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Joshua Brehm Obituary
He was captain at Southwest Airlines, where he had worked for the last ten years. Flying was Josh's passion and he spent many happy years with Southwest and in his own planes. He was also a supporter of Young Eagles and Wright Flight, programs that teach children about flying.
Josh is survived by his wife, Laura Gantt; mother, Suzanne Craig of Nova Scotia; sister, Jennifer Guevara also of Nova Scotia; stepmother, Catherine Chapman; sister-in-law, Madeline Gantt; brother-in-law, Samuel Fox Gantt; and his best friend, David Stroup.
He is also survived by his flight family at EAA Chapter 1423 at South Oaks Aerodrome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to EAA 1423/Young Eagles, 5245 County Home Rd., Winterville, NC 28590 or a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral and Crematory.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Brehm
Hank Jarrett
July 25, 2024
Another year passes and I still remember you and Laura often. Miss you more than can be expressed and still think of you every time I fly. I feel you with me and often touch the parts in my plane that came from yours. You will always be with me in spirit. Good friends are forever.
Hank Jarrett
July 24, 2023
It just doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Josh was a great friend and I think of him often. You will not be forgotten Josh. I miss you my friend.
Hank Jarrett
July 24, 2022
Hank Jarrett
July 24, 2022
Hank Jarrett
July 24, 2022
How can it possible have been so long since we lost Josh. I think of him and Laura often and miss my friend so much. The restoration of his plane is moving forward and she will be a true monument to his love of flying and in particular of his Taylorcraft. She is being restored as he and I discussed so many times to factory original in every way possible. Several of the non-period correct parts added over the years have been replaced with the correct parts and several of those removed are flying now in my own Taylorcraft. I feel Josh is somehow with me when I fly and I can often hear his sage advice in the air. He will be with me forever. I hope Laura can remember all the great times and hope someday she will be able to see his plane restored as we talked about it so many times. A real tribute to a great friend who is sorely missed.
Love to Laura and hope to hear from you. You and Josh will never be forgotten.
Charles Umstead
July 25, 2021
Josh was one our finest pilots at Southwest Airlines.
We commuted together to our base in Baltimore from RDU.
My brother Ed Camp, also SWA pilot, says he and Josh shared a crash pad in Chicago when they were both temporarily based there. I was a Flight Attendant, now retired.
I'm sure Josh would have enjoyed celebrating Southwest's 50th anniversary even in these challenging times.
Respects, Chuck Umstead
Keith Cunningham
September 6, 2020
Hard to believe it's been 10 years. Spread your wings and fly high josh. You will never be forgotten.
Martin Towsley
July 24, 2020
I cannot believe it has been 9 years, I originally heard while at Airventure in Oshkosh. Josh was an internet and phone friend with a common love of Taylorcraft airplanes. I have a couple of his instrument panel placards and one of his throttle knobs in my Taylorcraft. It is hard to forget him with these wonderful reminders.
Tony Falletta
August 16, 2011
Josh, my friend, i miss you. You were a shining light in this world. I think of you and cant help but smile. Rest in peace my old 1900 bud.
Rabon/Glenda Wilkins
August 10, 2011
There is a silence on the runway, a light too soon gone out. No one 'home' at hangar number 10. Yet Josh, you linger in the breeze, and forever in our hearts. Love to Laura, and family.
Brian MacDonald
August 9, 2011
It is with great sadness I share my condolences with Joshua's family and friends. I also went to school with him in Mabou, NS. We camped out together and shared lots of laughs. We even pranked a few teachers. Joshua's passing brings sadness but my memories of him will always bring smiles. God Bless.
Annette MacLellan
August 9, 2011
My sincere condolences, Joshua was a classmate of mine in Mabou. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shawna O'Hearn
August 9, 2011
In the '80s in a small school in rural Cape Breton, Joshua was one of my classmates. I am saddened to hear of his passing and send my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The world is a little sadder place without his presence and spirit.
Steven Roth
August 9, 2011
There just are no words to ease this loss.
Beyond perhaps this: Josh LIVED.
He didn't watch life go by, making plans and having goals, and dreams, and ambitions unfulfilled. He seized life. He flew, he rode, he learned, he explored, he cobbled impossible projects.
And he shared the joy with anyone who would listen.
He will not be forgotten.
Greg Hamilton
August 4, 2011
Capt. Greg Hamilton
Josh.
I can't believe you are gone. The month would go by so fast as we talked about small plane flying. In the pilot lounge you would always asked about my airplane. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to your wife and family. To all great pilots gone West.
Greg Hamilton
Greg Hamilton
August 4, 2011
Josh.
I can not believe you are gone. I really enjoyed flying with you. Just to talk about small airplanes and the fun of flying them. The time would go by so fast. When in the Pilot lounge you always asked about my airplane. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your wife and Family. My deepest condolences.
Greg Hamilton
Debbie and Ron MacDonell
August 3, 2011
We are in shock. I remember Suzanne you were so proud showing off your handsome son at the Farmers Market in Mabou. He grew into such a fine gentleman. His life was way too short! The Community of Mabou mourns with you and all Josh's family and friends. You are close to our hearts. Be strong!
Stephanie Johnson
August 3, 2011
For Josh's family; I have fond memories of flying with Josh back in the day. YUM-PHX and back and forth.. He had a great sense of humor and always stayed cool under pressure, which was no small feat. I wish you my sincerest condolences. Stephanie (Malby) Johnson
Stacey Rice
August 2, 2011
I cannot believe that Josh is gone...I will always remember his kind smile and quick wit. Josh was new to SWA when I first started working in the BWI Chief Pilot's Office and we became friends. My sincere condolences to Laura and Josh's other family members for a loss of someone so special who is gone too soon.
Wendy Mabe
August 2, 2011
Josh,
You're definitely one of the best! I can still see your smile & how easily you made me laugh. SWA lost one of it's greatest. My heartfelt prayers for your wife & family through this hard time.
Larry Lyons
August 1, 2011
Josh, Gods Speed! Your time here was far too short. Although I had not met you, I knew you and what you were about through the Taylorcraft Foundation.
Jeff Hancock
August 1, 2011
Josh, you always impressed me with your manner and professionalism, and were such a role model for all of us. Although we never got to fly together, I always looked forward to the day we could. We LUV and miss you bro.
August 1, 2011
Josh ....we will all miss you dearly. Your smile will always be remembered. Your gift of wings lives on......
Jason & Jennifer Grieff
Alice Whitley
August 1, 2011
I offer my sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Josh. May God give you strength, understanding, guidance, and peace, as only He can provide.
www.griefshare.org
Bob & Jayne Bennett
August 1, 2011
Josh was a fine man, a valued companion, friend and co-worker. He will be missed by every life he touched.
Chuck Avon
August 1, 2011
Though we only knew you a short while, you filled us all with such joy. The joy we all shared as you showed your love and joy of flying. It was contagious. Rest well Josh
Steve Green
August 1, 2011
Rest in peace, Josh. The lives you touched will be all the better for having been so lucky as to know you or learn from you.
Carol Sauro
July 31, 2011
I'll continue to treasure Josh's incredible sense of humor and his quick smile. Laura and family, I pray for your peace and that the memories you have will last a lifetime. We should all live life to the fullest, as Josh did.
July 31, 2011
It is so hard to loose someone so special. Josh will never be forgotten because of all of the people he touched.
One life well spent can provide a lifetime of memories
Keep the memories of his wisdom to guide your decisions
Keep the memories of his strength to guide your resolve
Keep the memories of his tenderness to guide your compassion
Keep the memories of his love to heal your heart
Keep the memories of his life so you will never really be apart.
Hank Jarrett
Gary Austin
July 31, 2011
To the Brehm family, I lost my 23 year old son January 9th this year, it can't be put in to words the feeling, all I can say is I have been praying for the family.
Robyn
July 31, 2011
To the Brehm family: I am sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that your family gains comfort & strength from the comforting words of the Bible.
Michaels
July 31, 2011
To Josh family, I am sorry for your loss. I hope that God blessings you and the family with comfort and support you through this time of grief.
Chuck Umstead
July 31, 2011
Dear Brehm Family, it was my honor to know Josh as a fellow Southwest Airlines employee. We commuted together often from RDU to Baltimore International Airport for our trips. I will miss visiting with Josh. He was a Quality man and will surely be missed by his Family and co-workers. Prayers, Chuck and Nancy Umstead.
July 31, 2011
To all of Josh's family and friends, Josh always carried a smile on his face. Whenever, I think about him I will remember the smile and joy he always seemed to exude. May all of you be comforted by remembering that precious smile everytime you think of him. Kathy Deal, Greenville, NC
Michelle Hunt
July 31, 2011
Laura I just heard of the news while here in Illinois. I can't begin to express my sympathy for you. You spoke so highly of Josh and I know he was a wonderful husband and friend to you. I am praying for you and thinking of you. Please know that I'm here for you if you need anything.
Keith Cunningham
July 30, 2011
Josh, I will never forget you. We had many good times in school. We never did keep in touch after graduation. But you will always be remembered...
David Johnston
July 30, 2011
Josh I will miss your quick and casual smile while commuting to work. I know your family is broken-hearted and I am so sorry for them. My prayers are with them.
Charlotte Wilson-Hammond
July 30, 2011
While we only met Joshua once in Mabou, Nova S
cotia we know what an incredible loss this is to his family and our warmest condolences go to Suzanne, Daniel and Jennifer with love from from Charlotte and Gordon
July 30, 2011
Joshua was a wonderful person. His ready smile is unforgettable. I'll not stop thinking about him and will cherish the part of our lives that we shared. His Aunt Sylvia (father's sister)
Chris Acosta
July 30, 2011
Josh you're the best of the best and an absolute pleasure to work with! Your quick smile and jovial attitude made every flight a joy and will be sorely missed! The Southwest family lost one of its greatest!
My deepest love and condolences to your family!
Jennifer Lanham
July 30, 2011
Joshua was well loved by many. We will miss him at the RDU airport. He was a kind soul that always had a smile on his face and a helping hand. My condolences to the family.
July 30, 2011
Josh was my son Nate's godfather, and he took to the job in the best way possible. He and Laura would fly in for lunch and a quick pleasure flight once or twice a year, and it was always a fantastic time. He sent flying-related toys and tools for xmas and birthdays. My wonderful cousin. I'll miss him so much.
On behalf of Adam and Nate, and my mom, Josh's aunt Linda, our deepest condolences.
July 30, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Josh's death today. He and I were in Captain upgrade together in June '07 and I was and will always be impressed by his intelligence and Fun LUVing attitude. Godspeed my friend. John Hallock and family Nashville, IL
Tom Little
July 30, 2011
You touched the lives of many. Those who benefited from your big, happy smile will miss you as well as your passion for aviation.
Gone West, skies clear, ceiling and visibiltiy unlimited!
Marty Towsley
July 30, 2011
I have never met Josh personally, only through e-mails and his love for Taylorcraft airplanes. I was hoping someday I would get to meet him. I know that I, and many of his fellow Taylorcraft owners, are devastated at the loss of Josh and will sorely miss this wonderful young man. My deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
July 30, 2011
Laura, Tony and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers daily.
Angie and Tony Smart
Winterville, NC
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