93, former Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard and retired pilot and executive with Hawaiian Airlines passed away on June 13, 2018. Bob was born on Dec. 5, 1924, in Glendale, CA. He earned his wings at age 19, flying from Brooks Field, Texas. With combat assignments unavailable he flew stateside in B-26, B-24, and B-17s. In 1947 he found his chance to move to Hawaii, where he joined the Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG) to fly P-47 fighters. In 1950 the Korean War began and he took employment as a pilot with Hawaiian Airlines. Though his HANG unit would not see action in Korea, Bob found adventurous flying for a year starting in 1952 with C.A.T., a Chinese airline. In 1959 he became Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines and became a jet pilot when HANG transitioned to F-86s, and later to F-102s. In 1966, as Director of Flying (later V.P. Operations) at Hawaiian, he ferried the state's first inter-island jet, a DC-9, to Honolulu and managed the airline's transition to jets. In 1969 as a sideline he hired pilots for the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! and of course joined in the flying. Three years later he was promoted to Brigadier General and became Commander of HANG, a position he kept until retiring in 1976. He and his wife loved traveling, golf, and tennis. Bob was a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club, Kaneohe Yacht Club, The Order of Daedalians, C.A.T. Association, and Quiet Birdmen. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy, daughters Diana, Cory, Maka, and Meagan, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter, Kelly. In accordance with his wishes, a private scattering of ashes was held. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a contribution to the Pacific Aviation Museum. Arrangements Provided By: Ultimate Cremation Services LLC
93, former Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard and retired pilot and executive with Hawaiian Airlines passed away on June 13, 2018. Bob was born on Dec. 5, 1924, in Glendale, CA. He earned his wings at age 19, flying from Brooks Field, Texas. With combat assignments unavailable he flew stateside in B-26, B-24, and B-17s. In 1947 he found his chance to move to Hawaii, where he joined the Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG) to fly P-47 fighters. In 1950 the Korean War began and he took employment as a pilot with Hawaiian Airlines. Though his HANG unit would not see action in Korea, Bob found adventurous flying for a year starting in 1952 with C.A.T., a Chinese airline. In 1959 he became Chief Pilot for Hawaiian Airlines and became a jet pilot when HANG transitioned to F-86s, and later to F-102s. In 1966, as Director of Flying (later V.P. Operations) at Hawaiian, he ferried the state's first inter-island jet, a DC-9, to Honolulu and managed the airline's transition to jets. In 1969 as a sideline he hired pilots for the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! and of course joined in the flying. Three years later he was promoted to Brigadier General and became Commander of HANG, a position he kept until retiring in 1976. He and his wife loved traveling, golf, and tennis. Bob was a member of the Outrigger Canoe Club, Kaneohe Yacht Club, The Order of Daedalians, C.A.T. Association, and Quiet Birdmen. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy, daughters Diana, Cory, Maka, and Meagan, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter, Kelly. In accordance with his wishes, a private scattering of ashes was held. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a contribution to the Pacific Aviation Museum. Arrangements Provided By: Ultimate Cremation Services LLC
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