married Judith Yates. Following his years as a pilot, he briefly taught student pilots at Lane Community College before serving as the first Justice of the Peace for Lane County. Upon retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong desire to write a novel and continued to travel the world with Judy. 

Bill is predeceased by his parents and his older brother James, as well as his wife Judith. He is survived by his two sons, Lee and Steve, and four wonderful grandchildren. 

(Thanks to Carol Faulkner)

Posted online on April 30, 2022Published in The Register-Guard

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Wm. C. “Bill” Evans

July 16, 1929 ~ April 9, 2022

Notice of passing….retired Western/Delta pilot Captain William Cooper “Bill” Evans, age 92.  Captain Evans joined Western Airlines 05-01-1957 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Sherry and his son Doug plus his grandchildren and many more dear family members and friends.

The Evans’ most recent mailing address is listed in white pages as:

 1058 N. Paseo Iris,  Green Valley, AZ 85614

Retired Western/Delta Airlines Capt. W.C. “Bill” Evans was cleared for final takeoff Saturday, April 9, from his home in Green Valley, AZ.

Expected to greet him upon arrival at his final destination are his sons Scotty, Jim, and Jerry, his parents Jerome and Inez; also Roslyn, Marty, and other loved ones who got there first.

Those left in the waiting area include his wife Sherry, son Doug (wife Meghan), daughters-in-law Suzie and Melinda, sister Gray Darden, grandchildren Ty, Tanner, Hope, and Quinn. And many nephews and nieces. And a legion of those who loved him.

Bill was born in the Panama Canal Zone in 1929 where he lived until high school graduation. He then went to Colorado A & M (now CSU). He served in the Air Force in Korea as a fighter pilot. After the Air Force, he started with Western Airlines which merged with Delta. He flew for 32 happy years.

When he retired, he moved to Ennis, Montana, where he met his wife, Sherry. He also resided at times in Ft. Collins, CO, Estes Park, CO, Sequim, WA, and finally in Green Valley, AZ. But his heart was always in Montana.

His smile, kindness, and sense of humor will be fondly remembered and missed.

A celebration of life will be held at Desert Hills Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the Green Valley Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the GV Food Bank.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. James Edward Degnan

June 27, 1945 ~ March 20, 2022

From dear friends and family, we have learned of the tragic death of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Jim Degnan, age 76.  The fatal incident occurred on March 20^th in Hawaii….various articles are available online or please see below.  Captain Degnan joined Western Airlines 02-07-1977 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2004 based 030/CVG.  James is survived by his wife, Margaret J. Degnan; sons, Brian Paul (Stacey) Degnan and Bradley James Degnan and 2 granddaughters.  

We understand that arrangements have been entrusted to the:

Kauai Memorial Gardens Funeral Home

Jim was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to Paul and Kathleen Degnan, on June 27, 1945.  His interest in flying began after watching airplane activity at the old Toledo metropolitan airport while still pre-school age. He attended grade school in Toledo Ohio and Monroe Michigan, and the high school St. Francis DeSales, near Toledo. From there he attended the University of Toledo for a BBA in transportation logistics. Meanwhile, he took flight lessons at the Toledo municipal airport and worked with all sorts of aircraft maintenance and care.  At that time, the draft board was active, so after graduating from college in 1968, he made the choice to join the Navy as a better alternative to ground fighting in the Vietnam war.  The Navy had a short officer candidate school, along with basic single-engine education, including carrier qualification on the Wasp. At Corpus Christi, the aviators learned formation and multi-engine flying. That was followed by a few months in CA before joining VP-6 at Barbers Point. The squadron was deployed to Naha, Okinawa, Cubi Point, and various destinations while flying anti-submarine missions over the ocean around Viet Nam. Even time spent at “home” on Oahu consisted of many sorties over the ocean. The P-3 they flew was a 4-engine turboprop, known in airline travel as the Lockheed Electra.  Jim was released from the Navy in 1973 and continued to fly with Nomads, in Detroit, a travel club using the Electra for jaunts to attractive club destinations, as well as working as a Naval reservist, and private work as available. 1973 was a time of general fuel shortage, and the airlines were not hiring.  In February 1977 he started with Western Airlines out of L.A., until Delta bought them. He lived in Cupertino, CA, and then in Indiana, while based in Cincinnati. He flew for Delta until 2004, retiring with Margaret to the condo on Kauai.  He started with the Civil Air Patrol in August 2005. There he found the comradeship of others committed to necessary tasks that allowed emergency notification for all Kauai residents, even those without access to usual phone and radio information. With the help of the Lihue civil air patrol, Jim was honored to be awarded recognition for “Fifty Years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety” from the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration.

Margaret Degnan
P.O. Box 223323
Princeville, Hawaii
96722

Articles covering the accident:

Civil Air Patrol

Kathryn’s Report

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Paul Hardie Davies Sr.
September 9, 1942 – March 8, 2022

From friends and colleagues, we have learned of the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Paul Hardie Davies, age 79.  Captain Davies joined Western Airlines 05-26-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2002.  He is survived by his wife Dale and by his sons and grandsons. Friends write:  “… Paul flew the F-4 in Viet Nam and the A-4 in VMA134 at El Toro.  He also flew for Western Airlines and Delta Air Lines.  He and Dale retired to Beaufort, S.C. several years ago.  He had been fighting cancer of the liver for the past several years.  It had spread to his spinal column during the past six months.  Surgeries provided no help…… He will be interred at the National Military Cemetery at Beaufort, S.C. “

To view the obituary online and share memories please visit the funeral home website Browne*Pennington*Atkins

 It is with deep sorrow that Mrs. Dale Galloway Davies announces the death of her beloved husband, Paul H. Davies, Sr., 79.  Mr. Davies passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, SC, after a courageous battle with Cancer. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 2 o’clock on Sunday, March 13, 2022, in The Chapel of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. The Rev. James Robbins will officiate, and the family will receive friends immediately following the service. Military honors will be rendered as he is laid to rest at 1 o’clock on Monday, March 14, 2022, in Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. Born in Glen Ridge, NJ, on September 9, 1942, he is the son of the late Charles W. Davies and the late Hardie Bell Davies. His life was characterized by his strong faith in God, dedicated service to our country, family, and communities. He had a passion for golf, traveling, and building diverse friendships around the world. He attended Duke University and the University of South Carolina. Mr. Davies is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War; he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963, was later commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and flew over 400 combat missions with F4 Phantom squadrons. He retired honorably in 1986 as a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Mr. Davies also enjoyed a successful career as a commercial pilot, first with Western Airlines based in California and later with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, retiring in 2002. His passion for golf resulted in multiple club championships at various courses in Georgia and South Carolina, and he was particularly proud of qualifying for both the US and British Senior Open Championships. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dale Galloway Davies; sons, Paul H. (Cathleen) Davies, Jr., Mark K. (Morgan) Davies; four grandsons, Zachary, Jacob, Luke, and Phoenix. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Davies.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to:

The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

~ IN MEMORY ~

PNA/WA/DL Capt. Raymond Elwood BREUM

June 21, 1932 – February 17, 2022

Notice of passing….Delta Golden Wings member retired Pacific Northern/Western/Delta pilot Captain Ray Breum, age 89.  Captain Breum first joined Pacific Northern Airways 04-26-1960, made the merger with Western Airlines, and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1992 based in Seattle.  He is survived by his wife Shirley, and by his children and grand- and greatgrandchildren. 

To view the obituary online

Condolences may be sent to the family at  

 PO BOX 2649, STANWOOD WA 98292-2649.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary: Raymond Elwood Breum took his final flight to heaven on February 17, 2022, at the age of 89. He will always be remembered for his kindness and love for faith, family, and flying.

He was born on June 21, 1932, to Sophie and John Breum in Mount Vernon, WA. While being raised on the Sande Farm with his best friend and brother Lawrence and Sister Katherine, he found a love for sports between chores. He played football, basketball, leading the team to two state championships and baseball for Twin City High School and Basketball at WSU. He discovered his love of flying and joined the Navy and his career as a Naval Aviator and Commercial pilot ensued.

He married the first love of his life Ardlyn in 1956 and as Newlyweds were stationed in Hawaii. They raised three children, Chris, Lori, and Ben living in several states across the country. He was a great Naval Flight instructor in Pensacola and flew military transport.

Ray went on to fly for PNA, Western Airlines, and retired from Delta Airlines in 1992. He could then pursue his favorite hobby of golf, gardening, and travel. He lived in La Conner and Sedro Wooley until Ardlyn’s death in 2008.

He found the second love of his life, Shirley, in 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed spending time in Arizona and Washington with friends and family. He is dearly missed, and his legacy of love and kindness will live on.

He is survived by Shirly Dorsey Breum, his three children: Chris, Lori, and Ben (Lisa). His grandchildren: Audrey (Stephen), Jamie (Charles), Olivia, Megan (Tyler), Jason, Josh(Natalie), and his great-grandchildren: Harper, Raymond, and Aiden.

The beloved Dorsey Children: Steve (Janice), Barb, J.R. (Vicki), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Services will be held at 1 pm Saturday, February 26 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Stanwood, WA. Graveside Committal service will be held at 11 am at the Freeborn Cemetery.

Last month, Alan Gaines became the first cancer patient treated with a new cellular therapy program at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. The 77-year-old retired Navy fighter pilot was fighting an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The treatment is called chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR T-cell therapy for short. UC Davis Health is among only a few places in the state to create so-called “cancer-fighting” cells. Doctors say it looks as though Gaines is headed toward complete remission of his cancer. Follow-up scans in two months will confirm that.

See the full story click on the image below:

Many of Frank’s friends have been unable to contact him. Frank was a victim of a stroke many months back which left him unable to use the internet. For Cards and Letters, please use Frank’s new contact below:

Frank Mayne

15 Glen Creek Lane

Walnut Creek, CA

94595

Telephone: 925/448-2250

Please telephone in advance with Frank to coordinate any visits.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/WAL/DAL Capt. Ladd Armstrong Petty

January 21, 1933, ~ January 20, 2022

Notification with the passing of retired pilot Captain Ladd Armstrong Petty, age 88, just one day shy of his 89^th birthday.   Ladd first flew for Northwest Airlines in 1959 (05-08-1959).  Due to furlough and personal reasons he joined Western Airlines on 02-28-1961.  Ladd is survived by his wife Barbara, his children, and his grand and great-grandchildren. To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at https://www.bergmortuary.com/obituaries/Ladd-Petty/  Arrangements entrusted to Berg Mortuary of Provo, Utah (801) 373-1841.

Obituary: Ladd was born on Jan. 21, 1933, in Los Angeles, California to Lawrence Dean Petty and Catherine Armstrong. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family, January 20, 2022; one day shy of his 89th birthday. He grew up in Woodland Hills and Canoga Park, California. His parents were members of the Beverly Hills Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he was 6 years old his sister, Bonnidean was born. Then, when he was 8 years old, his brother, Preston Lynn, was born. He was very athletic and very focused. He was a champion gymnast in his teenage years. He started when he was 6 years old to help overcome asthma that he was born with. He graduated from Canoga Park High and went on to attend UCLA playing football for a brief period. He went into the Air Force Academy and from there joined the United States Air Force. He chose to fly Military Air Transport (MATS). He graduated from Academy #1 in his class for flying. He had 3 children from a previous marriage; a son, Ladd, Jr. who died in infancy, Scott Frederick (Melissa), and Elizabeth Lee (Scott). He later married Barbara Jane Putz on March 30, 1968. Together they raised 5 children: Ralph Putz, Douglas McKnight (Teresa), Jennifer (Vernon), Victoria (Nathan), and Catherine (Peter). He had a distinguished career as an airline pilot – flying for Northwest, Western and retired from Delta Airlines. After he retired, he owned a travel agency in Lake Arrowhead, California. He followed the Senior PGA Tour for a few years and loved golf and played right up to the end of his life. He was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many teaching and leadership positions. Together, he and Barbara were on-site specialists for the Open House at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. They also served a temple mission to Orlando, Florida. He served 19 years as a temple worker in four temples. He was an Eagle Scout and loved being a scoutmaster, Seminary teacher, and primary teacher. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; 7 children, 21 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren & 2 on the way. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bonnidean; brother, Preston (who passed a mere 5 days earlier); and infant son. The family would like to thank Canyons Hospice for their loving care and service this past year. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm, Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Willow Creek 4th Ward Chapel, 2350 East Creek Road (south side), Sandy, UT. A viewing will take place prior to services at 4:00 pm. Full Military burial will take place at Utah Veterans Memorial Park Camp Williams the following week.

Condolences may be expressed to:

Barbara Petty

8906 South Tracy Drive

Sandy, UT84093-2030

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Michael Anthony Doyle

May 3, 1943 – January 22, 2022 

Notice with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Mike Doyle, age 78.  Captain Doyle joined Western Airlines 03-05-1973 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Kimberly along with their children and grandchildren. Obituary information below is also available online at Daily Breeze

For those who may wish to send a personal note, the family’s address is listed on white pages as: 

312 Garnet St., Redo

 801 Esplanade Ave. Redondo Beach CA 90277

A celebration of life event will be held at a later date….please see obituary information below.

Captain Michael Anthony Doyle, retired WAL/DAL, a longtime resident of Redondo Beach, CA, passed away peacefully at home of natural causes on January 22, 2022. He was 78 years old. Mike was born on May 3, 1943, to “Lee” and Roberta Doyle. He graduated from Redondo Union High in 1961 where he lettered in wrestling. Mike had a zest for life and was a natural athlete. His youth was spent at the beach – surfing, swimming, and playing volleyball. Later in life he and his wife Kim loved to travel, golf, ski, and watch classic movies. Mike was a charismatic and outgoing man who was often told he looked like Robert Redford. His younger years were spent working at his father’s machine shop, but Mike knew he was destined for more. He worked hard to acquire his pilot’s license and had a long career as a commercial airline pilot. He began flying with Golden West and was hired in 1973 by Western Airlines which later merged with Delta Airlines. During his time with Delta, Mike was based out of Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. While he was based in Utah, Mike met the love of his life, Kimberly Betts. Mike and Kim were married in 1991 and blended their two families into one. Mike and Kim were lucky to have over 30 years together. They lived in Park City and later Redondo Beach. He is survived by his wife, Kim; sister, Kathy (Alex) Bohon; children, Dena Doyle and Brian Doyle; stepchildren, Manessa (Paul) Adams and Fisk Charlesworth; nephew, Corey (Tina) Dreher; grandchildren, Colleen, Erin, Isabelle, Rowan, Lincoln, Kai, and Adeline. Mike was happy that he lived long enough to enjoy being a great-grandfather! Preceding Mike in death are parents, Lee and Roberta; brother Steve; and grandson, Ryan. Due to Covid, there will not be a service at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later and safer date. Mike will be missed by many who knew him along his life journey.