Robert Allardyce Obituary

Robert William Allardyce

1922-2013 PITTSFIELD Robert William Allardyce, 90, of 16 Churchill St. died peacefully Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.

Robert, known as "Bob" to his friends and family, was born in Sacramento, California, on September 23, 1922, son of William R. and Addie Wilmot Allardyce.

He graduated from Oakland (California) High School in 1941 and completed an Airplane Engine Mechanics program at the National Youth Administration Vocational School in Sacramento. He graduated from the CAL-Aero Technical Institute in 1946.

Following vocational school Bob was as an airline mechanic at the Sacramento Air Depot at Plane Haven, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1942 and became a flight engineer on B-17 and B-29 aircraft in the Pacific Theater as part of the 6th Bombardment 39th Squadron 20th Air Force in the Marianas. Bob flew photo reconnaissance and bombing missions over Japan from the U.S. base on Tinian Island. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant on Dec. 4, 1945.

After the war Bob married his first wife, Maxine, and lovingly raised two children, Pegi and William. With his second wife Barbara, whom he married in 1974, he raised two children, Dagan and Kimberly, in the Berkshires.

Following World War II he worked as a commercial airline flight engineer and international relief officer, first for Trans Ocean Airlines and then Trans World Airlines (TWA). Bob retired in 1985 after 32 years with TWA. Most notable of the various aircraft Bob flew were the Lockheed Constellation, the Boeing 707 and the Boeing 747.

As an investigator of aircraft crashes, Bob was recognized as an industry expert in navigation and aircraft controls systems. The highlight of this work was an 11-year investigation into the 1983 Korean Airlines Flight 007 tragedy. In 1995 the two-volume book "Desired Track" by Bob and coauthor James Gollin detailed their research and position on events precipitating the passenger aircraft's destruction by a Soviet fighter jet. The work inspired the made-for-television movie "Shootdown."

Bob fought for human and labor rights. As a union leader he was instrumental in securing fair salaries and worker protections for flight engineers of major airlines in the early 1960s. Bob also trained the first African-American flight engineer in U.S. commercial aviation history. Bob's TWA retiree business card reads: "Goodwill Ambassador," a testament to his personality.

An avid reader, intellectual and writer, he contributed frequent letters to the editor and opinion columns to the Berkshire Eagle.

Although his life experiences and accomplishments could fill a novel, Bob's true love was spending quality time with family and friends. A caring and thoughtful father, he gave first priority to children and family at home, traveling, camping or attending sporting events. He touched many people's lives with his love and sense of humor.

Bob leaves his wife, the former Barbara J. Ziehlsdorff, whom he married June 1, 1974; two daughters, Pegi Allardyce of Hayward, California, and Kimberly Allardyce-Moon of Kailua, Hawaii; a son, Dagan Allardyce and his wife Annemarie of Waterbury Center, Vermont; a granddaughter, Isla Allardyce; nieces and nephews on the West Coast; as well as his dog, Ziggy.

He was pre-deceased by a son, William Robert Allardyce, who died November 24, 2008.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield, Massachusetts on Sunday, July 28 from noon to 5 p.m. Readings and remembrances will be held at 2. All who knew Bob are welcome.

To help the family plan accordingly, please email [email protected] if you intend to join the celebration.

Published by The Berkshire Eagle on Jun. 30, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Allardyce

Not sure what to say?





My goodness, I saw Bob and Barbara out at lunch in Great Barrington , expressed my love and Admiration for the two of them for being so kind to me , and making "colored pancakes" for breakfast, Dagan being a great friend to me, I'm honored to know all of you, Bob, tears run down my face, you had an incredible life, and brought us all incredible children, proud to say. Dagan, Kim, I love you and Miss you. Sincerely, Steven M Nichols

Steven Nichols

November 30, 2023

It´s less than one week ago I remembered Robert (Roberta) and our contact according to the Korean Airline 007 incident September 1. 1983. I just learned a lot from Robert about airline crasch investigation and navigation. Even after 8 years since he past away I still miss our interessting correspondance. RIP Robert and best regards from Denmark.

Kai Lund

June 28, 2021

I have but fond memories of Bob. Right now my health being what it is, I expect I'll be seeing him before too long in some corner of the universe. I hope we can both pull up a comfy cloud and have a nice long yak!

Lawrence Geller

Friend

June 25, 2019

My dearest Dad, 9 months gone and it seems as if you left years ago, and it seems like yesterday. And it also seems as if I could just pick up the phone and there you would be. My dearest mentor and friend is gone. Hope you had a good flight, Captain.

Pegi Allardyce

March 8, 2014

With belated sympathy on Bob's passing from one of his good friends, my Mom and Dad,Harriet Huston and Bill Huston who passed away in 2008.

Harriet Huston

November 28, 2013

Bob sounds like a wonderful man and I wish I could have met him--especially since I've been in his neck of the woods several times and didn't even know it. His mother, Addie Wilmot, was my "Grandma Tab." Since I live in MN, and she lived in CA, I didn't get to see her very often. My grandpa, Edwin Wilmot Harder, was Bob's half-brother.
I would like to extend my sympathy to Bob's family.
Jann Anderson

Jann Anderson

August 31, 2013

Thank you fellow air safety advocate. Your story is an inspiration.
The Don Shaw family of Alaska flight #261 - crashed off the coast of L.A., 1/31/2000

July 25, 2013

On behalf of the National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation, founded by air crash survivors and family members, we remember and honor Bob Allardyce as one of the finest people dedicated to aviation safety of his generation.
His work on KL007 was the best in recommending the true probably cause, and his dedication meant so much to the KL007 family members.
His work for safety and security was always in the interest to serve others. Bob was a man for all seasons and we thank him for his life's work for others. Gail Dunham, Executive Director, NADA/F, www.PlaneSafe.org

Gail Dunham

July 24, 2013

July 17, 2013

Thank you Bob for your insightful contributions to Airways magazine. I very much enjoyed our contacts.

With respect, admiration, and gratitude.

John Wegg

July 4, 2013

May you be comforted by knowing your Bob is missed by so many people of the "Aviation Family". With blessings from above, SFO folks,Ivan and Rose

Ivan Turner

July 3, 2013

To Barbara and Family, I can honestly say that Bob opened my eyes in wonder each and every time I was lucky enough to over extend my monthly visits all these years. His kind wisdom was given freely and I can honestly say his advice has given me food for thought that will last a lifetime. I must say it has been an honor to have known him. From my heart I am sorry for your loss.

John Budaj

July 2, 2013

Dear Barbara, Pegi, Dagan and Kim.
Words cannot express how sorry I am about this loss. I never knew Bob personality, however through all the loving stories I have heard through Pegi,I feel as if I did. My heart goes out to you at this time. I pray that Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will see you through. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Susan Watson

Susan Watson

July 2, 2013

Bob was a great soul and a loving friend. He shared his vision with all.

Michael Lawless

July 2, 2013

What a special man we had the luxury of sharing time with for 37 years! Bob was the best story teller and he had a plethora of experiences to share. He regaled us with them often and we will miss those times. He will be sorely missed. xo Helen and Bill

July 2, 2013

Barbara, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your beloved Bob. I always appreciated reading his letters to the editor; he had a good way of writing with clarity. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the memorial, but will be with you in thought and prayer.

Bill Frazier

July 2, 2013

An old advisor passed away. R.I.P. Bob

Kai Lund

July 2, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to the family.

The Tullock family

July 2, 2013

I didn't know Bob personally - but he is family and a kindred spirit. I have been an Air Traffic Controller for 33-years so I can appreciate all of Bob's many notable accomplishments. Bob was kind enough to send me a copy of his book a few years ago. A fantastic account. The family is much richer for having had him amongst us.

Jim Allerdice

July 1, 2013

We first became friends flying together to Vietnam in 1968 and for 45 years flew, laughed, drank beer and even skiied together all one winter at Lake Tahoe. Much of his misspent (his term) youth was enjoyed at the Russian River, where I now reside, and I frequently think of him... and smile!

don draper

July 1, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Allardyce family. Bob was a member of my family, the TWA family. I met him nearly 50 years ago. Bob became a trusted advisor and mentor to me and I treasured our friendship. Bob was a wonderful generous soul and he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Nancy Lusk

July 1, 2013

i knew Bob but a short time, but long enough to get a sense of just how special he was. I particularly appreciated his sense of humor and deep love for his family - Sudha

July 1, 2013

How can I possibly begin to describe what an extraordinary human being and dear friend Bob Allardyce was? I have never known anyone as caring and giving as Bob. In a hundred different ways he made me a better person. I am am proud to have had him as a a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with him now as he sets out on an extraordinary adventure. I know that one day when I myself begin that journey he will be there with a smile and a helping hand.....not to mention a story or two!

Larry Geller

July 1, 2013

A writing collaboration of 30 years was a friendship of 30 years, with never a harsh word between us. Bob was the most transparently good human being I have ever known. His life was a blessing to me, to my wife, to our family --as to many another -- and we will always remember.

Jane and James Gollin

July 1, 2013

Our writing collaboration of 30 years was also a friendship of 30 years, with never a harsh word between us. Bob was the most transparently good human being I have ever known. His life is a blessing to me, my wife and our family, as to many another, forever.

Jane and James Gollin

July 1, 2013

A fine man and a good friend

Gene Richards

July 1, 2013

July 1, 2013

July 1, 2013

July 1, 2013

I have known Bob only by exchanging emails, but that was enough for me to
feel his humanity, honesty and intellectual seriousness.
In the impossibility to be physically close to him and his beloved in this
sad circumstances, I want to express my deep gratitude for the enormous job
he has done and my grief for such a loss.

My poor english does not allow me to fully express what I feel and would
like to say,

Vincenzo Lucherini, Manziana (Italy)

Vincenzo Lucherini

July 1, 2013

Mr. Allardyce was the nicest man I had ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always so welcoming. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Allardyce family.. Especially to Kim who I had the honor of calling my friend. My prayers and love go out to you all.

Natasha

Natasha Latini

June 30, 2013

To Bob's family we are so sorry for the loss of your one.
Friends of Mr. Bill's

Rose and Mac

June 30, 2013

I will never forget mornings at your house, making pancakes, apple butter, and the creations we would make! Hanging from the monkey bars, playing hockey in the basement, and seeing Bob smile and laugh! He was one of a kind and I'm glad I can say I knew him! The the "CHURCHILL" clan! Prayers and thoughts with all of you!!!

Jessica (Baker) MacDowell

June 30, 2013

Bob was such a great advocate for making the Pittsfield airport safer - not expanding it. He will be missed by all of us whom he helped in that battle.

Jane Winn

June 30, 2013

Dear Barbara and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss. "Robair" was a special person in our life. Know that your are in our thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy from all of the Wadsworth's

June 30, 2013

Mr. Allardyce's passing is a big loss to the community. I always learned from his letters to the editor. I'm impressed to read of his life and glad to know that he was part of a loving family. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Sara Hathaway

June 30, 2013

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