~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Ron Gilbert
June 05, 1935 – Oct. 28, 2026

Following his military service, Captain RONALD GENE GILBERT joined Western Airlines 01-15-1968 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  Widowed in 2023, Ron is survived by his daughters and their families.

Services honoring Ron have been held privately in Arizona.

Interment : National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/326852973/ronald-gene-gilbert

More photos are available for viewing at the Veterans Legacy memorial site : 
https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/RONALDGENEGILBERT/adedd4

~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Kent Tekrony
August 12, 1940 ~ October 30, 2026

From friends and family we have learned of the passing of Captain Kent Tekrony.
Following his military service, Kent David Tekrony joined Western Airlines on 04-22-1968.  Kent is survived by his wife Jeanine.
Arrangements are not yet known. Should more information be received, we will pass it along.

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Randy Lanford  
May 5, 1941 ~ Oct 29, 2026

Randall “Randy” Garrett Lanford joined Western Airlines 01-13-1969.  He retired with Delta Air Lines in 2001, and was based LAX and ATL.  Randy is survived by his wife Velma, and by his daughters and their families. Private memorial services will be held by Randy’s family. 

Randall Garrett Lanford passed away on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.

Randy grew up in Anniston, Alabama, attended McCallie School, and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and assigned to Pensacola for flight training. After earning his wings, he was stationed at Miramar in San Diego, where he flew the F-8 Crusader, a single-seat fighter jet. He went on to serve two tours in Vietnam, flying missions from aircraft carriers.

Following his military service, Randy began a career in commercial aviation, flying for Western Airlines and later Delta Air Lines. He retired in 2001.

Retirement gave Randy more time to pursue his many interests, which included traveling, stamp collecting, ham radio, computers, and shooting sports. He became the go-to computer guru for many friends and family members who needed help, a role he happily embraced. He especially enjoyed pistol and trap shooting.

Randy was predeceased by his parents, Jayne and John Lanford. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Velma Baerwald Lanford; his daughters, Julia Lanford and Lisa Lanford Craig (Rick); his granddaughters, Lauren Stokes (Jared) and Lacey Craig (Mike); his great-grandson, Collin; and his sister, Sissy Lanford McGinty.

Randy will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his generosity, strong sense of ethics, and wonderfully quirky sense of humor.

The family will celebrate his life privately.

~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Michael Pappas 
May 17, 1948 – October 15, 2026

Michael Louis Pappas was born and raised in Los Angeles. While attending Cal State Los Angeles (majoring in Police Science), Michael became a flight instructor and served in the California Air National Guard. Michael’s love of aviation began when he was just a little boy, and even then, his passion was unmistakable. What began with a child’s fascination became a remarkable 60-year career in aviation.

Michael’s distinguished career took him from Golden West Airlines to Western Airlines and ultimately to Delta Air Lines, where he retired. His love of flying extended beyond the cockpit, as he built a highly successful jet school, training advanced pilots to fly jets and sharing the knowledge and expertise he had acquired over a lifetime in aviation. Last year, Michael was honored to receive the FAA’s Wright Brothers’ Master Pilot Award. Michael turned his childhood dream into a lifelong calling, and as Mary would attest, he never “worked” a day in his life.

Above all, Michael was a devoted husband who absolutely adored his wife, Mary. Their marriage was built on a deep love, steadfast loyalty, and a shared commitment to one another, standing side by side through life’s joys and challenges. Theirs was a remarkable partnership, and the love they shared will forever be part of Michael’s legacy.

As a father and grandfather, he loved playing cards and Parcheesi with his children and grandchildren, continuing the same cherished traditions he had enjoyed with his own beloved father, Mike L. Pappas. Those games brought generations together around the table, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and time spent with the people who mattered most.

Michael’s greatest joys were found in being with the people he loved, whether they were family or friends. He was gregarious, generous beyond measure, and the life of every party. His quick wit, warmth, and infectious personality could turn any gathering into a memorable occasion; after his stroke, he still had the rare gift of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved, whether they had known him for a lifetime or had just met him. Michael was loyal, devoted, and a man of unwavering integrity who stood by the people he loved. Most importantly, he was a faithful and devoted Christian who lived his life in accordance with his beliefs.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of over 46 years, Mary; his daughters, Stacy Sawaya and her husband, Pierre; Michele Payne and her husband, Mike; and his son, Michael G. Pappas and his wife, Kelsey. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Peter and Alexandria Sawaya, James and Weston Payne, and Michael Wyatt and Sophia Pappas, each of whom held a very special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike L. Pappas and Mena Pappas, and his sister, Alexis K. Fine.

Michael leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the laughter he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. It lives on in the love he shared with Mary, and in the example, he set for his children and grandchildren. He had a larger-than-life personality, an unmistakable sense of humor, and a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel special. Even after his stroke 22 years ago, Michael continued to connect with people, forging new friendships and relationships. To know Michael was to love him, and as one of his friends shared recently, “He brought people together…we all laughed, we all connected…He was an enthusiastic gatherer of genuine, good people. Whether it was on the ground or above it, in his cockpits on the radio…everyone… EVERYONE…wanted to be connected with Mike. His was a life, maybe not always easy, but so well-lived.” There will never be another Michael Pappas.

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Donald Roger Gibbs

May 7, 1939 ~ July 12, 2026

Noted in the ALPA AIR LINE PILOT magazine for October, the passing of Delta Capt. Don R. Gibbs in July 2026.

Donald “Don” Roger Gibbs joined Western Airlines 01-20-1964 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.  Whitepages lists the Gibbs’ most recent address as 

    23575 County Road 77, Calhan, CO 80808.

As many of you have pointed out, features of this website are sometimes failing. It is very old and requires a complete overhaul to adhere to modern best practices and support communications to the users when new posts are added.

I have been assisting with the site since a friend of my Father’s passed away that had perhaps created or had been maintaining it.

If there is someone interested in taking this on, please let me know. Perhaps a relative of a WA/DL employee who knows WordPress.

Otherwise it will continue as is with routine postings to the best of our ability.

Thanks,

Sean Browne

Jan Luger Dec. 14, 1936 ~ Oct. 21, 2026 

Janine Hannah Luger, 89, of Ogden, Utah, passed away on October 21, 2026, from complications of heart failure. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and tireless advocate for those in need, Jan lived a life distinguished by compassion, generosity, practical wisdom, and service to others. 

Jan was born on December 14, 1936, in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada, to Leo and Emma (Cuthbertson) Simpson. She grew up in Kirkland Lake, attending Holy Name Elementary School and Kirkland Lake Collegiate and Vocational Institute before pursuing her education at North Bay Teachers College. Following graduation, Jan began a career in elementary education, teaching in several communities throughout Ontario and in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Her teaching career eventually took her overseas to Zweibrücken, Germany, where she spent two years teaching children of Canadian military families. It was there that she met Jerry Luger, whom she married on December 29, 1965.

Their life together was marked by travel, adventure, and a shared willingness to embrace new experiences. They lived in Japan from 1966 to 1968, Ohio from 1968 to 1969, and California from 1969 to 1983, before settling in Ogden, Utah, in 1983.

During their years in Okinawa, Jan frequently managed the challenges of raising a young family while Jerry, an Air Force pilot, was away on assignments in Vietnam, mainland Japan, or elsewhere. She formed close bonds with other military wives who supported one another and their families during periods of separation and uncertainty. These experiences reflected the resourcefulness, independence, and enduring friendships that would characterize much of her life.

Jerry later flew for Western Airlines and Delta Air Lines, providing opportunities for the couple to travel extensively. Jan delighted in discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and exploring the world beyond the familiar. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit remained with her throughout her life. 

Together, Jan and Jerry raised three children: Stephen, Richard, and Kathleen. Ogden became their home for more than four decades and the community to which Jan would devote so much of her time, energy, and heart. Jan was a wonderful conversationalist, blessed with an abundance of common sense, sound judgment, and an ability to listen without passing judgment.

She was remarkably modest about her charitable work, rarely seeking recognition or drawing attention to the countless hours she devoted to others. She was a founding member of the Ogden board of Catholic Community Services (CCS) and established a downtown food pantry to serve homeless and underprivileged members of the community. For more than 22 years, she managed the pantry, dedicating countless hours to ensuring that individuals and families in need had access to food and basic necessities. Her commitment extended well beyond the pantry doors, as she regularly delivered food to those who were homebound or otherwise unable to obtain it themselves. Jan also devoted many years to SHARE, Inc., a volunteer-run food distribution network serving low-income families and homebound individuals in the Ogden area. She served as a principal purchaser of food and personally delivered groceries and essential staples to those in need.

Jan’s Catholic faith was an enduring foundation of her life and service. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Parish in Ogden for more than 43 years and St. Florence Catholic Parish in Huntsville, Utah, for approximately 30 years. Her faith was reflected not only in her devotion to the Church but also in the countless acts of kindness and generosity she extended to others.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Jerome R. Luger; her brother, Jim “Chum” Simpson; her three children, Stephen P. Luger, Dr. Richard K. Luger and his wife, Mary Jennings Luger, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Kathleen Ann Egle and her husband, Dan Egle; and her beloved grandchildren, Zac Luger and HannahJane Luger. 

Jan’s legacy is found not only in the family she loved but also in the many lives she touched through decades of selfless service. Whether providing food to a struggling family, offering guidance to someone in need, delivering groceries to someone unable to leave home, sitting beside a hospice patient, or sharing lunch with a dear friend, she gave generously of her time and herself. She sought neither praise nor recognition, finding fulfillment instead in the simple act of making someone’s life a little better. Her kindness, humility, practical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to helping others will be remembered by her family, friends, and the Ogden community she served so faithfully. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Northern Utah Food Bank or Catholic Community Services, organizations whose missions were especially close to Jan’s heart.

Please help us celebrate Jan by sharing memories and uploading photos to her memorial page at

https://myers-mortuary.com/obituaries/janine-luger

Funeral and memorial service details will be announced. 

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Ogden.

~ IN MEMORY ~

Jeanine Mae Jacobson, wife of WA/DL Capt. Carl Jacobson

October 22, 1940 – October 15, 2026

Jeanine Mae Ahrens was born on Oct 22, 1940 in Yakima, Wa, to William and Erma Ahrens. Her growing-up years were mostly spent in the Gig Harbor area of Washington, where her parents owned a lumber and hardware store at the end of Henderson Inlet. Her pursuit of music began at the age of six when her grandmother shipped a piano from Nebraska, so Jeanine could begin lessons. In high school, she continued piano lessons, began organ lessons, and played the flute in the band. She excelled at the piano and upon entering the University of Washington began working towards her bachelor’s degree in piano performance.

Three years into her studies, she married the love of her life, Carl Jacobson. They had dated in high school, played music together in the band and attended the University together. They had their first child, Katherine, Carl joined the Navy becoming a pilot and their second daughter Rachel was born. Jeanine’s music career was put on hold as she and the girls followed Carl’s squadron around Europe. When Carl was deployed to the Vietnam War, Jeanine refused to sit around and worry, finding it the perfect time to finish her music degree. Carl’s Navy obligation ended, and he became a commercial pilot for Western and then Delta Airlines. Now it was his turn to follow Jeanine while she pursued a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. With her degrees, Jeanine became a professor at Cal State Northridge in Los Angeles, teaching and performing piano for 20 years.

Her time in retirement was spent between Hood River and Olympia where her two grandchildren, Dylan Matson and Rhianna Salman lived. She loved spending time at the’ beachhouse’ with all the family. Jeanine continued to share her love of the piano in her retirement. She wrote two piano pedagogy textbooks, worked with the Music Teachers Associations of Washington and Oregon, and organized various fundraising music events.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Carl Jacobson, daughters Katherine Jacobson and Rachel Bergin (Bill Bergin), brother Douglas Ahrens (Linda Ahrens), granddaughter, Rhianna Salman (Sam Fennell) and grandson, Dylan Matson.

A celebration of life followed by reception will be held 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com

~ IN MEMORY ~

WWII veteran, WAL Capt. William “Bill” Newell

May 8, 1924 ~ May 13, 2025

William Edmond Newell joined Western Airlines 04-10-1950. Remembered and not forgotten….in 2015 the Prescott AZ newspaper ran an interview/article honoring Bill’s service.  Bill became a member of The Caterpillar Club (an international organization for people whose lives were saved by using a parachute to escape a disabled aircraft). Bill was taken as a POW on March 29, 1944.  Some excerpts below are taken from that news article.  Bill did another lovely interview with the local newspaper which you can still view at    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A4KHMMDPBQ  pt.1  and 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FTVd-sccEY   pt.2

World War II Prescott Valley retiree Bill Newell….. 19-year-old fighter pilot, Newell was shot down on 13th Mission over Germany.

“What sustained Newell throughout his ordeal was pictures of his wife – especially one with a lock of her hair carefully tucked inside its plastic wrapping. He has faithfully carried that picture in his wallet ever since.”  Bill and his wife Patricia was a forever love story….Patricia “Pat” passed in 2007.

https://americanarchive.iwm.org.uk/archive/person/william-edmond-newell

Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant

Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

Awards: European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Prisoner of War Medal World War II Victory Medal

Assigned 335FS, 4FG, 8AF USAAF. Failed to Return from mission, hit by Flak, coolant system streaming glycol, Lt Newell abandoned P-51 43-6759 near Lingen, Germany. 29-Mar-44 POW. MACR 3524.

Awards: POW, WWII Victory, EAME.

Post War: Retired as VP Flight Operations for Western Airlines having flown for them for 32 years.

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Wendell Lee Cook

June 20, 1942 ~ August 19, 2026

Wendell Lee Cook, a decorated military and commercial airline pilot of Argyle, Texas, passed away on August 19, 2026. In a fitting coincidence for a man who spent so much of his life in the sky, he departed this world on National Aviation Day. He was 84 years old.

Born June 20, 1942, in Whiteface, Texas, Wendell grew up in Holtville, California, a small town near the Mexican border. Even as a young man, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was a star basketball player, class president, and valedictorian of his high school. He later attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

His years in the Air Force marked the beginning of a remarkable career in aviation. He trained on and flew both the F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom II, distinguishing himself as an exceptional pilot and marksman. At Moody Air Force Base in 1967, he received a flying award during undergraduate pilot training. The following year, during F-100 training at Luke Air Force Base, he received the Barry Goldwater Top Gun Award after placing first in gunnery. In 1969, he again placed first in gunnery during F-4E training at MacDill Air Force Base.

During the Vietnam War, Wendell served as an F-100D pilot at Phan Rang Air Base and later as an F-4 aircraft commander at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Over approximately two years in Southeast Asia, he flew more than 400 combat missions. His military service earned him numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.

After serving on active duty until 1972, he continued his military service as a major in the Air Force Guard/Reserve. In 1976, he began his commercial aviation career with Western Airlines and later became a captain for Delta Air Lines, where he remained until his retirement in 2002.

 Beyond his accomplishments, Wendell had a big personality, a curious mind, strong opinions, and an infectious enthusiasm for whatever captured his attention. He could talk to anyone, and his presence could shift the energy in a room. He also had a remarkable tenderness toward animals. His bird feeders were always stocked, and stray cats and other assorted “varmints,” as he affectionately called them, could always count on finding a meal.

Wendell was an avid follower of current events and a devoted sports fan—not of any particular team, but seemingly of all of them. If there was a game on TV, there was a good chance he was watching.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ruby Cook. He is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Cook; his son, Justin Cook; his twin brother, Weldon Cook; and his sister, Patsy Cook.

From a small desert town in California to the Air Force Academy, from the skies over Southeast Asia to the captain’s seat of a commercial airliner, his was a life few people could have imagined. Wendell was accomplished and complicated, curious and charismatic, strong-willed and tenderhearted. He loved aviation, animals, sports, conversation, and the people who mattered most to him.

Wendell had a remarkable life, and his absence leaves a profound space behind. He is deeply loved and will forever be missed. His remains will be interred at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with services to be held at a later date.