“The Final Flight” 2024
….. In Remembrance …..
In Honor Of Those Who Departed On Their “Final Flight”
(Scroll Down For Complete Obituary)
2024
Tony Huff – December, 2024
Edward Neal McKinney – November 23, 2024
David Murdoch Johnson – July 19, 2024
David J. Mason – July 13, 2024
William Gerald Cauble – July 5, 2024
Yolanda Vega – June 18, 2024
Kenn Barton Jones – May 22, 2024
Helen Chavez – May 13, 2024
Dan Giddens – March 24, 2024
Sofie Paez – March 2024
Neil Kent Howard – February 28, 2024
Benedict “Benny” Johnson – January 28, 2024
Gunilla Crawford – January 2, 2024
Gary Rodriguez – January 1, 2024
Tony Huff
Cynthia Whisnant has announced on Facebook that Tony Huff has boarded his “Final Flight”.
No other information is available at this time.
David Murdoch Johnson
July 9, 1948 – July 19, 2024
David Murdoch Johnson was born on July 9, 1948, and boarded his “Final Flight” on July 19, 2024.
David was a lifelong Californian. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1970, and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130’s. Following his reserves, he started working at World Airways in Oakland, CA, where he spent more than 30 years as a beloved Captain on the DC-10.
David loved spending time and working on his family ranch in Northern California and around his home. His love of nature and the preservation of land and the environment was very important to him. He also enjoyed stamp-collecting and following baseball and football.
David is survived by his wife Sarah Johnson, their beloved Border Collies, and their cat.
A celebration of life for David will be held on September 15th at noon in Graton, CA.
For those who are unable to attend and wish to share memories or photos, you can send them to the email address below.
RSVP by 9/9/24 @ sarah@fitdogs.net or text to (415-) 987-4123.
The Address of the Celebration of Life location will be provided to those of you who RSVP for the event.
David J. Mason
June 22, 1953 – July 13, 2024
” To our family and friends, it is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of David Jay Mason.”
“Even as a young kid, he was talked about being fascinated with planes and knowing what he’d want to do with his life. May we look up in the sky and remember him happily flying airplanes.”
David Jay Mason
“Dave was a caring husband and a loving father to his kids and grandkids.”
“Please include him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Additional details of his funeral will be announced later. For personal messages, please contact the next of kin:
Jess Divine Jessie Mason Yhet Mason
William Gerald Cauble
March 6, 1969 – July 5, 2024
William Gerald Cauble was born on March 6, 1969, to Stephen and Mary (nee Elliott) Cauble. William went by many names including Billy, Bill, and then Will, and his favorite name was “FUN Uncle Will”.
William grew up in Granite City, IL where he attended St. Margaret Mary school and Granite City High School. After high school he briefly attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.
Will became a Flight Attendant for World Airways where he flew and visited all over the world. After the airline he worked for the Four Seasons hotel in Chicago, IL. He then returned to Granite City to live with and assist his parents, and that is where he stayed until he boarded his “Final Flight” on July 5, 2024.
Will loved his family, and being “FUN Uncle Will” to his nieces and nephews. He loved to joke and make people laugh and also loved to plant flowers and “tinker” with everything. He routinely went to the junk yard to fix or improve his vehicle. He loved water, and his fondest memories were his time spent boating on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers and kayaking and swimming on Horseshoe Lake. Will also loved his animals and had a special fondness for all dogs, especially HIS dogs – Sisko and Patches.
On Monday, July 1, 2024, Will suffered a major brain bleed that caused a stroke. All efforts to save his life were extended to him but sadly all efforts failed, and he boarded his “Final Flight” on July 5. Will is going to be missed by his parents, his sister Stephanie Brissenden and his brother Matthew Cauble, and by all of his friends. According to Will’s wishes he will be cremated and there will not be a funeral service.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you choose to pay compliments often to others, as Will always knew how to make people smile and feel good about themselves. Our world could use so much more of the kindness that Will showed to everyone.
Online information and a guestbook is available through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory at www.wojstrom.com
Yolanda Vega
June 18, 2024
Yolanda (Jolie) Vega boarded her “Final Flight” on Tuesday, June 18, following her long battle with cancer.
Yolanda served as a Flight Attendant for World Airways in Yokota, Japan, and was the Flight Attendant Supervisor of Training at World Airways in Oakland.
Dick Kalman’s history with Yolanda goes back many years. Yolanda introduced Dick to his future wife Branka in 1988. Yolanda’s sister-in-law, who lived in England and was a friend of Branka’s at the time Branka sold her boutique in Kensington, England, suggested that Branka take a trip to the USA. She introduced Branka to Yolanda and Branka came to stay with Yolanda and her family in California. Yolanda introduced Branka to Dick when they went to see him at the WOA Training Office in San Leandro. The next day Dick asked both of them to have dinner with him, and it was “Love at First Sight” for Branka and Dick. On October 14, 1989, Dick and Branka were married. At the wedding, Yolanda served as Branka’s “Matron of Honor”, and Ford Larsen was the “Best Man”.
Yolanda, Branka and Dick remained “Best Friends” through the years. Yolanda was a wonderful hostess and gourmet cook, and they shared may New Year’s Eve and other parties together. When Dick was promoted to Training Manager while working at the Bay Area Transit Authority, he hired Yolanda to take his previous training position, which she held until her retirement. She later served as the Chairman of the Board of the “Workforce Development Board” of Contra Costa County.
In October of this year Branka and Dick celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary, thanks to “Matchmaker Yolanda”. Dick stated, “We miss our dear friend Yolanda, and we were blessed to be part of her circle of friends. Yolanda was a “high energy can-do woman”.
Following the loss of her son Johathan in the war in Afghanistan, Yolanda was very involved in the “Gold Star Mothers” organization. Her surviving son Mathew lives in Los Angeles.
May Yolanda Rest in Peace and Comfort.
Please Keep Her Family and Her Many Friends in Your Thoughts and Prayers.
No memorial is scheduled at this time. More information will be provided when it is available.
Kenn Barton-Jones
September 10, 1953 – May 22, 2024
Phil Hastings has reported that Senior Flight Attendant Kenn Barton-Jones boarded his ‘Final Flight” in Toronto, Canada. Kenn had been house-bound with health issues for several years and suffered a heart attack in his sleep on May 22, 2024.
Please keep Kenn’s sister Vicky and the family in your thoughts and prayers!
Helen Chavez
January 18, 1937 – May 13, 2024
On Thursday July 11, members of the “World Airways Family” held a “Celebration of Life” at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Strawberry Point, in Marin County, to honor and remember World Airways Flight Attendant Helen Chavez, who boarded her “Final Flight” on May 13, 2024.
A Tribute to Helen Chavez
by Stephanie Suganuma
Helen will always be remembered as a wonderful friend to everyone at World Airways. She was a pleasure to travel and work with, and she used her smile and friendship to make everyone’s work at World Airways a great experience that will be remembered by us all. Helen now will rest with our prayers and love, and we will have wonderful memories of her.
“May She Rest in Peace Among the Angels”
Dan Giddens
March 24, 2024
World Airways pilot Dan Giddens boarded his “Final Flight” while in Home Hospice on March 15, 2024. At World Airways from 1978 until 1986, Dan served as a DC-8 Second Officer and then as a DC-10 Second Officer and First Officer from 1978 until 1986.
Prior to joining World Airways Dan served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1976, and then joined the Air National Guard, Van Nuys, CA, in 1977, where he served until 1992.
Following his career with World Airways Dan flew as a Boeing 737 Captain for America West Airlines until his medical retirement in 2007. After his retirement Dan spent 17 years traveling with his family, working in his garden, and serving as a “stroke and turn official” at his son’s swimming meets.
Dan is survived by his wife Anne, their two sons, Jeff and Jay, and one granddaughter, Karsyn.
Please Keep Dan’s Family in Your Thoughts and Prayers
Sofie Paez
March 2024
I have been informed that World Airways Flight Attendant Sofie Paez boarded her “Final Flight” the first week in March. Please keep Sofie and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
More information will be provided when it becomes available.
Neil Kent Howard
July 9, 1950 – February 28, 2024
Jane Howard reported that Neil Kent Howard peacefully boarded his “Final Flight” following a long battle with cancer, at the Carson Tahoe Hospital on February 28, 2024. Jane and daughter Sarah were by his side. He and Jane had been living in Nevada.
Neil was born on July 9, 1950, in Price Utah to Samuel Kent Howard and Jenece McElprang Howard. He was raised in Huntington, Utah until he was 4 years old. The family bought a ranch on the Bruneau River in Nevada where he grew up going to grade school in both Charleston and Rowland, and then graduated from high school in the class of 1968, in Elko.
As a boy he worked alongside his father learning how to do all the things ranch kids get to do – but from a very young age he fell in love with flying. In high school, he also worked at the Elko airport and soloed at age 16. His instructors said he was one of the most natural pilots they had taught and that was the opinion of many of his co-workers during his entire career.
After graduation, he worked for the Forest Service packing and building trails into the Jarbidge Wilderness. This was a great experience for him, appreciating the country he saw and the beauty of the area.
Neil earned a business degree at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was able to continue his flying education. He went on to teach and work in different flying positions while working to obtain his commercial license which led him to many different jobs both in the US and around the world. He became a Master Airman, with 40 years as a commercial captain.
Neil was hired at World Airways in February, 1978. While flying for World Airways, and later flying for Piedmont Airlines, Air Algerie and BWI Airlines, and living in Algeria, he met the love of his life, Jane Prout, from England. They married on December 12, 1980, in Hadleigh, Essex, England, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage in December 2023. Their lives took them around the world with many adventures.
Neil leaves behind his wife Jane Prout Howard; daughter Rachel Jane Howard and Flynn Stewart, of Wollongong, Australia; daughter Sarah Jane Lenard and Tim Lenard of Carson City, Nevada; and beloved granddaughter Erica Lenard; mother, Jenece Howard and sister Gerri Beitia and husband Daniel.
Neil’s stories and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. He did not want a funeral but asked that those who wished to could donate in his name to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please Keep Neil and Jane and their family in your thoughts and prayers.
Benedict “Benny” Johnson
January 28, 2024
Benedict “Benny” Johnson, 73, a native of Napoleonville, LA, departed on his “Final Flight” on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home in Gonzales, LA.
Benny will be remembered by his Flight Attendant friends at World Airways for his kind and gentle heart. He made every trip with him memorable and was considered “one of the best” to fly with. May he rest in peace.
His service was in Donaldsonville, LA, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA, followed by interment in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Cemetery.
Benny is survived by his brother, George Johnson (Barbara); his sister, Chrystal Dennis; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Chester Johnson, Sr.; 5 sisters, Mary Patterson, Aurelia Lee, Beverly Buggage, Laverne Dennis, and Almatine Blame; 4 brothers, Bernard, Herman, Raymond, and Chester Johnson, Jr.
Arrangements were by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, (225) 473-1900. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit www.williamsandsouthallfuneralhome.com.
Gunilla Crawford
January 2, 2024
Vince Rossi and Donna Napierala both reported on “Facebook World Airways Employees” that World Airways Flight Attendant Gunilla Crawford boarded her “Final Flight” on January 2, 2024, at her home in Miami Lakes, Florida, with her daughter Kim at her side.
Gunilla loved everything about aviation and worked for many different airlines in her career. “She was a wonderful part of our WOA Family and will be greatly missed.” May she rest in peace.
Please keep Gunilla’s Family & Friends in Your Thoughts and Prayers.
Gary Rodriguez
January 1, 2024
World Airways Flight Attendant Gary Rodriguez’s sister advised that Gary boarded his Final Flight. Gary was a very private person that was very well thought of and admired at World Airways.
A Mass was held February 9th at 5 pm at “Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church” in Castro Valley, CA.
Gary was a very kind, patient, and thoughtful person and we have very fond memories of him.
May He Rest in Peace.