Home Page : News: In Memoriam Last Updated May 21, 2006In Memoriam David Conley passed away last night. He will be missed. Memorial service and funeral arrangements are as follows: Sunday, May 21, 2006 Place: Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel 6001 Rufe Snow Dr. (817) 514 - 9100 Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Monday, May 22, 2006 Place: St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 7341
Glenview Dr. North Richland Hills, Texas 76180 You may send flowers if you are unable to attend. Submitted by Al Harris 5/19/06 COL F. G. Maclenon (USMC, retired) died on 7 April 2006. Mac was well known to many of the former Marines with Air America and was active duty during the evacuation of Saigon. Semper Fi! submitted by Steve Stevens on 5/10/2006 Bob Wofford died on April 27, 2006. Here is a letter he wrote just before his death. A Message from Terry Wofford: The love of my life departed on his last great adventure on April 27, 2006, at 1.36 in the afternoon.Bob terminated all treatments in early January, preferring whatever time was left to be quality time. He handled the challenges of this terrible disease with courage, dignity and a sense of humor that never left him. His greatest concern was for me and those he cared about. Bob lived his life to the fullest. His departure was typical of the way he lived. On his terms. Fearlessly. Ready for whatever lies ahead. submitted on May 3, 2006 John McRainey: A memorial service for John will be held at the home of Pauline and Dave Ridyard on May 20, 2006, from 11 AM to 5 PM. Here is a map with directions to include nearby lodging information. Be Genz passed away April 20th or 21st. Further information will be made available as soon as it is received. Submitted by Dick Elder John McRainey passed away on March 22, 2006 after a long battle with Alpha-1-anti-trypsin deficiency, a disease that attacked his liver and lungs. He was seventy years old. Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to John and Pauline McRainey, John grew up in Minneapolis, where he graduated from Vocational High School, and married his High School Sweetheart Sandra Morgan in 1954. John then entered the Armed Forces, becoming a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division. After leaving the Airborne, John began his business career by purchasing a service station. John and Sandi had two children while in Minneapolis, Barbara and Pauline, both of whom reside with their families in Houston today. Sandi will be relocating to the Houston Area from McAllen to be closer to her daughters, and her four grandchildren Aubree Bair, John (Tony) Thielen, and Joseph and Joshua Ridyard. In Minneapolis, John also began flying, which was to become a central part of his life. After the usual stint as a flight instructor, he became a commercial pilot in 1960. John joined Air America in 1965, and moved to Saigon where he began flying supplies for the war effort across Southeast Asia. His family soon followed him and they all spent the next eight years in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos. Johns exploits, and those of his compatriots in Air America, are far too numerous to even begin to mention, and would fill many volumes. During this period John served as president of the Far East Pilots Association. John returned to the United States in 1973, settling in McAllen, Texas where John began a real estate business. His love of aviation brought John, along with two partners, to purchase Upper Valley Aviation in 1976, transforming it into the dynamic FBO McAllen Aviation. John sold McAllen Aviation in 1984, and thought he was ready to retire. However, he could not resist the call of adventure, going to Central America organizing and flying airdrops of supplies to the Contras. This earned him an all-expense paid trip to Washington, courtesy of the U.S. Congress, which may be where he grew fond of one of his oft-repeated sayings, in jest; Down with the government, workers arise! Surviving that inquisition, John went back to civilian work flying for Emory Airfreight. He then went to work for AMR (parent of American Airlines) in Dallas, where he pioneered the Alliance Program, providing airline logistics to corporate aircraft, making operation of corporate aircraft more cost effective. He battled with the FAA, but finally won their approval allowing this service to become a reality. Once again, adventure lured him to take a leave of absence from AMR, and he began flying for his country again during Operation Snow Cap, in Peru, ferrying equipment over the Andes. That was his last flying job, but he continued to be involved with his old organization, serving as president of the Air America Association. Although Johns flying stories are legendary among his family and friends, they do not begin to capture the full person. His was a keen intellect, and he was constantly reading books on history, philosophy and politics. Conversation with him on a current political event was likely to lead back to the Founding Fathers, if not to Caesar or Plato. His intellectual interests were far ranging and deep, and his personality so engaging, that an evening spent talking with John was one of the most pleasant and enlightening experiences. John will be cremated and asked the family, who will travel through Johns ancestral land of North Carolina on their way to the Air America reunion in Washington D.C. this summer, to spread his ashes on any pretty spot you happen to pass along the way. The family is planning to have a remembrance gathering for John in Sugar Land, Texas on the 20th of May at the residence of his daughter Pauline. Please refer to www.archive.thehistoryweb.com/air-america for directions. John admired the work of Steve Maxner at Texas Tech University with regard to preserving the history of Air America and the Vietnam War. In lieu of flowers please send charitable contributions to The Vietnam Center, Texas Tech, PO Box 41045, Lubbock, Texas 79409. Please make them payable to Texas Tech Foundation, Attention: The Vietnam Center, In Memory of John McRainey. Submitted by Sandi McRainey and Vincent Thielen Ken Conde passed away yesterday 22 Mar 2006 at 16:30 local time Bangkok. He was 44 years old. He was with family and loved ones and went very peacefully. I am at a loss for words. We, who know Ken, realize that this was a loss. I don't think any of us are sorry we knew Ken. We all have a story about Ken and they will be told for years. The legend will live on. His family is here in Bangkok and shall be until all details are taken care of. Kens remains were taken from Bangkok 9 Hospital to Wat Prasee. Wat Prasee (Buddhist Temple) is located near the airport right on the take off path from Runway 21. A Buddhist ceremony was carried out and there were many in attendance. The process goes on for 5 days and his remains will be cremated on Sunday at 10:00 local time. His ashes will be shipped to New Jersey by the US Embassy in a military pouch. His urn will be placed in the family mausoleum next to his father. All arrangements have been ironed out, with the exception of the financial burden. I am asking everyone who has not contributed to the benevolent account, to do so if you can. He has two small children who need all the help they can right now. Please see the bank details below. An account has also just opened in California by Capt. Mike McNicols from Flight Crews International trade paper. There are details on his website as a flash posting. You can search Google and get to the info. I will also copy everyone on the bank details via email. Please pass this email on to all that I missed. I know there are quite a few. Thank you, Howie Ogden Harry Bartels died of natural causes on Sunday, March 5, 2006. Reported by his widow, Yosaiko. Her address and phone number in the current Directory. BARTELS, Harry J., Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) (Age 82) Col. Bartels died at home after a long illness on March 5, 2006. He was born on April 6, 1923 to Jelte and Hattie in Little Rock, IA. At age five he moved to George, IA where he grew up with his ten brothers and sisters·. He graduated from George High School. In 1940 he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps as a glider pilot. He attended officer training and pilot school in Douglas, Al. In WWII "The Big One" he was based in Italy where he flew 50 combat missions on a B-24. In 1950 he was stationed in Japan where he flew 28 combat missions in Korea on a B-29. After the Korean War he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base where he joined SAC flying B-36 and B-52 aircraft until his retirement in 1965. In 1965 Col. Bartels joined Air America stationed in Laos for five years and Japan for four years where he flew humanitarian missions serving the people of Southeast Asia. In 1974 he returned to Spokane where he worked for Expo '74 as an inspector and then became a long haul truck driver for Bekins, retiring in 1975. He enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, and hunting. He is survived by his wife of over 20 years, Yoshiko; son, Joseph C. Bartels of Spokane; daughter, Susan B. (Bill) Gellor of Port Angeles, WA; stepchildren, Barbara (Fred) Bellers of Chatsworth, CA and Richard Holman; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Elizabeth Klaahsen, Jenny (Warren) Heyer, and Viae (Don) Jacoy; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Harriet Jean; five brothers, Hank, Andrew, Harm, Jake, and Elmer; and two sisters, Helena and Sena. There will be a family remembrance in George, IA this summer. The family wishes to thank his long time friends for their help and support. Bill Leary: On March 11, 2006, the Chapel at the University of Georgia in Athens was filled with friends and colleagues gathered to pay final tribute to Bill Leary. Jim Glerum and Larry Sall were among the many who spoke of their relationship with Bill. A reception followed at Demosthenian Hall next door to the Chapel. Others in attendance were Ted and Carolyn Mauldin and Judy Porter representing the Air America Association Board of Directors. Diane Glerum, Tony and Sharon Coalson, Steve and Michie Stevens, Stan Thompson and Jim (Mule) Parker were also in attendance. Bill died at about 1:45 PM on February 24, 2006. He was at home and at peace. The funeral service will be held March 11, 2006 at 11 AM, at the University of Georgia Chapel. The Chapel is located at the North Campus - linked here. Bill's son, Peter, said if anyone has questions to call him at 478 960 4509 or write to him at [email protected]The following obituary was published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 2/27/2006. William M. Leary - Watkinsville - William M. Leary, 71, passed away at his home in Watkinsville, Ga. on February 24, 2006. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and later received his doctorate from Princeton University. After teaching at Princeton, San Diego State University and the University of Victoria (Canada), he joined the faculty at the University of Georgia, where he worked for 32 years, retiring last year as the E. Merton Coulter Professor of History. Author of numerous articles and books on the history of aviation, he received the Central Intelligence Agency's Studies in Intelligence Award in 1995, held the Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History at the National Air & Space Museum (1996-97) and was awarded four Fulbright grants. A consummate traveler, mentor, and scholar, he lived and taught in numerous countries in Europe and Southeast Asia. Predeceased by his brother Tom, he is survived by his wife, Margaret, four siblings: Paul, Kenneth, Kathleen and Cindy, four children: Patricia, Douglas, Maureen, and Peter, and granddaughter, Andrea. A memorial service will be held. Inquiries should be directed to 478-960-4509. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Athens Area Homeless Shelter, Inc., 620 Barber St., Athens, Ga. 30601. Submitted by Margaret and Peter Leary, February 24 and 27, 2006. Vic Galt: Vic Galt passed away at St. Mary's Hospice Center in Richmond, VA, on Friday, February 17, 2006. There was a gathering of family and friends on Sunday, 19 February 2006. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Erma Lou Galt Submitted by Jim Dunn 2/17/2006 Tom Krohn Memorial Service - Memorial services for Tom will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday, February 9th at 2 PM. Pat
Landry passed away in his sleep in the early hours of December 29th.
The night before he had told Chim it would be his last night, but she
didn't believe him because he had eaten his preferred meal from McDonald's
instead of the free food at the nursing home. Fortunately Bill Lair was
in town and able to help with preliminary Dee Lister: Funeral services for Dee Lister will be held Monday (November 28) at 2:00 PM at Saint Amms in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Dee died Wednesday the 23rd of November. Obituary: Dee Lister died on November 21, 2005. She was born in Kansas City Kansas on August 26,1938, where she went to school and met Richard Lister. They were married on May 21, 1961. Richard's work made them world travelers. Rich joined the Air America family and he and Dee went to live in Singapore in 1968 with there 1year old daughter Michelle. The following year Dee and daughter Michelle joined Rich in Saigon until 1970 when Rich was transferred to Udorn. Dee was always happy and ready to help others. She enjoyed the Air America Life. After returning to the United States in 1974 she lived in Gulf Breeze, Florida until her death. Dee and Rich divorced in 1978. Dee then further her education and earned a Masters Degree in Economics at Florida State in Pensacola. Dee had two loving daughters, Michelle Lister and Merrilee Lister, both of Pensacola Florida. See will be missed by her loving family as well as her friends. Information from Jim and Kathleen Alexander and Dick Elder. Claude L. James, 82, passed away peacefully Monday,Nov.14,2005, in Dallas, Texas. Memorial Service: 10 A.M. Tues. 11/22/05, at World of Love Christian Center. Burial: 2 P.M. DFW National Cemetery. Claude flew helicopters for Air America mostly in Saigon from 1966/67--1974/75. I could be off on the years. He was known and respected by all. Submitted by Mike Marshall Tom Ingles - Died on 16 January 2005, survived by wife Inge Ingles. He was a Vice President Industrial Relations, at the CAT/AAM office in Taipei, in charge among other things of union negotiations with the Far East Pilots Association. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY BILL MERRIGAN. Brian David Sullivan passed away in August. His family had services for him two weeks ago [mid October] in North Carolina. No further details available. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY PRESTON MYERS. Captain James F. Voyles [aka Diamond Jim] passed away in his sleep the morning of October 11, 2005. Jim was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky October 30, 1922. As a boy his dream was to fly. In his early teens he would hitch a ride to the airport in Louisville, wash planes and do odd jobs for a ride and then lessons. He joined the US Air Corps in 1944, was commissioned and got his wings in 1945. After serving in Germany ('46-'49 - many hours flying the Berlin Airlift) and Alaska (Air-Sea Rescue), he was discharged in 1952. He continued in civilian aviation until joining Air America, Inc. as a multi-engine pilot in March, 1962. After leaving SEA with the closing of the Air America Operation, he returned to civilian aviation until his retirement in 1993. Jim retired on Caddo Lake in Uncertain, TX near close friends. He continued to fly an Ultralite until just a couple of months before his death. His Trust will fund an annual scholarship to help young people, with his love of flying, to learn to fly. He is survived by a younger brother, Robert M. Voyles and his wife, Sue. Also James F. Voyles III, 2 nephews and one niece. Information provided by Billy & Lari Gee and Jane Mullins Barry Hughson Cox, beloved husband of Mary Anne Barry Cox, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2005, following a valiant fight against cancer. Born in Guilford in 1933, he was the son of Adelbert W. and Louise B. Cox. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1950 and from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1954. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1955 and served in California and Japan as a helicopter pilot from 1955 to 1960. He continued to fly following his military service as a pilot for Air America in Southeast Asia and later as a volunteer pilot for Angels Flight New England, a non-profit organization that provides free transportation for patients seeking specialized treatment at distant healthcare locations. He returned to Connecticut in 1963 to enroll in the University of Connecticut Law School where he received his Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Connecticut Bar. He began his private law practice in his hometown of Guilford where he served as Town Counsel from 1971 to 1981, and continued to practice until his recent retirement. He was corporator and trustee of the Guilford Savings Bank serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Financial Management and Trust Committee. He was formerly a member of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, and an officer in the F.C.Spencer Hook and Ladder Company. He enjoyed fishing at his family camp in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, sailing from the Sachem Head Yacht Club and traveling. He was the loving father of sons Steven and Timothy Cox, stepsons Ronald Coyle and George Sullivan, daughter Jennifer Cox and stepdaughters Tricia McKernan and Regina Sullivan. He had nine grandchildren: Samantha and Colin Cox; Connor, Cameron and Ethan Sullivan; Hannah and Ryan CCoyle; Dylan Barry and Riley McKernan. He is also survived by his brother Gregory Cox and sister-in-law Sandra Cox of Guilford; sisters Martha (Mrs. Richard) Gallentine of Clinton; Beverly (Mrs. Robert) Bremmer and Peggy (Mrs. Salvatore) Corso, both of Montrose, Colorado. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 14, at 10 am at St. George Church, Guilford, and friends may call on Sunday, November 13, from 5-8 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, Rte. 77, Guilford, Connecticut. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Angel Flights New England, 492 Sutton Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845 or to the Deep River Ambulance Association, Inc., Deep River Connecticut 06417. Tom Krohn: It is with deep sadness that I must advise all that my friend and colleague Tom Krohn was killed in an auto accident last night here in Henderson and only a short distance from his home. I have been with Yaya last night and most of the day. I will advise arrangements for memorial services as they develop, but probably not for several weeks. Please send e-mail condolences to me and I will see Yaya gets them. Read the story
appeared in the Las Vegas Review Journal Khun Thongdaeng Anukansai Dear Ex AAM employees: We regret to tell you that Khun Thongdaeng Anukansai, ex AAM chief security UTH passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital in the night of Sept 9, 2005 due cancer. All AAM please attend the religious ceremony from Sept 10, to Sept 15, at 1900 hours. The cremation will be on September 15, at 1700 hours at Wat Bang Toey Sala 2, Soi 60 off Navamin Rd., Bangkapi, Bangkok. Best regards, Veera Jampanil L. J. Broussard Update ABBEVILLE - L. J. Broussard, 74, of Lafayette, LA. died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, in a plane crash in Blytheville, Ark. He would have been 75 years of age Sept. 19, 2005. Anyone who knew him well also knew that he loved to fly. He was very proud of the fact that he had flown for a little over 50 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a private pilot for many years. He flew for Hugh Hawthorne who thought of him as a son and was a corporate pilot for Riviana Foods. He also was an Air America pilot based in Saigon, Vietnam and later in Vientiane, Laos during the Vietnam War. His first love, however, and the flying he liked best was crop dusting. He looked forward to the season every year. He is survived by his three children, Kay (Michael) Newsom, of Safety Harbor, Fla., Suzette (Mario) Maldonado, of Lafayette, and Jason (Monique) Broussard, of Youngsville, La.; three granddaughters; and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his father, Lyanake J. Broussard; and his mother, Winnie Norman Broussard. He was their only child. A visitation/memorial service will be held at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville Friday, Sept. 16, 2005. Visitation will be observed from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. with the memorial service immediately following at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Red Cross for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Vincent Funeral Home, 209 S. St. Charles, Abbeville, (337) 893-4661, is in charge of arrangements. L. J. was born September 19, 1930. His son Jason is serving in Iraq.Submitted by Brenda Burley 9/6/2005 Information submitted by Jack Knotts from Bill Bergman: Good afternoon Capt Knotts. I called a friend of mine [Dick Read] in Hayti, Mo . who has an aircraft maint. facility there in Hayti. Dick told me that L J had been to Hayti the morning of the crash to have some work done on his aircraft, and that Dick and L J had a good visit while L J was waiting. Dick told me that after that L J returned to Blytheville , Ark to get back to work. He had gotten his plane loaded and made a takeoff and turned back in to the airport and made a low pass down the runway. Then made a standard pull up and turn to the right and continued the right turn and never recovered, and crashed. Ot Allen died on August 24, 2005 of pancreatitis. She was only in the hospital a couple of days before succumbing. I already miss her terribly. She loved so many people and truly touched many, many lives with her genuineness and hospitality. I am crushed. We will have a farewell to her planned soon. No flowers, please. They make me sadder because she has flowers aplenty already all around our house. Please say a prayer for her if you are so inclined. She was a very devout Christian. Submitted by Jay Allen on 8/25/2005 Captain Richard G. Jacobs died on April 10, 2005 at the age of 71. He served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War and later flew in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. He is survived by his wife, Olga, and his stepchildren Bridget, Dawn, and Charlie. Obituary submitted by Jane Mullins George Benolken passed away on July 20, 2005. George had cancer and got progressively worse over the past months. He became very ill July 15th and had to be taken to the Cape Canaveral Hospital. Arrangements for George's funeral have been made at the Wiley-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island 32953 (phone 321-452-6565). There will be an Open Casket viewing Thursday, July 21, from 6 to 8 PM, and on Friday, the funeral service will begin at 11 AM. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. submitted by Walt Ranallo 7/20/2005 "Soupy" of Thailand - died on July 9, 2005, at the age of 68. He was admitted to the hospital on June 30 and never recovered. The cremation was held on July 13, 2005, the same date as his birthday. submitted by his son, Nilubol Nadee (Kung) George W. Jalonick IV - It is with great sorrow that we report the death of History of Aviation Collection Advisory Board member George W. Jalonick IV. George died yesterday June 22, 2005. George was a strong supporter of the History of Aviation Collection. He will be missed by all in the Special Collections Department at UT-Dallas. submitted by Erik Carlson Jack Connor passed away at the Hospice House in Concord, NH, on June 16, 2005. Visitation will take place Monday, June 20, 2005 from 11 am until 1 pm at Bales, Michael - Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301 - Phone: (603) 225-3517. The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association, PO Box 1797, Concord NH 03302, (603) 224-4093 or (800) 924-8620, E-mail: [email protected]. Jack had been sick on and off and just recently discovered that he had cancer. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. If you need to make an inquiry, you may contact Marilyn Connor at 603 485 4640 or Billy Zeitler at 941 320 0387. submitted by Charlie Weitz and Steve Stevens Robert Snoddy's Funeral to take place Saturday June 18, 2005, in Eugene, OR Linda Adolph daughter of Capt. Al Adolph passed away on May 14. She lost her brave battle with cancer. Her memorial service was held on June 10.
submitted by Barbara Adolph 6/13/2005 Major Nicholas E. Burke (Retired), 70, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2005. Nicholas is survived by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Patricia Herring-Burke of Gulf Breeze FL. He is also survived by his children, Kathy Austin and Arthur Burke (Pam) and Grandchildren, Thomas Jay Austin (Gladys), Jennifer Austin and Chandler Burke, with one great grandchild, Aliyah Austin, all of Gulf Breeze FL. Nicholas also leaves behind his sister, Meredith Risheberger (Jack) of State College, PA. His son, William Earnest Burke, preceded him in death. Nicholas was born on December 21,1934, in Newport, Rhode Island. He led a storied career in the Marine Corp as an aviator and received an Honorable discharge from the USMC after 24 years of service. Major Nicholas E. Burke served our country in two tours overseas during conflict. He was assigned to two different helicopter divisions; VMO-6 during 1966-67 and HML-367 during 1970-71. Decorations earned by Nicholas include Air Medal (60th Award), Navy Unit Commendation, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross as both a AH-1G and UH-1 pilot, Silver Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry as well as numerous others. He served his family and his Country well. We will miss him. Godspeed. Funeral service will be at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, June 10th, 2005 at Faith Chapel of Pensacola. Internment will follow at 10:15 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery. In Remembrance of Nicholas "Nick" Burke submitted by Arthur Burke 6/8/2005 Robert Snoddy Update: The Memorial and Burial Service for Robert Charles "Bob" Snoddy will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, 17 June at Rest Haven Cemetery, 3900 Willamette Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405. Bob was killed in action with Norman Schwartz in China, November 29, 1952. Submitted by Ruth Boss, Bob's sister, May 30, 2005 Robert James "Catfish" Raine died March 25, 2005 at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nevada after a long bout with cancer. A native Nevadan, Mr. Raine, born in Palisade, Nevada to Robert Franklin Raine and Kathryn Breen Raine on Feb 22, 1918, attended thirteen grammar schools, in North Eastern Nevada and graduated from Reno High school in 1939. He spent much of his youth buckarooing on his father's ranch in Pine Valley, Nevada, first homesteaded by his grandfather in the 1850's. He was more at home chasing wild horses than in the classroom. Mr. Raine attended San Francisco City College where he boxed, winning one title, and played football. He learned to fly in the civilian pilot training Program in San Mateo. While working in Nevada, he was appointed by Senator Pat McCarran to Pensacola Naval Officers Training Program and then gained his carrier status flying aboard the USS Saratoga where he flew torpedo bombers. During his service with the US Navy, he was recruited by the American Volunteer Group commanded by legendary Claire Lee Chenault to fly P-40 fighters for the Chinese Air Force against the Japanese Empire. The group earned the title, The Flying Tigers after Pearl Harbor with heroic air battles over Rangoon, Burma, and Kunming China. Mr. Raine with only six other pilots stopped the advance of the entire Japanese army at the battle of the Salween Gorge. For his World War Two service, Raine earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and numerous other Chinese and American citations. When the Flying Tigers were disbanded on July 4, 1942, Raine volunteered for two additional weeks of air combat as the American Fourteenth Army Air Force took over in China. After a brief rest period in India, Raine joined the Chinese National Air Company, CNAC and flew unprotected transport planes Between Calcutta, India and Kunming, China ferrying war supplies over the famous Hump of the Himalayas completing 443 missions. During the closing days of WWII, Raine rejoined the U S Navy where he was scheduled to fly the P-61 night fighter during the planned invasion of the Japanese Homeland. After the war, Mr. Raine was one of ten former AVG pilots to form the Flying Tiger Airline. True to his love of flying, he chose to become chief pilot of the fledgling airline and continued flying until his mandatory retirement at age sixty. He met Lieutenant Shirley Duckworth, a US Army nurse, in Calcutta, India and they later married in Los Angeles, CA. They had three children, two of whom, the twins, were born in Shanghai, China, when Mr. Raine was flying supplies and personnel for the Chinese Nationalist government as the Chinese Communist army advanced on them in late 1948. Mr. Raine and his family returned to Nevada in 1957 while he was still flying for Flying Tiger Airline and he pursued his love for ranching, breeding Polled Herefords, and horses. He owned ranches in Denio and Fallon and was a co-founder of Arabian Horse racing and breeding in the western United States where he rose to the pinnacle of success. Among his numerous accomplishments was his 1994 induction into the Arabian Racing Association Hall of Fame. Until his death, he maintained an active stable of a dozen Arabian race horses. Throughout his life he enjoyed the great Nevada outdoors, and of all the countries of the world to which his profession took him, he chose to live and spend his free time roaming the vast Nevada wilderness. He was an avid sportsman and at 85 years old, he took a Desert Bighorn Sheep from the Muddy Mountains of Nevada. His last deer hunt was in the Pequop Mountains near Wells, Nevada. A lifelong member of the NRA, he supported numerous wildlife, wilderness, fishing, and hunting organizations. In 2001, along with fellow AVG veterans, he was invited to and honored by the People's Republic of China in a ceremony in Kunming China for his invaluable and valiant defense of China during WWII. Robert Raine was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley in 2000 and his daughter Billie Ann (Raine) Conaway in 2004. He is survived by his beloved children Robert Franklin Raine of Michigan and Kathryn Raine Johnson of Illinois, his beloved grandchildren, Michael Raine of Phoenix, AZ, Scott Raine of Eureka Nevada, Michael Sundahl of Arkansas, Stina Grenter of Illinois, Bill Sundahl of Missouri, Peter Sundahl of Florida and six great grandchildren. At his passing, he was surrounded by his grandson Scott Raine, his first cousin and best friend, Judge Peter Breen of Reno, Nevada, lifelong friend Tony Torson and long time caregiver Pat Penman. Services are scheduled for 11:00 am Saturday, May 28 at Walton Funeral Home at 825 W. Second Street, Reno Nevada. Mr. Raine will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery next to his beloved father. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Submitted by Ward Reimer and Steve Stevens 5/28/2005 Jerry Fink passed away this morning (May 3, 2005) at 02:17 Eastern Standard Time. He passed peacefully and with his family by his side. There will be three closed-casket public viewings: Wednesday night (May 4), Thursday afternoon, and Thursday night. The times for everything can be confirmed by Snyder Funeral Home: 531 Main Street, Irwin. PA 15642 (724) 863-1200. Here is a map showing their location. My father will be interred this Friday (May 6), at our family grave site after a graveside service. This will be a public service and all are invited. Please contact Snyder Funeral Home (information above) for details regarding the service. Our family preference is for flowers or a charitable gift to the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin, 617 Main Street, Irwin, PA 15642 (724) 863-5910 . We leave the choice to each individual. For anyone who cares to attend from out of state, there is a Holiday Inn Express on Route 30 in North Huntingdon: 8400 Route 30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 (724) 861-9000. Here is a map showing their location Here are driving directions from the hotel to the Synder Funeral Home Please note: I would like to thank everyone who has called and offered their support. I know that you may wish to call right away to aid and support us but I ask that you hold off until late Tuesday night (May 3) or sometime Wednesday as there are many items to attend to, and few hours to manage them. We can be reached at the phone number in North Huntingdon, PA, listed in the Air America directory. Kindest Regards, Pam Senffner nee Fink J C Bond died peacefully in his sleep on the 13th of April 2005 of natural causes. JC was lying on the couch reading a book (The Flying Tigers) when he fell asleep and did not wake up. JC was the Commander of China Post #1 for a dozen years and continued to sit on it's board as the Co-Chairman of the Board and Commander emeritus, as well as running it's emblem sales. He was active in the Air America Assn, The Marine Guards Assn, and was a Master Mason. Visitation; is scheduled at the Honaker Funeral Home inside Forest Lawn Cemetery at 1751 Gause Blvd West, Slidell, LA, from 2 - 5 PM on Sunday April 17th and on Monday April 18th from 10 - Noon. Services will be at Noon. Afterward there will be a processional convoy to the Biloxi, MS, National Cemetery for internment at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the USMC Toys for Tots program: http://www.toysfortots.org/home/contact.html submitted by Fred Platt [email protected] CHAO LA CHAO: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chaosarn S. Chao March 28, 2005, 510/774-1093 (Cell) or 223-7100 (Home) Statement from Chao's family in France on the Passing of MR. CHAO LA CHAO (Srisongfa) At 5:00 P.M. on March 28, 2005 France time or 8:00 A.M of the pacific time in United States. Richmond/Oakland California--- We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Chao La Chao (Srisongfa) the former Iu Mien Hero and great Leader. As family, relatives and all the Iu Mien people in the State of California, and the United States of America, France, Laos and Thailand would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Farm Ian Chao and Mr. Chao La family. Mr. Chao La dedicated his entire life to the cause of public service and was a pioneer for the Iu Mien people and other minorities ethnic to the former Government of Royal Laos at the national, provinces and local level. He was served in the former Royal Lao Army, CIA, "Nai Gong" Equivalent to the City Council position or Mayor and as businessman in Laos. Mr. Chao La and his family escaped from Laos in 1975 as political refugee live in Northern Thailand for 18 years and came to France as refugee in 1992. Mr. Chao La was admired and respected strong leader by all the Iu Mien people and other ethnics from Laos, Thailand, United States, France and other countries for his leadership and his dedication to the communities where he lived, as well as the entire Iu Mien and other Laotian ethnics people. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Chao La earned trust and good will from those he came contact with and became a role model to the Iu Mien and other ethnics from Laos. "I was saddened to receive news of my uncle Mr. Chao La's passing," said Mr. Chaosarn S. Chao as the nephew, founder Lao Mien American Association, President Asian American Financial Services, President San Pablo Arco Gas Station, NSC Chairman/IMANC, Vice President of the Lao Iu Mien American Veterans and Executive Director of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc. Mr. Chao La touched the lives of countless Iu Mien people in the United States, France, Laos, Thailand, and Canada and around the world. Mr. Chao La helps each one of the Iu Mien to achieve success. It is an honor to follow him as the hero and a great leader. Chaosarn S. Chao, as nephew said Mr. Chao La, "He was tireless public servant who participated in the political and public arenas not for his own benefit, but for the common good of his fellow Iu Mien people. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and Prayers are with his family. For detail of Funeral and Memorial Donation will be set and announce in the next couple day. Chaosarn S. Chao (510) 774-1093 or E-Mail to
[email protected] Submitted March 30, 2005 by Mac Thompson John Stallman died March 5, 2005, in New Braunfels, TX, after valiantly fighting cancer. Update from Jay Stallman: The funeral for my father will be Friday morning, March 11, at 10:00a.m. at Fort Sam Houston with full military honors. There will be a memorial service at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church at 2:00p.m. Friday afternoon. (Location: 373 Howard Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130) There will also be a visitation at Zoeller Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6:00p.m until 8:00p.m. (Location: 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130) If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at any time on my cell phone at: 714/206-5605 or at Dad's house 830/624-8407 submitted 3/7/2005 From Janet Stallman: I am John's daughter in law, married to John's son Jay. I am sad to tell you that John passed away yesterday, Saturday. He passed relatively quickly while in the hospital receiving a blood transfusion and fluids. Jay and I were there, along with his longtime friend, Evelyn. We would appreciate it if you could call here (John's house) and either speak to Evelyn or Jay regarding services, etc. Jay is staying here at John's house, and Evelyn is here much of the time also. Unfortunately, we are having a difficult time finding phone numbers for many of John's friends and former associates. We also request that you inform other friends of John's, as well as members of the Silver Eagles or Air America, in order to help us spread the word. There will a memorial service at the local Presbyterian church in New Braunfels at the end of the week (exact day unknown as of yet) and, he will be buried at the cemetery Fort Sam Houston. Thanks very much. Sincerely, Janet M. Stallman Jay or Evelyn at John's house: (830) 624-8407 John Stallman served with Air America from 1965 to 1974. Submitted by Janet Stallman and Sylvia and Lee Howell Joan Boughner - Air America School - Udorn, Thailand, 1970-1972: Joan passed away on Thursday, 3/3/05. Her memorial service is next Saturday, March 12, at 1:00, at the Palms West Funeral Home, in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, please send e-mail to [email protected] Submitted by Judy Porter 3/5/2005 H. D. "Kelly" Rogers, Jr., died suddenly just before Christmas, 2004. This message is from his mother, Ruth Rogers: "I just want to let those who knew us in Laos and Thailand know that our oldest son, H.D. "Kelly" Rogers, Jr. who was only 40 years old, died shortly before Christmas last year. It was very sudden and unexpected and of course we all miss him terribly since he had always been the one to look after things even from the time he was a little boy after his Father's death. He had been with Lockheed/Martin since he got out of college in EIS Procurement. He leaves a wife, Carolyn, to whom he'd been married for 19 years, and their two children, Tiffany Lauren, 15, and Robert Kelly, 13." posted 3/1/2005
Carroll P. "Rusty" Phillips died July 8, 2004 in Woodsville.
He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from high school in
1948. He studied forestry at Duke University for three years and
enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He attained the rank of second
lieutenant and served as a fighter pilot. He then worked as a
pilot for Pan American and was later recruited by the CIA as a
fixed-wing pilot for Air America in Southeast Asia from 1962 to 1967.
He returned to work for Pan American but had to give up flying when a
horse riding accident crushed his legs. He later worked in
management and sales and in various aspects of construction. he is
survived by his wife, Lena, and a brother, Roy. Memorial and
cremation services were held by the Holt-Woodbury funeral home.
Reported by Dick Elder 2/16/2005. Owen "Jake" Jacobson passed away Dec. 19, 2004 in Tampa General surrounded by beloved family. He served Air America Transport in the mid '60s. He is survived by his wife, Nongkran "Lek" Mongpetch Jacobson of Bradenton, FL and daughter, DuAnn (John/JT) Thompson of Bloomington, MN. Owen fell off a curb and broke his hip (a third time) November 18 and after complications of stroke and arterial disease, passed away at 6pm. Dad lived life on his terms. He always wanted to have the underdog to have a big voice. He loved flying (the mistress), music, family and friends. Just a note, THANK YOU to all who had gotten to know him and Lek throughout his years of service. Most of the stories he regaled to me when I was growing up were the family of his flying career. So CHEERS and happiness to all! I know that's what Dad would have wanted. Cheers and Best Regards, DuAnn submitted by DuAnn P Thompson on January 20, 2005. Jeff Johnson died Wednesday, January 19, 2005. Services will be held beginning the evening of Wednesday, 19 Jan, and for the next five days at Wat Chonlaprathan in Pak Kret at 7:00 PM. The cremation will take place at the same Wat on the afternoon of Monday, 24 January. Here is a map of the area including the temple. If coming from the South, exit the Chaengwattana expressway heading west on Chaengwattana Road. Proceed to near the end of the road and turn left at the traffic light onto Tiwanon Rd. The temple is on the left about 3-500 m. If anyone would like additional information, I can be contacted by mobile phone at +661 842-2858 or fixed line in Hua Hin at +6632 514-236. Submitted by Mac Thompson, A.S. Cooper, and Alex Mavro on January 19, 2005 Barbara Hitner, passed away November 24, 2004. Barbara fought cancer for one year and two months. She had taken chemotherapy for lung and liver cancer. We thought she won, and we called her the survivor. On September 10th she had a seizer. A brain x-ray found tumors. She then had radiation treatments that caused her to be too weak to stand. It was all downhill from there. Reported to the Log by her husband James via e-mail from Sandi McRainey
Joanne Elaine Wilson Shaver, died peacefully at home November 10, 2004, surrounded by her family, bringing full circle a life of adventures. Joanne was a charming, sharp and feisty woman with the most beautiful pale blue eyes. She was born June 15, 1922 in Emmettsburg, Iowa, to Floyd V. Wilson and Agnes Burgess Wilson. Joanne was reared in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she graduated from Marquette University in 1943 with a BS in Nursing. Her adventures had barely begun. Joanne crossed the Pacific Ocean on the first commercial Philippine Airlines flight following WWII, joining her husband, Monson William (Bill) Shaver in Manila, Philippines. She worked as their Trans Asiatic Airline stewardess until the birth of Patricia Anne in 1947. Elizabeth Jane followed in 1949. The Shaver family moved to Tokyo, Japan a few years later, where her third daughter, Mary Kathryn Shaver, was born while Joanne visited her family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a few years living in Taipei, Taiwan, Joanne moved her family to Bangkok, Thailand. With the tenacity, intelligence and humor she was known for, she took on the challenge of yet another culture and language, keeping her family healthy through numerous epidemics. Sundays her home was an Open House Curry Luncheon which airline pilots and CIA employees laying over in Bangkok always attended. In 1958, after driving herself across the city in the pre-dawn hours, her long-awaited son, Monson William Shaver III, was born. Joanne took moves to yet more countries, including Laos, as adventures. She relished both learning and teaching opportunities, and treasured the feelings of "family" she developed with her friends, staying close to them up to her last days. Joanne's move to the USA after thirty years in Asia landed her in North Ogden, Utah, where she enjoyed a new sense of independence with her work at H&R Block. Following the sun to St. George, Utah, Joanne brought smiles and delight to all who encountered her. A guiding light has left our lives. The Shaver family would like to thank Joanne's wonderful hospice team members of Health Care Odyssey for the love, compassion and ease of her last weeks.
Submitted by Judy Porter December 5, 2004 BGEN Richard E. Fisher, died November 7, 2004, with his wife, daughter, and caring friends by his side. Dick was with Air America from 1965 through 1975.
Submitted by: Philip Doyle via e-mail from Judy Porter November 25, 2004 Phanh Kandt, died November 17, 2004. After a valiant battle my dear wife and friend passed away peacefully this morning in a hospice. God Touched Her and She Slept.
Steve,
Kathy, Rebecca and I would like to thank all who called, e-mailed, and sent
flowers. Your kindness is much appeciated. Phanh's family held a
Buddist ceremoney on friday.
There
will be a 'Celebration of Life' at our home (1913 Coralino Drive in Henderson)
on friday the 26th and Saturday the 27th, from noon to whenever. Of
course freinds are welcome to drop by anytime. Donations in
Phanh's name may be made to the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society or to MS
research.
"And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for
the former things are passed away." Rev21:4
Submitted by Mike Kandt November 21, 2004 John Condon, died November 12, 2004. We want you all to know that he passed without pain. Mom is doing as well as can be expected, and she wants to thank you all for the many thoughts and prayers. Submitted by: Joyce Condon via Ward Reimer November 13, 2004 Herb Baker, died November 12, 2004. He will be cremated next week, and a memorial service will be held at some future date. Herb will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Submitted by: Dick Elder via Sue Baker November 23, 2004 Update: December 6, 2004
The memorial for Herbert Baker was held at the American Legion Post in Wachula,
Florida on Saturday December 4th,2004 at 15:00hrs. It was organized by
Herb's widow Susan and son Max with a fine display of Herb's life time. Two
comprehensive photo albums starting with Herb's baby pictures, Korean
War Corsair flying, military decorations, and Air America days in
Udorn,Thailand and Laos were there along with other special mementos.
Herb was born Nov.21st 1929 in Orville, CA. His life ended in the James A.
Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL on Nov.12th, 2004. Reverend Michael Graham
opened the ceremony. Son Max Baker spoke eloquently about his father and was
followed by Sam Jordan, Jack Knotts, Dick Elder, Bill Hutchison, Ben Densley,
and Charlie Weitz. Additional Air America attendees were Ron Dubinsky, Judy
Porter, Steve Stevens, and Bill Zeitler. There were near 100 friends and
relatives there. Two local friends spoke heart felt words. Susan
Baker followed with her thoughts and then read a wonderful letter from
Herb's ex-wife Charlotte. A reception followed. Rest in peace Herb.
Reported by Jack Knotts Submitted December 6, 2004 Everett H.
Brownie Brown,
died October 26, 2004 at his residence. As a member of the National Guard, he
enlisted in the Army at the outbreak of WW II. He
served in the Panama Canal Zone, and was discharged in 1944.
He was an aircraft electronic specialist employed by various government
entities in research and development, spending much of his life in South East
Asia. He lastly worked for Air America in Taiwan, retiring in 1971. He
is survived by his wife, Winifred Winnie, two sons, six grandchildren,
five great-grandchildren, and he was
predeceased by a daughter. The
family request, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 260
Osborne Road, Albany, N.Y. 12211 or to the Central Association for the Blind,
507 Kent Street, Utica, N.Y. 13501. Reported to the Log by Tom Kravis: With much regret, I enclose a obituary for Everett. I lost a good friend and neighbor with his passing. November 8, 2004 Yale Naliboff, died the 23rd of September 2004. IN MEMORIUM Yale Naliboff, after a long illness, died 23 September 2004 in Veenendaal, The Netherlands, where he had resided with his wife, Dauphine. He was born 4 May 1922, graduated from San Diego (Claifornia) High School in 1940; joined the U.S. Navy 3 June 1944, served honorably and was discharged 18 May 1946 as a Radioman 3rd Class. His work record begins with employment with Convair on the Atlas Missile Project. During the early 1960's, he worked at various times and places with General Dynamics, Convair, and General Atomic. In the mid-1960's he went to Viet Nam with Pacific Architects and Engineers (PA&E). Subsequently, he was employed by Air Asia and based in Tainan, Taiwan. From Tainan he moved to Udorn, Thailand as Manager, Ground Safety. He continued in that capacity until the cessation of all AAM operations there in June 1974. With the closing of AAM operations in SEA, some employees accepted employment with Bell Helicopter, Intl. most of whom were based in Esfahan, Iran. Yale was among these and continued working there until the Shah was deposed during 1978.
Subsequently, Yale located
employment in Diego Garcia in the Indian
Ocean as his last reported place of employment
In 1988, in San Diego, he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and the prognosis was dismal i.e. six months to live!. His wife insisted he have a second opinion. He accompanied her back to The Netherlands for diagnosis and treatment. His right lung was removed and with other treatment, his life was extended far beyond the initial outlook. Yale had been an athlete of no mean accomplishment. This was amply demonstrated to a few of his younger associates on the handball court at Udorn on a regular basis. There is reason to believe Yale engaged in some activities beyond the mundane. An innate modesty and natural reticence as well as strictures of security precluded recital of these activities! He is survived by his first wife, Evelyn Marie Stewart, from whom he was separated in 1966. Two sons of this union, Jack and Frank Naliboff are also survivors as are the two step-children, Scott and Margaret, of his first wife. Second wife, Dauphine, and step-son Marcel, currently resides in The Netherlands. A brother, Stuart, is also listed as a survivor. The world, with Yale's departure, is bound to be a less pleasant place!! Submitted by Dick Ford
Everyone liked him and probably many of
the wives secretly wished their husbands were more like him as he came on as
straight arrow.
Submitted by Dave Weller.
About Yale; he was a really nice fellow,
everyone thought so highly of him. Didn't talk about himself much...
Submitted by Stan Allen
Submitted by Dol Naliboff via Judy Porter e-mail. December 10, 2004 |
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