Richard Lee Pankratz

Seattle Times, The (WA) – Sunday, December 27, 2020

Born: 1933-1-16
Died: 2020-11-11

Flintofts Funeral Home & Crematory

Richard Lee “Dick” Pankratz flew his “final flight West” on November 11, 2020, at the age of 87, in his home of 44 years in Fall City, WA after a long battle with dementia.

The oldest of twelve children, Dick was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to Leo and Mary (Lubberink) Pankratz. The family lived in several places in WI, UT, NV, CA, OR and WA.

Dick had an early interest in aviation. He earned his private pilot’s license in exchange for pumping gas and washing airplanes at the Mulino Airport near Molalla. OR. He started his airline career in Seattle with Pacific Northern Airlines as a mechanic in 1958. He transferred to operations in 1967 and was the last pilot hired by PNA before merging into Western Airlines. Three years later Western closed the Anchorage base and Dick and the family moved back to the Seattle area, settling in Issaquah. During his airline career he flew the Lockheed Constellation and Electra, and Boeing 707/720, and as a Captain on the 727 and 737. Western merged with Delta in 1987, and Dick retired in 1993.

The family had moved to Fall City in 1976 to fulfill his dream of living on a small airport. He had several planes and was an active member of the aviation and local communities. After retirement in 1993, Dick transitioned easily to focus on travel, grandkids, home projects and of course flying.

Throughout his life, Dick’s common themes were aviation, family, home, education, travel, and hard work before play. He loved to talk about anything mechanical: airplanes, old tractors or cars or old engines. He was a kid from a big family, with limited formal education, who farmed and logged before becoming an A&P mechanic and commercial pilot. He inspired many to work hard and chase their dreams of flying. He was a rock, a leader and adventurer, and leaves an inspirational legacy.

Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janice (Weaver) Pankratz, children, Judy (Jonathan) White, Elizabeth (Peter) Bogers, and Jeremy (Nicole) Pankratz, and siblings, William, James , Michael, Susan Wadle, Sally Kemple, and John. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings, Robert, Delores Jensen, Patrick, Kristine.

Remembrances in honor of Dick and his lifelong passion for aviation, small plane restoration and learning, may be sent to the Port Townsend Aero Museum https://ptaeromuseum.com/contribute/, the Alaska Aviation Museum https://alaskaairmuseum.org/donate/, The Museum of Flight www.museumofflight.org or a charity of your choice.

Due to COVID restrictions, Services at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church in Issaquah, WA and a Celebration of Life will be planned for future dates. Arrangements are being handled by Flintofs in Issaquah, WA. Family and friends are invited to view a full obituary and sign the online guestbook at https://www.flintofts.com/

From: nodakcarol@gmail.com <nodakcarol@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2020 8:21 PM
Subject: Death of WA/DL Capt. Richard Lee Pankratz, age 87

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Richard Lee Pankratz

January 16, 1933 ~ November 11, 2020

Please be advised….sharing this sad news from the Pankratz family, news with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Dick Pankratz, age 87.  Captain Pankratz joined Western Airlines 04-01-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines.  He is survived by his wife Janice.  From an online news article dated 2008: “Pancratz got his license by washing airplanes at little airports in Oregon, in exchange for flying lessons and fuel. He retired a captain from Delta, and now lives on an airstrip in Fall City.”  Read the entire news article about Dick and his grandson at  https://www.valleyrecord.com/news/fall-city-pilots-aiming-for-the-sky/

Arrangements are not yet known. 

For those wishing to send condolences to the family, we have a mailing address listed as

 35621 SE Fish Hatchery Road,  Fall City,  WA 98024. 

Thank you,

I regret to inform you of the passing of my good friend and fellow instructor Don Hallock on his birthday this Christmas. Don and I ran the the entire electra trianing program in Ontario for 2 years. I will miss him. Dick

My name is Vance Hallock, I am Don Hallock’s son.  I am very sorry to inform his friends that he passed away on Dec 25th.  My Dad was 88 years old and was fighting a respiratory problem for the last few years.  He died peacefully without any pain.  His wife Ruth and his three children were with him when he made his final landing.
WifeRuth Hallock  ruth.hallock@gmail.com

May you have a safe, Merry Christmas and Happy new year From Mary and Dick Standing under the tree!

Wally

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

December 26, 1930 ~ December 3, 2020

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

Obituary information for Captain Boyle is available for viewing online at

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

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary :  Richard G. ‘Dick’ Boyle

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another of another GOOD GUY gone west!!

Dick

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. William Clark Lovell Jr.

November 20, 1940 ~ November 23, 2020

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain William Clark Lovell Jr., age 80.  Captain Lovell joined Western Airlines 02-03-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2000, based 030/SLC at the time of his retirement.

He is survived by his wife Kristine and his daughter Kelly, plus many more dear family members.

Obituary information is available online at https://granthshala.com/usa/obituary-for-william-clark-lovell-jr/ 

also  https://www.parkrecord.com/news/obituaries/obituary-for-william-clark-lovell-jr/

Condolences can be sent to : c/o FitzHenry-Wiefels, 83-057 Requa Avenue, Indio, CA 92201.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary :  William Clark Lovell Jr.

William Clark Lovell, JR, 80, of La Quinta, California, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2020.

Bill was born in Farmville, VA to William Clark and Marian Lovell. Growing up in Martinsville, VA, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. After attending college at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA, Bill joined the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War.

In February of 1969, Bill was hired by Western Airlines, where he began his 30-year career as a commercial pilot. It was during that time that he met his wife, Kristine Parkhill, a then flight attendant, while they were both working for Western and based in San Francisco, CA. Their family grew to include two children, William and Kelly. In 1989, the Lovell family moved to Park City, UT, as Bill finished his flight service as a pilot for Delta Airlines, based in Salt Lake City. After retirement, Bill and his wife moved to La Quinta, CA.

When he was not in the air or spending time with his family, Bill could often be found at the golf course. He had an immense love and a deep respect for the game, and many of his closest friendships were forged on fairways. Bill was a natural teacher, and he often shared his knowledge and skill with younger players, including his children. Over the years, Bill considered himself fortunate to be an active member at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, The Palms in La Quinta, and Jeremy Golf and Country Club in Park City.

He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a loving husband and father, a jovial story-teller, and an exceptionally kind and generous man. Bill was often quiet and thoughtful, but those close to him knew him to have an incredible sense of humor, a contagious laugh, and a very big and tender heart.

In 2016, Bill was diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer. He battled cancer quietly and bravely, aided and cared for by his wife. Bill is preceded in death by his son, Will. He is survived by his wife, Kristine, his daughter, Kelly, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He will be missed very, very much.

Condolences can be sent to : c/o FitzHenry-Wiefels, 83-057 Requa Avenue, Indio, CA 92201

Hi Dick and Friends, Best wishes during the upcoming Holidays to one and all and please do a dance for rain!  I was on the losing side of an unprovoked knife fight but am well onto the recovery road. After two and a half months starting at Stanford Emergency and then moving to the VA Hospital in Palo Alto my recovery is progressing at a snails pace. With all the available indoor pools closed, my preferred exercise menu is on the back burner, so my recovery time is less than wished for. Aside from a few knife scars on my hands, neck, face and and nasty damage to my vocal cords, I’m my same old surfer and with luck, will be able to call a few ducks into the blind. I miss the Wallybird gatherings and look forward to attending a meeting in the Spring   Best to all, stay well,    Lanny

**** I’m sure Lanny would appriciate hearing from some of you!

Dick

~ IN MEMORY ~

WA/DL Capt. Gilbert Jack Milgrom

January 7, 1938 ~ October 26, 2020

Notification with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Gilbert Jack Milgrom, age 82.  Captain Milgrom joined Western Airlines 10-03-1966 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 1998, based 030/CVG at the time of his retirement. An online obituary is available for viewing at

Captain Milgrom had most recently resided in Florida at

9130 Vineland Ct Apt C  ,  Boca Raton, FL 33496.

Obituary information is brief….if more is learned we will pass along those updates.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary………………..

     Gilbert Jack Milgrom, 82 of Boca Raton, Florida passed away on October 26th at his home after a six month battle with cancer. Gil was a graduate of the University of Illinois and a captain and chief pilot for Western and Delta Airlines for thirty years. Blessed with a great personality and sense of humor Gil was loved by all who were lucky enough to know him. Gil was a bon vivant who led a spectacular life. He shared his love of travel and the good life with friends and family. Gil is survived by his brother Daniel, sister-in-law Priscilla, his cousin Faye and her two children Dawn and Mitchell, his stepdaughter Pao and his former wife Maria.

I talked with Karen tonight and she said that his attitude is good and he handles every challange with optimism and energy.

She visits him every day through way in through the garden! A true pilots wife!

No visitors or phone calls allowed yet.

Dick

My apologies to all. I just received this and Howard flew west in late June 2020. Howard flew a lot with me and I can say he was a most professional pilot and his pleasant personality was a joy to have in the cocpit.
Dick

    Howard Myli was born in Iowa in 1935, and graduated from the University of Iowa. Howard joined the US Air Force thereafter and was a F-89 reconnassance.pilot during his service tour.
   Howard joined WAL in 1967, and he last piloted Boeing 757 & 767 aircraft and retired in 1995.
   Howard was a staunch Norwegian and loved reciting Ollie and Lena jokes.  Howard took his golf game seriously and skied for many years in Utah.
   Howard was an esteemed person and pilot, and admired by all who knew him.
   The Myli’s had no children.

    Alices’ Hawaii address:   46-090 Puulena Street, Apt. 1315, Kaneohe, HI  96744-3757
               Park City address;  2335 Morningstar Drive, Park City, UT 84060.

I talked with Karen tonight and she gave me the following info:

Lanny is being moved to the Palo Alto VA hospital timorrow, GOOD NEWS, but they allow NO visitors or phone calls. But you can certainly send emails to Karen at: kconnel@aceisbergaol-com.

Dick