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BORN

1943

DIED

2016

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Moody-Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Services

10170 Hwy 19 N. Zebulon Rd.

Zebulon, Georgia

Phillip LaBERGE Obituary

LaBERGE, Phillip May 6, 1943 May 17, 2016 Concord Mr. Phillip Raymond LaBerge, age 73, of Concord, died peacefully in his home surrounded with family and friends on May 17, 2016. Phillip was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He flew F-8 Crusaders as a Photo Reconnaissance pilot off the USS Hancock and the USS Bonne Homme Richard. After his military service, he became a pilot for Delta Airlines. His 34 year career included flying many various aircraft, being a line-check airman, instructing in the training department, and culminated in his retirement as Captain on the MD-11. He was also instrumental in designing the McDonald Douglas MD-11, MD-80 and MD-88 flight simulator visual systems. He and his wife, Lynda, whom he also taught to fly, started Pandora Aviation in 2004, a soaring flight school. In 2015, he was nominated Instructor of the Year by the Soaring Society of America. Phillip was loved by hundreds of people whom he taught to fly both powered aircraft and sailplanes. He will be "soarly" missed by all. Phillip was a true renaissance man. He spoke fluent French, was a novelist and musician. Having inherited his love of music from his mother, Claire Coci, an accomplished concert organist, he studied the trumpet at Indiana University. Bach was always his favorite composer. He was also a talented artist, and dabbled in painting, drawing, and photography. He was commissioned by the US Navy to make artistic drawings of naval aircraft. As an ardent animal lover, he kept a farm full of horses, cats, and dogs, never turning away a stray. He bred Percheron Draft Horses with his daughter Holly, producing multiple National champions. His daughter, Marie-Claire, continues his legacy as a commercial pilot. His passion for flight and love of animals was manifested in the community he built at Meadowlark, the airport and farm that remains his legacy today. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard R. LaBerge and Claire Coci, and his twin brother, Bernard Emile LaBerge in 2011. Phillip is survived by his wife: Lynda LaBerge; daughters and a son-in-law: Holly and Wayne Leslie of Griffin and Marie-Claire LaBerge of Concord; step-daughter and her husband: Carey and John Speer of Oklahoma; grandchildren: Pierce LaBerge and Tucker Cawthon. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, May 21, from 1-3 p.m., at Brooks United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m., at the church. Rev. Craig Hembree and Rev. David Adamson will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Soaring Society of America, www.ssa.org, P.O. Box 2100, Hobbs, NM 88241. A follow-up celebration is scheduled for all friends and family to attend on May 28, 2016, at Peach State Aerodrome in Williamson, GA. A party in his honor will be held at 6 p.m., with an open bar, buffet and fly-by at the Barnstormer's Grill and Museum. Moody-Daniel Funeral Home in Zebulon is in charge of arrangements. www.moodydaniel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip LaBERGE

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Guy Cooper

May 13, 2022

Can“t believe how time flies by. Miss you, Phil, God Bless

NL Mackey

March 19, 2019

I met Phil in 1999. His neighbor, Hank, was a friend. Phil took me for a ride in his Globe Swift. We took off, did some rolls, then found one of his friends flying in a Taylorcraft. We flew up beside the Taylorcraft, waved at Phil's friend, then Phil pulled up, did a half roll around the Taylorcraft and pulled up on the Taylorcraft's other wing. Needless to say, the student pilot was very nervous and the instructor just shook his head. I'll never forget that ride. Phil had skill. It wasn't until many years later that I found out Phil's history and that he was highly respected by many Delta pilots. His bred and skill are sorely missed. Blue skies and tail winds to Phil!

Sidewinders mounted on F8

January 28, 2019

Besides DNA from our common ancestor, Robert de la Berge, it appears that he and I share(d) more than just that. My name is Philip Charles LaBerge and I am the owner of Maison Laberge which was built by our ancestor in Quebec in 1660. I speak French and live in Dallas, TX. My father, Walt, was a co-inventor of the Sidewinder missile which was undoubtedly mounted on his F-8 in Vietnam. He too was thought of as a renaissance man (see walterlaberge.com). It's unfortunate that fate never brought us together. I am happy to say that I recently went soaring in New Zealand and was thrilled by the experience. What a great life my namesake, Phillip LaBerge, had.

Philip LaBerge
(laberge.info)

November 15, 2018

I am speaking to Phill La Berge, who was a student at Indiana University [1962- 1963] and and learning to fly SEL planes at the BMG airport.

Phil an I were great social friends and, as a young [19 years old] CFI, I flew with Phil for much of his private pilot certificate. I think that I recommended him for his Private Pilot certificate.

He and I shared memorable experiences both in aviation and also as young I.U. Students growing up as 19 year old college buddies.

[Details retracted].

With regrets, Phill and I lost contact with each other during the summer of 1963, when I busted an Army physical exam that ended my military aspirations as a Warrant Officer Pilot and also young career in aviation.

My last contact with Phil was during the Summer of 1963, when his financee called me with the news of his marriage.

I regret so much not maintaining contact , though I am so fulfilled by knowing of his disttinguished flying career and particularly Phill's service to his country.

My hope is that I have not been mistaken writing this....our age, Delta, distinguished military career, causes me to be certain that I am correct.

I proudly hang in my living room, and have done so for the last 50 or so years two enhanced photographs Phill took of me at BMG with his Polaroid camera , posing in WW II pilot gear [my employer was a WWII F4U pilot] attempting to hand-prop a F8-F .

Those pictures have kept phil in my memories literally sense we last saw each other.

I so hope I am speaking of the Phil LaBerge I knew as a young and proud fellow aviator and friend.

I would really appreciate any affirmation that I am correct.

David Frye
Indianpolis, Indiana

[email protected]

Richard Jarry

August 17, 2016

Upon my return from a WestPac cruise on the USS Oriskany with VF 162 stationed at NAS Miramar, I met Lt. Phillip LaBerge. He was an F8 pilot with VFP63 and shared a hangar with my squadron. During the WestPac cruise I was inspired and motivated to learn to fly and became a member of the Armed Forces Aero Club at Montgkmery Field.
Lt. LaBerge taught me to fly and earn my Private FAA license in less than 60 days. He was scheduled to leave for a Vietnam cruise in July of 68. The Lt. was my inspiration and mentor. I remember on my solo flight training , he would allow me to use his car to go to Montgomery Field. I will always remember the Marines saluting me as I return to base in the Lt's car. I still smile to this day. Phil LeBerge touched my life and inspired me to be the best I could be. Upon my discharge from the Navy in 68, I enrolled at the Ohio State University and graduated with BA degree in 1973. I have often thought about my mentor many times over the years. God Bless him.

Carmela Giacobello

May 28, 2016

Prayers and warm thoughts for Phil, Lynda and family. Regrets...wish I could have shared more time together, but love the promise that he is with our heavenly Father and with his family that are there to greet him. Au Revoir (goodbye until we meet again)and God bless.

Jim Guckian

May 24, 2016

I met Phil when we spent most of a cold Winter of 1988 in Binghamton, New York checking out Delta's first MD-88 flight simulator at the Link facility. I worked with him a lot over the next 5 years or so doing simulator checkouts and certifications at Delta. I didn't see him around Delta much after he went back to line flying, and the last time I recall seeing him in person was on a visit to show some friends the Delta simulators during the 1996 Olympics. Five years ago I exchanged e-mail messages with him after seeing his business card on the Flight Safety bulletin board when I was there for a seminar. I'm shocked to learn of his death. I'd always hoped to take him up on his offer to visit him at Meadowlark. My condolences to his family and friends.

Guy Cooper

May 23, 2016

I met Phil as a pilot wannabe and he took me under his wing, encouraging me, mentoring me and guiding me through my formative years as a pilot. I wouldn't be where I am today without his teaching, counsel and advice, not to mention his sincere and valuable friendship. I will miss him terribly specifically our long "natters" on the phone. Farewell Captain - blue skies and tailwinds.

May 23, 2016

I served in the Delta Training Department with Phillip for several years. In addition to being a superior flight instructor, he was the best we had at inspecting and approving new flight simulators. This was a high-tech procedure which few could accomplish. Phil was always available to take on whatever additional time was required to get a new simulator ready for duty. He was always ready to go above and beyond for any Delta requirement.

Phil Laberge was a great asset to Delta Air Lines and the Navy.He will be sorely missed by all the Delta community.

Ed Moir
CAPT, Delta Air Lines, Retired
CAPT, USNR, Ret.

Alan Price

May 23, 2016

Long before I was Chief Pilot of Delta's pilot base in Atlanta, I knew Phil in the training department. Then, and through the years which followed, Phil was one of those uniquely gifted men who did everything well. One of the things he did best was make friends, and I can say he was one of the warmest, most considerate friends a man could have. Phil would drop in the Chief Pilot's office to chat and catch up on things, and we could just share together without any agenda or pretense. I pray for Phil and family and know they know what a great legacy of service to others Phil leaves behind. God Bless.

David K Campbell

May 21, 2016

Phillip inspired with a fantastic attitude and great advice. I will miss the opportunity to work with him again. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Michael Price

May 21, 2016

Phillip had a love for whatever he did. He was in love with flying and the sharing of this special gift with others who might feel it too. He was a true professional, he knew his trade from every aspect. He taught me how to fly and while I will never have his mastery I have come to love it too and felt as if he was my second dad. He loved his wife and his daughters, always thinking of them and wishing them happiness. He was delighted when one of his daughters came back to flying so he could share a little more of what he loved with whom he loved. He paced anxiously every moment of her first solo but was the proudest dad in Georgia upon her perfect landing. Whatever he focused upon, he did it well and I would hope to do as well. To our dearest friend whom we could not help but to love in return, fair winds and following seas.

Craig Stienecker

May 20, 2016

I greatly enjoyed flying with Phil at Delta, he always seemed to have a positive attitude in everything that he did.

Robert Lomba

May 20, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to the LaBerge family. I was in Naval flight training with Phil and later flew with him on the USS Bon Homme Richard in Viet Nam, and then again when I came with Delta. He was the ultimate professional and always upbeat about everything he did. The world is a better place because of Phil.

Bill Williamsm

May 20, 2016

Phillip was a great pilot and an even better instructor. Working with him in flight training was an excellent learning experience. Goodbye to a friend

John Dearie

May 20, 2016

Lynda and Family,

I flew several times with Phil and worked with him in the training department. He was so enjoyable to fly with, so intelligent, a great pilot, truly a renaissance man. Shocked and saddened to read of his untimely death, I wish I had known he was ill. You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my thoughts and prayers. I too will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.

Don Allen

May 19, 2016

Phil and I were classmates when we went to work for Delta. Great guy, always a big smile. God bless the family. I am so sorry. Don Allen

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Memorial Events
for Phillip LaBERGE

May

21

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Brooks United Methodist Church

GA

May

21

Funeral service

3:00 p.m.

Brooks United Methodist Church

GA

May

28

Celebration of Life

6:00 p.m.

Barnstormer's Grill and Museum

Williamson, GA

Funeral services provided by:

Moody-Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Services

10170 Hwy 19 N. Zebulon Rd. P.O. Box 756, Zebulon, GA 30295

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