“The Final Flight” 2020
….. In Remembrance …..
In Honor Of Those Who Departed On Their “Final Flight”
(Scroll Down For Complete Obituary)
2020
Joseph Henry Tamsing – December 9, 2020
Kenneth (Kenny) Boyd – October 24, 2020
Pamela (Pam) Kung – October 17, 2020
Donald (Leo) Vaughn – August 22, 2020
Frank Thomas Edmonds – May 5, 2020
Verlea Sue Reilly – April 19, 2020
Rafael “Ray” Pabon – April 12, 2020
Al Pawelczyk – February 8, 2020
Susan Shippee Wycoff – January 26, 2020
Joseph Henry Tamsing
December 30, 1930 – December 9, 2020
Joe Tamsing was born on December 30, 1930, in Wailuku, Maui, HI . He grew up in Makawao in a large family with his parents and brothers and sisters. His father would take him pheasant hunting up the Haleakala Crater when he was about 10 years of age. He had a great time riding his horse all over the Island.
He graduated from St. Josephs Catholic Church School in Makawao. He joined the Marines at age 20 serving as a Truck Driver while stationed in Korea, and was honorably discharged at age 21. He remained in Maui for one year thereafter.
In 1955 he enrolled at the Northrop Aeronautical Institute for Aviation Mechanics in Los Angeles and earned a Certificate in A&P Aircraft and Power Plant. From 1957 to 1959 he worked in San Diego on Howard Hughes Convair CV-880 Aircraft.
From 1959 – 1962 he was employed with PSA as an Aircraft Mechanic. When PSA laid off all employees, he was then hired by World Airways in Oakland, California where he went to Douglas DC-6 Ground School to get his Flight Engineer Certificate.
In 1962 he started flying world wide Passenger and Cargo Services with World Airways until his retirement in December 31, 2000. In his retirement he also worked at Home Depot in Antelope, CA.
In 1964 he took many flights from Honolulu to Kwajalein Island on the DC6. He tells us, “….that’s a good airplane and I knew all about this airplane. Propellers are automatically synchronized”. He used to fly the DC6 from Honolulu to Kwajalein every Friday for 2 years straight. There were 2 flight attendants on board. Great food was served on the 9 hr flight. After that he was checked out on the Boeing 727. He was stationed in Yokota, Japan, for two years. The Vietnam War was in full swing. Once he returned to the United States he was mostly flying DC 8s and Boeing 747s. He started in 1962 and retired in 2000. “Greatest job on earth, he says.”
The array of airplanes during his flying career with World Airways included:
DC 6 – Honolulu to Kwajalein Island
DC 8 – world wide
DC 10 – world wide
Boeing 727 – Stationed in Yokota, flights to Da Nang, Vietnam
Boeing 747 – Europe and Mecca, Saudi Arabia, out of Thailand and Algiers in support of the Muslim Hadj, and 747 cargo.
Joe loved his children and family. He always showed a big love for life with a deep respect for people and animals. The friends that he made became his true friends for life. He enjoyed gardening with a passion. His mechanical skills were amazing. There was nothing that he could not fix or repair. He will be immensely missed by all. Joe was a supporter of the Disabled Veterans as well as St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Joe leaves behind his wife, Irmgard Tamsing, son Alexander Tyler Tamsing (wife Jacqueline), daughters Maria Kim Lum and Kathy Jo Akana, and his sisters Loretta Colleen Alameda, Carol Mae Tamsing, Theresa Marie Lui, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his parents Theresa and Joseph Tamsing and his daughters Christine Ann Kepaa and Linda Marie Kamai, and brothers James Tamsing, Richard Tamsing, and Gordon Tamsing.
Joe will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon in a private Honor Guard Ceremony (according to COVID-19 restrictions)
Donations to any Charity of choice are appreciated.
Letters of Condolences may be sent to:
Irmgard Tamsing
8431 Rivergreen Drive
Elverta, CA 95626
Kenneth (Kenny) Boyd
October 24, 2020
Kenneth (Kenny) Boyd boarded his “Final Flight” on October 24, 2020.
Kenny was 65 years old and was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle at the intersection of Highway 29 and North Kelly Road in Napa County, CA. As a result of the collision Kenny was ejected from his bicycle.
Following the collision he was rushed to Queen of the Valley Medical Center where he passed.
The accident is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.
Pamela (Pam) Kung
January28, 1938 – October 17, 2020
World Airways Flight Attendant Pam Kung boarded her “Final Flight” on October 17, 2020, at the age of 82, in San Leandro, CA. A viewing was conducted at Piedmont Mortuary on Sunday, October 25, 2020. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, California 94611.
Pam was originally from China, where she maintained a home, as well as having her home in San Leandro. She was a member of the “Old Guard” at World Airways having had a long career as a World Flight Attendant, Supervisor, Purser, and as the Yokota Base Manager. Pam was the epitome of professionalism throughout her career at World but had been in poor health for some time while living in a skilled nursing facility in San Leandro.
More Information Will Be Provided When it is Available
Donald (Leo) Vaughn
July 20, 1930 – August 22, 2020
Donald (Leo) Vaughn peacefully boarded his “Final Flight” from his home on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at the age of 90 years and 34 days. Don began his career at the World Air Center, a sub-company of World Airways, in 1964. He was a well known and dedicated maintenance manager for many years and was a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. It was always a joy to be in his company. His Daughter Donna said “he always enjoyed telling about the many World Airways luncheons and reunions he had attended, and always talked about his memorable years with World Airways and the many friends he made during his career.” The Vaughn family goes back many generations. Don was the son of Stephen Rogers Gilbert Vaughn, the son of Stephen Rogers Vaughn, who was the son of Nancy Vaughn, a free woman of color, who was the daughter of Frances “Frankie” Vaughn and Shaw “Sandy” Vaughn, who were slaves of William Massie, owner of the Pharsalia Plantation in Nelson County, VA.
Don will surely be missed by his family and many friends.
Frank Thomas Edmonds
October 24, 1955 – May 5, 2020
Captain Tom Edmonds boarded his “Final Flight” on May 5, 2020. Tom was hired in early 1989, and in addition to his duties as a line Captain he served in several positions during his career at World Airways. Tom served on the Union council, he was the MD-11 Fleet Manager, and he later took over the Chief Pilot’s Office. All who worked and flew with Tom knew that while he was dedicated to his World family his wife and children were always foremost for him. I am sure the entire World Airways family will join in passing thoughts and prayers to Tom’s family. May He Rest in Peace.
Tom Edmonds
The following is a message from Tom’s daughter, Heather Hyde …..
“It is with great sadness that I share my Dad, Tom Edmonds, passed away in his sleep yesterday, May 5th. My Mom, Jeni Edmonds, and I appreciate the outpouring of love and support. When we know what funeral arrangements look like we will share those details. Unfortunately because of COVID-19, we do not want to put anyone at unnecessary risk and I know my Dad wouldn’t either. So we are not yet sure what a service would look like. But I know my Dad would have loved the idea of everyone taking this opportunity to hug a little tighter, talk a little longer, and love a little deeper. Cherish those you have and always be grateful.”
I have been advised by Darryl Epps that Tom’s Cremation has been completed.
A Celebration of Life for Tom will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s Honor should be made to “The American Diabetes Association” or to the “Wounded Warrior Project”.
Messages should be sent to Jeni Edmonds, 6700 Quintette Road, Pace FL 32571
Here is a link to a Memorial Wall at Lewis Funeral Home
https://www.lewisfuneralhomes.net/memorials/Edmonds-Frank+/4209089/
Verlea Sue Reilly
January 16, 1947 – April 19, 2020
Verlea Sue Reilly, 73, peacefully boarded her “Final Flight” on April 19, 2020, at Westchester Village of Lenexa. Verlea was born on January 16, 1947, to Harold and Marie (Inman) Moritz in Chanute, Kansas.
Verlea graduated from Argentine High School in Kansas City, Kansas. She began her career with TWA in 1966 and transitioned to World Airways in 1998, when she and her husband, William “Bud” Reilly, moved to Atlanta; they returned to Kansas City in 2013.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband and is survived by her son, Gard Gibson Jr. (Melissa) of Leawood, KS; her step-daughter, Christine Smith (Nathan) of Alpharetta, GA; and 3 grandchildren with one expected in May. She is also survived by her brother Earl Moritz (Pat)of Warrensburg, MO. A private internment will be held at Terrace Park Cemetery, where she will rest with her husband.
Memories of Verlea and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Rafael “Ray” Pabon
April 12, 2020
From Bolegs van der Kort …..
“With the heaviest of hearts I must reveal that our beloved Ray Pabon has gained a new set of wings. The greatest wings of them all. He put up a valiant fight. I love him so much, this is so hard to do. Due to the current circumstances of our “new normal,” no arrangements can be made at this moment.” Rest in Heaven, Ray. Until we meet again.
A message from JetBlue management states:
“We are deeply saddened to share the loss of our second Inflight Crewmember to COVID-19. Rafael “Ray” Pabon, who has been on extended leave of absence since 2018, has passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020. Ray is remembered in the highest regard bythose who were fortunate to work with him during his seven years at JetBlue. His positive outlook on life was most admired by his fellow crewmembers, and he was known for his ability to always “tell it to you right” in the most caring way. This is truly a great loss to our inflight community and to JetBlue”
Ray will be dearly missed by his World Airways Family. More information will be provided when it becomes available. May He Rest in Peace.
Condolences may be sent to Luz Pabon, 97 Cedar Ave Lot #3, Newburgh NY, 12553-7001
Al Pawelczyk
February 29, 1924 – February 8, 2020
Al Pawelzcyk was born on February 29th, 1924, in Milwaukee, WI. He boarded his “Final Flight” on February 8, 2020, at the age of 96, at his home in Tucson, AZ, with his family by his side.
Al was preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Rosemary. Al and Rosemary had three children, Sandra Sousa (Joe) of Merced, CA, Mark Pawelczyk (Marjul) of Roseville, CA, and David Pawelczyk of Lake Shasta, CA. He has five Grandchildren; Michael, Jeff, Joey, Michele, and Mick, and he has six Great-Grandchildren.
Al is survived by his wife of the last thirty-eight years, Johanna.
In 1941, Al joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He became an Ensign and Naval aviator at age 19. Al served aboard the USS New York and at bases in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Panama Canal Zone, Kodiak, Alaska, and various other assignments until his retirement from the Navy in 1963.
Al joined World Airways and served 31 years as a Captain, Instructor Pilot, Check Pilot, and Chief Pilot, before retiring from World in 1993. He attended the University of Minnesota, the General Line School in Monterey, CA, and the Naval War College in Newport, RI.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, at 11:00am in Rocklin, CA. at The Old St. Mary’s Chapel, 5251 Front Street. A reception/lunch will be served on the patio adjacent to the chapel following the service.
Cards can be sent to: Johanna Pawelczyk 36926 S. Ridgeview Blvd. Tucson AZ, 85739
Susan Shippee Wycoff
January 26, 2020
Susan Shippee Wycoff, 67, boarded her “Final Flight” on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at her home in Tybee Island, GA. She was born in Hialeah, FL, the daughter of Robert G. and Evelyn Corderio Shippee. She was reared in Kennesaw, GA, where in 1970 she graduated from North Cobb High School.
Susan was retired after many years as Supervisor of Ground Operations at World Airways in Peachtree City, GA. In 2014, her dream came true when she found herself living fulltime on Tybee Island enjoying everything it has to offer.
She loved walks on the beach, wine, the restaurants on Tybee, the Tybee Post Theater, and making new friends.
Surviving are her children, Michelle Farless (Gregg) of Shelbyville, TN; Edwin Wycoff III of Tybee Island; siblings, Robert Shippee (Vickie) of Kissimmee, FL; Kathy Cunningham (Scotty) of Ft. Myers, FL; Nancy Shippee ( Clark Hughes) of Tybee Island, GA; Jack Shippee (Debra) of Ball Ground, GA; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2020 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tybee Post Theater, P.O. Box 2356, Tybee Island, GA 31328.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
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