“The Final Flight” 2022
….. In Remembrance …..
In Honor Of Those Who Departed On Their “Final Flight”
(Scroll Down For Complete Obituary)
2022
Don Atkinson – December 30, 2022
Lyman Boyd Hitch – September 27, 2022
Michael “Mike” Chaika – September 27, 2022
Elisabeth Johanna Silverman – September 12, 2022
Robert “Bob” Sawyer – July 27, 2022
Margie Sikes – May 15, 2022
Elizabeth “Liz” Ayala – April 1, 2022
William Michael “Mike” Patterson – March 20, 2022
Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Hart – January 29, 2022
Frank Quadrelli – January 5, 2022
Don Atkinson
December 30, 2022
It has been reported that World Airways Pilot Don Atkinson boarded his “Final Flight” December 30, 2022.
Please Keep Don’s family in your thoughts and prayers
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Lyman Boyd Hitch
November 1928 – September 27, 2022,
David Hitch reported that his father Lyman boarded his “Final Flight” at 8:30pm on September 27, following his return from the annual Las Vegas Reunion. Lyman was 93 Years Old.
Lyman was raised in the Berkeley, CA and Wheatland, CA areas.
Lyman joined the Navy in 1948, as a Midshipman. He later transferred to the Naval Reserve in 1961 and retired as a Commander from the Naval Reserve in 1988.
While in the Navy, Lyman met and married his wife Kitty in July 1955.
During the Navy years they lived in California, Texas, The Philippines, and then back to California.
Lyman was a First Officer and Captain with World Airways from 1966 to 1988. After he retired from World at age 60 they moved to Hawaii, and later to their favorite place – Las Vegas Nevada.
They had 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Lyman & Kitty were married for 58 years when Kitty boarded her “Final Flight” from cancer in October 2013.
They enjoyed playing Bingo, seeing theatrical plays at Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Utah, dinning with friends, and especially putting on the World Airways reunions in Las Vegas. The pandemic hit in March 2020, and the quarantine shutdown was too much for his mind to handle and Alzheimer’s took over. Lyman moved to Redding to live with his daughter Debbie. He really enjoyed going to the park during the summer months to listen to live concerts. He enjoyed talking to friends on the phone and always looked forward to a trip to Las Vegas to play Bingo.
Lyman’s last month was very eventful and he seemed to have much more energy. Spending 2 weeks in Oregan with his daughter, granddaughter & 2 of the great grandchildren, we kept him busy with a few day excursions and spent a day visiting extended family at a campground enjoying the sounds of the river. We went to the Portland area for an air show – he really enjoyed the Air Force Thunderbirds and another day visiting the Portland area zoo.
He was very excited for his trip to Las Vegas with his oldest son. His highlight for sure was his time he spent with good friends at the World Reunion, his meals & Bingo with other 
friends in Vegas, and his final show at Tuacahn. Both of his sons were with him when Lyman passed away the next evening in Mesquite NV.
Both Kitty and Lyman have been cremated.
Plans for spreading their ashes are still pending. 
Lyman’s Family
Lyman Hitch
Founder of the World Airways Las Vegas Reunions
Michael “Mike” Chaika
May 23, 1926 – September 27, 2022
Margaret Chaika reported that Mike boarded his “Final Flight” at 3:00am on September 27, following a stroke and secondary pneumonia. Mike was living in Ennis, Montana.
by Margaret Chaika
“At birth, Michael Chaika (Mike) met his immigrant parents Phillip & Tekla Yaroshuk-Chaika on May 23, 1926. He was born at home in Brooklyn, NY. He had two older siblings, Christina Vignec and John Chaika.”
“He met the love of his life, Theresa (Terry) Dorsey. They were married December 18, 1949, and their journey together lasted 71 years until mom’s passing in 2020. Today, April 21, 2023, he will join her. During those years they had two daughters, Doreen and Margaret. Doreen gave dad 3 beautiful grandchildren, Christina, Jeremiah, and Lisa. The great-grandchildren are Anthony, Emma, Christina, and Sam. Dad was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle to Christina (Chickee) Vignec-Winch and Ronnie Vignec (deceased). He was a Great Uncle to Tanya, Sam, and Adam.”
“Dad always loved flying. Grandma Chaika paid $5 for his first airplane ride on a By-Plane when he was a teenager, and this started his dream of flight. He was in the Air Force during WWII. After the service he flew as a flight engineer for Venezuela Airlines & KLM, but World Airways held a special place in his heart. He flew with them over 35+ years.”
“Dad would fly and visit countries all over the world. Dad & Moms favorite spot was Hawaii. Dad had two groups of friends. He cherished the past decade with the park group. A wonderful group of men and women who cared about my mom and dad. Thank you for always keeping is in the loop. Dad loved receiving emails with jokes, photos, and updates on everyone. It made him feel connected while living in Montana. He enjoyed looking at the WOA website “Your Daly Bread” alumni photo albums and the updates/reunions with the World Airways Family.”
“Dad was a talented engineer-handyman, he could fix and build anything. He taught us girls life skills. He left us girls a legacy. He loved chocolate, coconut cake and McDonalds with an occasional Starbucks Java chip Frappuccino.”
“The flight of life can be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. A successful flight consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves, and dad did that.”
“The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which airport we ourselves will step off. But dads final flight arrived Sept. 27, 2022. Let us remember John 14, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” “In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am ye may be also.”
Mike’s “Final Flight” will be from Montana to Oakland, CA on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be conducted Friday, April 21, at 11:00am at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544. Burial will be next to Theresa. There will be no reception following the service due to lack of a facility.
Elisabeth Johanna Silverman
June 20, 1949 – September 12, 2022
Elisabeth Johanna Silverman departed on her “Final Flight” on Monday, September 12, 2022, at the age of 73, following her third bout with lung cancer.
Elisabeth was born on June 20, 1949, in Schopfheim, Germany, to Hans and Hildergund (Russ) Walter. Growing up in Lyon, France, with her siblings, she learned to love nature on her family trips to the Black Forest. She literally landed in the United States as an international flight attendant for World Airways.
After making her way to Memphis, she received her Bachelor’s degree (Magna Cum Laude) and her Master’s degree from the University of Memphis, while already embarking on her career as a dedicated educator. She made life-long friends of many of her students and their parents, while teaching at the Maria Montessori School. Her intelligence, wit, empathy, and love of life made her the perfect elementary school teacher.
When she moved to the Memphis/Shelby County Schools as an English-as-a-Second Language Instructor, she was among the first to plant a school garden and to engage her students in hands-on learning about food, for which she was well prepared as a certified Master Gardener. Whenever she was able to explore local forests, she always took her book on mushrooms and made wonderful meals for her friends and family from her finds. She also sponsored the Debate Team at several of her schools and was a spirited supporter of their efforts.
For many years, Elisabeth was also the Executive Director for the Memphis Council of International Visitors, hosting numerous and diverse groups from around the world, brought here by the U.S. State Department to learn about various aspects of life in the United States. Her efforts to include social gatherings at local homes for each group made Memphis a preferred stop for these groups. When Iraq was working to establish its democratic government, Memphis was the first stop for the group of fledgling leaders, after their orientation by Colin Powell in Washington.
Elisabeth was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Buring, her son-in-law, Charles Buring, and their two sons, William and Phillip, to whom Elisabeth was devoted.
A memorial service will be held at a place and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
Robert “Bob” Sawyer
July 27, 2022
A Distinguished Member of the World Airways Family has boarded his “Final Flight”.
On July 27, 2022, Robert “Bob” Sawyer departed on his “Final Flight” from the Valley Hospice of Arizona in Surprise, AZ. Bob was 93 years old and suffered congestive heart and kidney failure. During his stay at the Valley Hospice of Arizona Bob continuously entertained the Hospice staff with stories about his career flying all over the world as a Flight Engineer for World Airways. He kept his great sense of humor until the very end.
Bob is survived by his wife Joan, his two daughters, Sharon and husband Mike, Sheila and husband Bob, his eight Grandchildren and six Great Grandchildren, his sister Roberta and husband Jim and her three children and their families. His daughter Terry predeceased him.
After serving in the Air Force Bob moved his family to Los Angeles where he attended Northrup Aeronautical Institute, where he received his Mechanics License. After that, he began working on getting his Flight Engineers License and his Private Pilot License.
In June 1961, Bob was hired by World Airways and flew as a Flight Engineer until his retirement in June 1991. While at World Airways he flew around the globe on the DC-6, DC-8, DC-10, Boeing 707, 727 and 747 aircraft. As a Private Pilot he also enjoyed flying his own aircraft. Bob made numerous life-long friends at World Airways and he always looked forward to the annual World Reunions where he could visit with them and enjoy reminiscing about their world travels together.
On August 15, 2022, Bob was honored with an Honor Guard Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ.
Bob will be missed by the entire World Airways Family.
Margie Sikes
May 15, 2022
Barbara Jackson sadly reports that Margie Sikes “Boarded Her Final Flight” on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
The “World Airways Family” Has Lost Another Cherished Member
Chris Tittiger, who has been helping Margie during her difficult years, notified Barbara that Margie was residing in an assisted living facility, and that she boarded her “Final Flight” while resting peacefully in her sleep.
Chris is helping Margie’s executor with final preparations and because Margie did not have any close family there will not be a funeral. Margie will be cremated.
“Please Keep Margie in Your Prayers”
Elizabeth “Liz” Ayala
July 12, 1944 – April 1, 2022
Elizabeth “Liz” Ayala, 77, of Sausalito, CA, formerly of Saginaw, MI peacefully boarded her “Final Flight” on April 1, 2022, at Marin General Hospital in Marin City, CA, with her family at her side.
Liz was born on July 12, 1944, to Adolph and Mary T. Ayala, who predeceased Liz in death. She leaves three sisters, Mary I. DeMaet (Carl), Frankenmuth, MI, Yolanda Guerin, San Jose, CA, and Sarah Jones (Rick), Livonia, MI. One neice Pauline DeMaet and three nephews, Paul DeMaet, Rapid City, SD, Craig Jones, Canton, MI, and Brett Jones (Liz), Redondo Beach, CA. She was predeceased by one brother-in-law, Peter Guerin, San Jose, CA.
Liz loved her family and life, and those who knew her smile and quick wit will deeply miss her and her travel stories and photos. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1962, and graduated from Delta College in 1964, earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She then worked as a Personal Administrative Assistant at GM Grey Iron Executive Office in Saginaw, MI, for two years. She then moved to San Francisco, CA, and then to Sausalito CA, where she made her permanent home. Liz then became a Flight Attendant for International World Airways for the next 50 years. She was able to travel the world extensively, which she enjoyed and loved until her retirement.
Cremation has taken place as per her wishes in care of Neptune Society Crematory, Marin City, CA.
Liz will be greatly missed by her World Airways Family
“May She Rest in Peace With the Lord”
William Michael “Mike” Patterson
1956 – March 20, 2022
William Michael “Mike” Patterson, age 65, boarded his “Final Flight” from his home in Maryville, TN, on March 20, 2022. He was surrounded by friends and family in the days preceding his departure.
Mike was born in 1956, to parents Glenda Patterson and William Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Mary Patterson, and his sister, Carla Patterson. Mike is survived by his three children, April McClellan, Lori Rose, and Adam Patterson, as well as his six grandchildren and his sister, Gina Wauford.
After graduating from Porter High School in 1974, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force from 1975 to 1979. Following his military service, Mike had a successful and exciting career as an airline pilot and Captain flying for World Airways, until retiring in 2021. He was an avid outdoorsman, was well traveled, and had a life full of impressive adventures.
A gathering of friends and family in remembrance of Mike will be held on March 24, 2022, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Louisville Point Park Pavillion, 3272 Cox Rd., Louisville, TN. Flowers and condolences may be sent to 918 Williams St., Maryville, TN 37803.
Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Hart
April 14, 1945 – January 29, 2022
Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Hart boarded her “Final Flight” on Saturday, January 29, 2022. She was 76 years old. Liz had been struggling with complications from Parkinson’s disease and two strokes. She was a resident of the Masonic Home in Union City, CA, in the Lorber Unit, where she received excellent care.
Liz was the sixth child (of nine) born in Ogden, Utah. Her parents were William R. Hart and Ruth Maria (Riddle). The family moved to California in 1948. After high school Liz worked for World Airways as a flight attendant and later was writing programs for their attendants. She said she was on the last plane to fly out of Saigon during the Vietnam War, carrying soldiers and American personnel out to safety.
In the early 1990’s Liz studied for and earned her Real Estate license and later she became a Broker/Owner. She worked for Better Home Realty in Moraga, CA until 2008. Liz was famous for giving elegant dinner parties where her cooking and hosting skills were greatly appreciated. The banking/real estate crisis altered her career dramatically. A previous loss for Liz was the death of her husband, Jean Pierre Espil in 2002. The two met while Jean Pierre was a chef for the Cape Cod Restaurant in Lafayette. Both were part owners and discovered their skills complimented each other. Because Jean had been a Mason Liz was able to move to the Masonic Home in 2016.
In late 2021, it was decided to put her in Hospice Care due to her decliningcondition. Kindred Hospice stepped in to offer this care. Liz leaves behind her daughter, Kathy Lisborg, of New York, her five remaining siblings, Mary Courtney, Sr. Bernadette Hart, RSM Sherry Hart, Jim Hart and Rob Hart, plus numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Gabriel Church, San Francisco, on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 11:00am. Interment will be in private at Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery in Hayward, CA. Donations in Liz’ name may be made to Masonic Home, 34400 Mission Blvd. Union City, CA 94587 or to Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 2300 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Frank Quadrelli
November 14, 1956 – January 5, 2022
Another Great Aviator from The World Airways Family has boarded his “Final Flight”. Captain Frank Quadrelli lost his fight against Covid on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Mark Ohlau Reports ….
“It is with a very heavy heart, and through tears, that I must tell you that WOA Capt. Frank Quadrelli passed away this evening from severe secondary effects of Covid.
Frank’s first flight after OE was with me and Capt. Larry Coubrough. Frank and I became not only friends, but brothers. We shared some of life’s most joyous times and traveled some of life’s bumpiest roads together. I am devastated….
Frank is survived by his lovely wife, Mercedes (former WOA F/A), and his beautiful daughters, Gabriella, Isabella, and Francesca.”
Frank Joseph Quadrelli, 65, of Fallston, MD, was called home by God on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.
Born in South San Francisco, Frank’s life spans a multitude of experiences and achievements that truly speaks of a life well lived and loved. Frank graduated from the University of California Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government.
Frank’s true love of flying and his career as a pilot began with West Air (United Express). Later, as Captain on the MD-11 with World Airways, not only did he realize his dream job, but was blessed to meet his soul mate, his loving wife Mercedes, a Flight Attendant. On board and on ground Frank’s charm, personality, and his vibrant friendly, larger than life persona drew people to him like magnets.
His career took him to multiple destinations, but no matter where he landed, his feet were always planted firmly on the ground. Frank’s last airline was as Captain on the 777 and 787 with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, where he and his family called home for five amazing years. He retired from Etihad Airways in 2020 but not before he left his warm imprint on everyone there as well.Frank returned home to Fallston, Maryland upon his retirement. He spent every moment of that time creating precious memories with his daughters Isabella, Gabriella, and his wife Mercedes.
As a devoted Dad, he watched and enjoyed all of their extracurricular activities and sporting events. A dedicated family man, Frank loved cooking meals, and having a cold Coors light while firing up the Barbeque for friends and family. His airline career took the family to exotic destinations including Seychelles, Maldives, China Thailand and Israel, just to name a few. He recently even checked a cross country road trip with his girls off his bucket list. He had a generous kind heart and always made sure his in-laws were included when planning a family outing or trip. He was truly a son to them.
His love for animals was very evident by the various family pets, especially Rosie the dog. His vibrant presence, sense of humor, and knowledge of all things, were attributes admired and loved by all. If you had the honor and privilege to be part of Frank’s inner sphere you were truly blessed.
Frank was a man of faith. He recently enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. For many years Frank flew above the clouds. We take comfort in knowing that he is now in heaven resting in the arms of God.
Frank was the loving husband of Mercedes Quadrelli for 16 years, and devoted father to their daughters Isabella (15) and Gabriella (13).
He is also survived by his Mother-in-Law Fanny Murcia and Father-in-Law Anselmo Murcia.
Frank was the son of the late Frank and Joyce Quadrelli.
Additionally, he is survived by his daughter Francesca Quadrelli (29), 1ffand his sister Vikki Gomez, of California, and many other loving family and friends.
We are thankful and grateful for the prayers and overwhelming support from everyone.
Psalm 23
“Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.”
Evans Funeral Chapel
8800 Harford Road
Parkville, MD 21234
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