Season's
Greetings from Hansville
Volume
XXXXIII
December 2020
Let’s start our 43rd Newsletter with a bit of Good News for 2020 - on July 29, we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary.
Hard to believe (very) and I can barely get the words out. I remember
clearly when my folks had their 25th, and then their 50th. I thought they
were ancient – and then some. I was probably right! And now
we’re there too. Time marches on. Knock it off, Time!
I think when Dot dragged me around to meet her family, they all must
have muttered something along the line: “What’s with
Dorothy? She must be crazy. Marrying some American?
From Seattle? Where’s Seattle? Well, it won’t last long and
then she can get her life better organized and pick a proper
husband.” I guess now – 50 years later – I’d have to qualify as a
“keeper.” Or maybe “Passed the Pull Date”, or "Warranty Expired",
or "No Refunds or Returns" would be better? We eloped from Montreal
to California, and those who haven’t can read the story by clicking here.
The Plan was to go down to California to the Mission
where we were married. And revisit with Norma Rianda, who hosted us for our wedding (Norma still going strong at 96.) That was the Plan all right. But
then this Chinese virus took over the world, and the word Lockdown
entered the common lingo. I thought that was for
prisons? And traveling got a whole lot tougher – even
banned outright. To make matters worse, we were (are?) firmly in the
“most vulnerable” category. So, we figured we’d have to make 2021 the
year to celebrate – altho that’s a little tenuous now too. When’s
the next big one – 75th Anniversary??? That would put us into 3 digits – better
not plan on that one.
So, we celebrated quietly (very quietly) at home. Still, we had cake and flowers.
Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
We opened a bottle of bubbly to welcome in 2020. Meh! Away
with you 2020. I keep Milestone bottles that mark special events, but think I’m going to break
this one. What do they say? It was the Best of years; it
was the Worst of years. Charles Dickens, maybe you got it
wrong? Best? Well, I shouldn’t be too harsh on old
Charlie. Outside the pandemic, economic collapse, elections,
protests and riots, there were also good things. I’m thinking,
I’m thinking…..Here’s one – we celebrated our 50th Anniversary!
Oh, I said that already.
Here’s another good thing – for whatever reason, we did a lot of things last year
- in 2019 – and fortuitously too – since it may be some years before we
get to do those things again. Three trips to Eastern, Washington
– and we attended many Fairs and shows we hadn’t been to in many, many
years – including the Blue Angels, Draft Horse Extravaganza, Monroe
Fair, Wooden Boat Show in Port Townsend, and the Model Railroad Show in
Tacoma. See last year's Newsletter for the pix.
Covid
Well, what to say? The world has certainly been turned upside
down this year. With a few (significant) exceptions, our impact
has been
minimal. We're pretty much homebodies anyway, and are blessed to
have a great location for staying at home. We have remained in
fairly deep quarantine (by choice),
and avoided almost all outside contact in stores or professional
appointments etc. I joke that the UPS man is my grocer, and it’s
fairly accurate. Him, and the local supermarket that offers
on-line ordering. I order on my computer and drive down there and
they put all the groceries in the back and I drive home without ever
going inside. It’s not a perfect system, but it does work pretty
well, and mostly they have solved all the rough spots. It’s actually
faster than the ‘regular’ system and I save money by getting all the
coupons and specials.
We’ve learned to give each other haircuts, and Dot has gotten pretty
good. Not sure I’ll have to go back to a regular barber any time
soon. My next project is to teach her how to clean teeth.
Not bad!
Fortunately, we’re not stuck on the 16th
floor of some high rise, getting cabin fever and googling for budget
divorce lawyers. We’re blessed by having a nice place, with a lot
of outside area – grass and woods, even beach - for walking around; a
great view; and, we do get out some, going back and forth to the airport to
either work on the airplane or go flying.
Watching the wind/sun spinners on the deck or playing the piano - it could be a lot worse.
We have several acres of woods
with big tall trees – in the Fall we don’t have to travel far to get a
great view of the changing colors.
….er, they also provide mountains of leaves in the Fall – and when the wind blows just right, they all wind up on the deck.
The birds, deer, and other wildlife provide constant entertainment.
The deer can be a nuisance (as
some of my pals are always reminding me), but they are sure
purty. And feel very comfy here at the Bogash's!
USS McCampbell DDG-85 - Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer
She is named in honor of Naval Aviator Captain David S. McCampbell, a
Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipient who was the Navy's leading ace
in World War II.
Latest Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer - USS Michael Monsoor DDG-1001 (Zumwalt Class)
Michael Monsoor is named after Master-at-Arms Second Class Michael A. Monsoor (1981–2006),
a United States Navy SEAL killed during the Iraq War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
A stiff NW wind provides hours of crashing breakers to enjoy.
Flying
Our flying activities were severely truncated this year, and not due to the virus either.
So - how come? Well, first the County decided to tear out the
airport's runway and completely rebuild it. Pilots thought the runway
was in great shape but government had money burning a hole in their
pocket. That took us out of action for two months. I used
the time to tear my airplane down to pieces and rebuild it, while doing
my Annual Inspection (early.) Then, don't you know, the brand new
runway ($3M worth) failed it's post construction inspection. So
the contractor had to come back in and completely repave the "brand
new" runway. That work took a few more weeks in the Fall.
Then - in August - although our weather was quite cool with unusual
rain (thus keeping our local fire problems under control), smoke from the
really bad fires in Oregon and California blew north (or was it Seattle burning?), cutting our
visibility to near zero. We couldn't even see the water which is only
60 feet away. Then, after the construction was finished (twice),
and the smoke blew away, my main instrument panel failed and it took a
month to cycle it back to the manufacturer for repair. After all
those little adventures, I lost about 5 months out of my flying
calendar during the best time of the year. Grrrrrr......
Our new runway
These two taken by my friend Max Welliver as we were departing Boeing Field December 4th.
Starting in March/April, when the virus was taking a big bite, we had
some nice flying weather and did quite a bit of local flying in anticipation of the construction shut down. The
Olympic Mountains sported a fine snow cover and the scenery was
spectacular.
Sometimes, the mountains look better in black and white
Playing with F-18s near Navy Whidbey
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station
Tanker at Port Angeles
Downtown Seattle
Ferries at Port Townsend
State Capital in Olympia
Harstine Island Bridge
Mouth of the Dosewallips River on Hood Canal
On
December 4th, Boeing retired its two Lockheed T-33 "T-Bird" chase
planes - we flew to Boeing Field to watch their last take-off.
I created a web page for the occasion - you can see all the details by clicking here.
BFI - always a good spot - caught a couple of MAX's departing.
Museum Activities
Sadly, the Museum of Flight was shut down for most of the year due to
the virus, with only a brief and temporary re-opening. Most of
the staff have been laid-off, let go, or are working part time
hours. Like most museums (and restaurants, and barbers, and…..),
they are in survival mode, and are taking a huge body blow
financially. Volunteers have been banned since the start and no
telling when they will be allowed to return. As a Volunteer, that
means me.
Nevertheless, in March, I got a call from Matt Hayes, CEO of the
Museum, telling me I had been selected to receive the 2020 Pathfinders
Award – the Museum’s highest honor. This was the result of a lot
of hard work by Duane Jackson, my old boss, and a group of other
colleagues behind the scenes. Normally, this would be presented
at a formal black-tie dinner in October, but due to the virus – who
knows – maybe next year? Just as well, I don’t have any formal
wear clothes. (Pathfinders writeup from Museum magazine is
attached.)
Cars
After wrecking my brand new pickup truck the end of 2019, Allstate
totaled it and sent me a check for a replacement. I bought a new
one in February, and in March sold my Toyota Tacoma – the one I bought
on eBay in Orlando, Florida and drove back home in 2009. I put on
about 100,000 miles and I’m sure it will be good for many more.
That brought us down to 3 cars.
Next up was my 1990 Nissan 240SX – fire
engine red, original paint, excellent condition. 30 years old and looked Brand New! Really loved
that car, but….. all good things must end. As I researched prices
and possibilities, one day a young guy followed me into a gas station
near the airport. He got out and asked if I wanted to sell my
car. I said I was thinking about it, but not quite ready.
We exchanged phone numbers, and then every six months or so, he would
call asking if I had changed my mind. I was surprised at his
persistence. Finally, in the Fall, he called and we started
talking real money – his offer price kept going up. Over a few
days, he doubled it, so I said Yes. An hour later, he came over
and drove it home. He’s called and emailed me a few times – he’s
really enjoying his “new” car and doing a lot of fixing up. I’m
glad it went to someone who really likes it and so - basically, the car
just sold itself!
Sigh - Down to two cars. I mean, four is a bit much for two old
folks (although I have pals that have a lot more than that.)
Photography
Having recognized – last year – the importance of photography in my
life – I doubled and tripled down. I keep 3 or 4 cameras going
full bore and easily take 100 pictures on even a slow and dull
day. Why – if there’s nothing else, there are bugs landing on the
windows! We're in a great place for taking pictures!!!
Yellow jacket and a Crane Fly
The usual great sunrises and sunsets and dramatic cloud formations
Even a great Moon Rise
Another year in the Books.
Together with our Beloved Chiba - he passed in 2010 - 10 years ago - and is missed terribly.
But - fortunately - he still keeps us company. Click here for his great story.
Here's to all of you - Here's to Us! Let's hope that 2021 turns out to not be another Trick or Treat Year.
Peace,
Bob & Dot
Pathfinder Award Writeup from Museum's Aloft Magazine
Good Riddance 2020 - and don't come back!!!
I save some bottles (or corks) from especially noteworthy or memorable
events. I saved the bottle of bubbly from January 1, 2020 - the
start of a new Decade. I decided that bottle wasn't welcome
anymore. Elle Morte is what they say in French - after finishing a bottle. She's Dead! Well, I decided to Elle Morte this bottle.
Vous Morte! Good Riddance!
Passings 2020
Feb 3/2020 Don Monchil
Don was a lifelong friend from Boeing, a fellow long-time Field Rep,
and a serious historian of world events. During the Korean War,
he flew P-51s and F-86s – here are a few of pictures of him flying during that War.
A few years ago, he visited the Museum, we met up and I took him for a ride in my airplane. He liked that!
Obituary for Donald Lee Monchil – written by himself
Donald Lee Monchil born March 20,1928 at 3 PM in Kansas City, KS. I was
delivered by midwife in a house belonging to my Mother's Aunt. The
depression started in 1930 as did the dust bowl, either alone a
terrible experience. Kansas City was on the east edge of the dust bowl.
Like thousands of other kids the depression affected my childhood. My
father wandered looking for work and Mother worked for a pittance in a
meat packing plant. At three I ended up at my fraternal grandmother's
house in northern Wisconsin. I was lucky because thousands of kids in
the dust bowl died of respiratory diseases. Northern Wisconsin was the
definition of poverty with long cold winters and marginal soil for
farming, but no dust. I lived in different places with various people.
It made me self reliant and adaptable, but withdrawn. At the age of 14,
I went to Chicago to live with a mother I did not know. That didn't
last long and I started another odyssey. Saw a little of the country,
did some interesting things and spent some time on the streets. Somehow
thru all of this, I finished college only because some people helped me
more than I deserved. Finally my life had some order and then I was
drafted for the Korean War. I had no idea where Korea was or why I was
needed. I ended up an Air Force pilot and was assigned to Japan as the
war was winding down. Met Sumie Miyauchi in Tokyo and married her July
21, 1954. We had one son, Allen, born in Renton,WA, October 3, 1955. I
spent 33 continuous years at Boeing in an interesting job. In
retirement I volunteered for AARP for a few years and later became a
docent and volunteered at the Issaquah Fish Hatchery participating for
many years. The hatchery work gave me the opportunity to learn and
realize more deeply, the beauty of nature. Another benefit was the many
new friends. As a young man, I had several serious incidents that could
have cost me my life. I make this point only to illustrate that my long
life and success was the result of luck and the help of selfless
people. My greatest regret is not properly appreciating and thanking
the many generous people who helped me. We moved nine times around the
US plus Germany. The moving was hard on the family and my wife Susan
kept the family together. I can't thank her and our son Allen enough
for adapting and keeping the family working. It wasn't easy. Susan was
the love of my life and my greatest luck was marrying her. If anyone
feels compelled to donate to a charity in my honor, any charity is OK,
but I like the Childrens Hospital, Humane Society or Issaquah Hatchery.
Jon Proctor, 78
Jon was - one of my very best pals for decades - we shared so much
together, in so many ways, and corresponded multiple times a day. I
have all his books, magazine articles etc - plus attended many airliner
conventions and swap meets with him. We traded pictures
endlessly. It was Jon that enticed me into being the Keynote
Speaker at the Airliners International Annual Convention - not once
(PHX 2000 (Phoenix), but again in PDX in 2011 (Portland).
His website has days worth of pictures and text, great airliner pix and
I especially recommend reading the stories about his father and early
flying. Many hours of happy reading and picture viewing
here: https://jonproctor.net/jon-proctor/
I spent several days with him in Sandpoint a year or two back and took him for a ride in my airplane.
I sent Jon a piece about Eastern's Retiree location in MIA closing
down and how the number of living retirees had dwindled to a precious
few. He laughed, and said the exact same thing was happening with
TWA, and in fact, he had just been elected President of the TWA
Retirees. And then he went quiet. When Jon's emails
suddenly stopped, I thought it was strange - especially since I had
sent him some juicy ones - stuff he'd normally knock out of the
park. After a few unsuccessful email inquiries, I began calling
him and leaving voicemails - all without reply. Very worried, I
searched the obits without success until many weeks later, I got a call
from one of his friends who was answering his voicemails. Jon had
had a stroke and lay on the floor for several days until discovered by
a suspicious neighbor, who called police. He lingered for some
months in convalescent homes, greatly impaired, until he blessedly
passed. Very, very sad. There are so very few left who
remember the old days and
with whom I can correspond in a meaningful way, about airlines and
airliners of yore. I could write a huge page about Jon - and
maybe I will. I shed many tears. RIP, Jon - I miss you
so......
Obit
Renowned commercial aviation historian, photographer and author
Jonathan “Jon” Hibbard Proctor, 78, died April 22, 2020, four months
after suffering a stroke, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
A celebration of his life will be held in the Lee Hangar at Sandpoint
Airport on a date to be announced, and a private family service will be
held in Florida, where his ashes will be interred.
Jon was born April 18, 1942, to Capt. Willis Heath Proctor and Lucena
(Wood) Proctor in Chicago and lived in River Forest, Ill., until 1957.
The family then moved to La Jolla, Calif., when his father finished a
long career as an American Airlines pilot, the first to retire under
the “Age 60 Rule.” A pioneering pilot, his father had the distinction
of flying in both world wars and was one of the earliest commercial
pilots.
Growing up in an airline family — brother Bill a TWA pilot,
sister-in-law Ann a TWA hostess, and brother Bob in various positions
with airlines — Jon was destined for a life in aviation. He graduated
from La Jolla High School in 1960, earned an associate’s degree from
Palomar College in 1963 and then took his first aviation job with
Pacific Southwest Airlines in reservations at the San Diego Airport.
Further studies at San Fernando Valley State College ended in 1964 when
he started working for Trans World Airlines. His career with TWA
spanned 28 years, only interrupted by a brief stint at Pan Am. Until
retiring from TWA in 1991, he worked in many departments: passenger
service, dining and commissary, and training at LAX; In-Flight service
at the corporate office in New York City; Director of Customer Service,
an In-Flight management position on the 747 and L-1011; and line flight
attendant. Special assignments included NASA’s inaugural Spaceport
Tours at the Kennedy Space Center as a tour escort in the summer of
1966, training cabin crews on loan to Saudi Arabian Airlines on that
company’s first 747s while based in London in 1977-78, and an
around-the-world TWA charter flight.
Working during the early days of jet travel, Proctor witnessed
aviation’s exciting transition to the Jet Age and its iconic aircraft
types. He had brushes with scores of celebrities, such as Bob Hope, but
foremost through his career, he formed hundreds of friendships and many
lifetimes’ worth of memories. Jon’s hobby of photographing commercial
airliners as a child grew into a lifelong avocation that integrated
well with his post-airline career as a writer and editor of commercial
aviation publications.
After retiring from TWA, Jon worked for Federal Express in Connecticut
as he commenced contributing to Airliners magazine, accepting assistant
editorship a year later. That led to moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, in
1993 along with editor John Wegg, who then started a new magazine,
Airways. Jon transferred to FedEx in Coeur d’Alene, and later his
position with Airways was cut short. Within a few years though, he
became editor-in-chief of World Transport Press’ Airliners magazine and
Great Airliners Series of books. He wrote the first and seventh books
in the series, “Convair 880 & 990” and “Boeing 720.” He went on to
co-author the book “From Props to Jets” and co-edited “Trans World
Airlines — A Book of Memories.”
Retiring again in 2005, Jon lived in Florida for 18 months before
returning to Sandpoint and taking a job at Home Depot in Ponderay. In
his final retirement, Jon volunteered as a docent at Bird Aviation
Museum and Invention Center in Sagle, Idaho, beginning in 2010, where
he enjoyed close association with Drs. Forrest Bird and Pam Riddle Bird
and his family of museum employees and volunteers. He was a member of
the local chapter of EAA, Sandpoint 1441, and a Festival at Sandpoint
volunteer for many years. Jon was affectionately known as “Uncle Jon”
to many and was dubbed with titles such as “Mr. TWA” and “Oh, Lucky
Man.”
Jon was notified in March that he will be the inaugural recipient of
the World Airline Historical Society’s “Paul Collins Award” at
Airliners International 2020 for his outstanding contribution to the
preservation of airline history. He was president and webmaster of TWA
DCS Alumni Association, attended Airliners International conventions
for decades, and shared his expertise through various speaking
engagements. He was known for his kindness, loyalty, humor and
encyclopedic knowledge of the commercial airline industry, particularly
TWA. He loved a good road trip and would map a route around the country
to see family, friends and high points. True baseball fans, Jon and
brother Bill made it a tradition to cover spring training and attend
MLB games together. Jon faithfully rooted for the Chicago Cubs, in
addition to Gonzaga men’s basketball and Clemson football. Jon enjoyed
his daily walks on the Dover Trail and keeping in touch with his wide
circle of friends from around the globe.
He donated his immense collection of commercial airline photography,
framed artwork and memorabilia to the World Airline Historical Society,
where his legacy as an airline historian is cemented.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dick, Bill and
Bob Proctor. A lifelong bachelor who had “a few close calls with
matrimony,” as he put it, he is survived by his sister-in-law Ann
Proctor; nephew Rick Proctor; nieces Penny Beebe, Joanne Proctor
Spevack and Susan Proctor; cousin Dennis Brent and great nieces and
nephews.
Memorial donations may be made in Jon Proctor’s name to Sandpoint EAA
Chapter 1441, P.O. Box 1301, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Look up
jonproctor.net to learn more about his illustrious careers, books and
collection of airline research material.
8/8/2020 Joan Snow
Joan was a 40 year friend of Dot's from Monroe and fellow member of the
Tualco
Valley Homemakers. She ran a berry farm south of town and her
family operated a dairy farm in the valley. She had been staying
in an Assisted Living home for several years, and Dot had been able to
visit with her.
8/31/2020 - Shirley Delaney – B.C.
Shirley was a lifelong friend of Dot’s from childhood in the Magdalen Islands. She was 85.
Passed away in Vancouver on August 31, 2020. She is survived by
her daughter, Anna. To those who knew her, she was a loyal friend. Born
on the Magdalen Islands to the late Oscar Delaney and Hilda Patton
Delaney. Predeceased by her siblings Marjorie, Mary, Oscar Jr. and
Francis. She is survived by her nieces Mary, Louise, Joan and Marjorie
and nephews Gerry and Steven.
A private service has been held. To honour Shirley, please consider an act of kindness to someone in need.
9/15/2020 Brien Wygle
Brien was a Boeing Test Pilot who became my “second Father.”
Based on emails from other folks, he apparently became Second Father to
a lot of people. He was that kind of guy.
I wrote up an extensive Memorial Photo Essay about Brien – you can find it by clicking here.
10/2/2020 Shirley Sutherland
Shirley was the wife of Bruce Sutherland – my long time friend and Boeing colleague. Bruce passed in April 2015.
11/14/2020 Jack Harper 87
Jack was our neighbor and long time good friend. He led an
interesting life, born in the Philippines where his father was
stationed in the Army, and like me, was a life-long student of
history. He had many great WW II stories. R.I.P. good friend.
From the Hansville Log
By Emily Cooper
Fall is here! The leaves are crisp and bright, crinkling underfoot.
But, once you go into the cover of forest
You’ll find it marvelously unchanged.
Fall is implied with some leaves on the ground
Yet ferns and the evergreens stand strong and tall
The scene remains a cascade of bright and dark greens.
The quality of air is the biggest indication of a shift;
It’s changed
Into rich, clear oxygenated breaths
Minty, almost
As the decomposing leaves add their surprisingly fresh, marvelous aroma.
(Strange how Mother Earth can make the decomposition of leaves smell so lovely )
The decomposition of leaves reminds me
That nothing is forever
We are born, we live rich lives, and then we fall back into the earth
And so, I am prompted to live each day fully.
Walking in the Greenway, I become aware of how lucky we are
To still have well-kept forests and trails
That help transform toxic air into fresh air.
It took sometime for the smoke to clear
But now that it has, I’m so grateful
To have cool air that fills and cleanses my lungs.
Today, I walked from Buck Lake to Lower Hawk’s Pond
It’s such a treat when you arrive to the brightness of the pond
To hear the beaver splashing,
Watch ducks flying in and out
And to listen to the sound of the frogs.
You
can follow my activities in much
more
detail on my web site - located here:
http://www.rbogash.com/
or our Family activities in my Family section:
http://www.rbogash.com/Family.html
Copyright 2020 by Robert Bogash. All Rights Reserved.
