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Heath Bottomly
1919 - 2016
Heath Bottomly
1919 - 2016
Obituary
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Heath Bottomly Obituary
Col. Heath "Bo" Bottomly was born in Chinook, Montana on September 30, 1919. He was a graduate of the University of Montana and the West Point class of 1944, and a decorated fighter pilot who served in the Pacific in World War II, and later, in Vietnam and Thailand. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he was a Christian speaker, storyteller, writer and coach. He died peacefully at home in Winchester, California on October 24, 2016. Col. Bottomly was preceded in death by his daughter, Viki Jagger, and his first wife, Elizabeth Bottomly. He is survived by his wife, Penny Bottomly, his brothers, Richard and Forbes, his sister Elizabeth Withington, his children Roc Bottomly, Kirk Bottomly, Sheri Carlson and Kris Hurst, 12 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. He will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery, California at 11 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Col. Bottomly's name to Wounded Veterans Initiative: cci.org/veterans
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Douglas Gustafson
November 9, 2024
I'll always remember Colonel Bo. He was my next-door neighbor in Boulder Creek,CA in the '70's. We both owned 20acres. Bo had a huge 8bdr two story home. I had a 1-wall redwood cabin. We shared the water supply. Spring on Bo; storage tank on me. Then, he was still on active duty. He had his own jet fighter for commuting to DC. I was a longhair Coast Guard Veteran. We got along very well as peers. We were often out of water and fixing pipes together because his horses would step on the lines. I looked after his horses when no one was home. I'm pleased, but unsurprised he lived so long. He was always full of energy. God bless Bo and his family...
Bob Roberts
March 24, 2023
Rest in peace beloved warrior and friend.
Jean Ball
January 20, 2023
I was blessed to know Bo through Black Hills CFO. He was youth group leader and taught 'prayer in action'. He was a humble, brave, funny soul. RIP
Kirk
January 16, 2023
He was a great man. Who I was blessed to meet while serving in the marines. Got to spend time with him and other marines from our unit. He was a true American hero
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Robert Emanuel
August 28, 2021
I was teaching in 1980 at Boca Raton, FL Christian School when the Colonel was present at the associated church in the winter conference season (Bibletown). I was teaching a senior political science course and inquired if the Colonel could speak to my students about Vietnam and the Cold War. With his wealth of historical experience and an obvious love for youth, he was a "Grand Slam" with my class. But well-woven into his talk was his personal testimony that spoke much about a man's man who was yet humble and walked with the Lord, making him the epitome of a Godly man. Not many like him then, and certainly not now. When he spoke to you, you felt his focus on only you, eyes straight at you, interested in nobody else for the moment. WOW! An experience my kids wanted to go on for another class period!!
Reginald Harrell
March 20, 2020
I was assigned to the 355th Security SPolice Squadron Sep1969 to Sep 1970.
During my tour of duty I was assigned to the Trailer court called Colonels row
Where Col. Bottomley resided. I was permanently assigned as the Security Policeman Airman first Class who provided security for the Colonel. Great leader highly respected by all assigned
Personnel Ret Master Sergeant Rrggie Harrell. U.S. Air Force Security Policeman.
John Serlet
May 3, 2019
I was a young airman in 1967. He was assigned to bring the A-37 aircraft to Vietnam for testing in combat. I was part of that squadron (604th ACS).
He was a great leader and motivator
CHAPLAIN (LTC) LESLIE SIMONSON
August 17, 2018
I WAS A NEW CHAPLAIN IN THE ARMY AT FORT POLK , LA IN 1976 WHEN I HEARD OF THE COL AND HAD THE CHANCE TO INVITE HIM TO SPEAK TO THE TROOPS... IT WAS AN AMAZING TIME FOR ME AND OUR WHOLE BASE... HE CAME IN IN UNIFORM AND SPOKE TO THE TROOPS IN ALL CHAPELS AND BASE THEATER ... A TRUE MAN OF GOD .. MANY SOLDIERS WERE TOUCHED AND GAVE THEIR LIVES TO THE LORD DUE TO HIS VISIT... I USED THE FILM OF HIS LIFE FOR MANY YEARS AFTER AS HIS MINISTRY CONTINUED.. THANK YOU COL FOR YOUR YEARS OF FAITH FOR THE LORD....
Johnny Resetarits
July 10, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting Colonel Bo when he volunteered at a Christian retreat in the Rocky Mountains called CFO. He had full command of a group of 15 plus youth, ranging from ages 13-18. He created incredibly creative "war games" and scavenger hunts for us to participate in all around camp grounds. Each game was a lesson in toughness and perseverance. Thank you for toughening up a once scrawny kid! The world needs more Bo's!!!
January 8, 2018
I had the good fortune of growing up in an Air Force family. My father served from 1941 to 1971 and had many stops along the way. In the late 50s to early 60s we were stationed at Bentwaters AFB in the UK. Col. Bottomly was my little league coach there for a couple of years as I remember. His son Roc was one of my best friends. He was such a strong presence both off and on the field. I wish we could have stayed in touch
over the years. The good news is I'll see him again, when it's my time to depart.
Jerry Brooks
Redlands, Ca
mike cerise
November 10, 2017
I had the fortune to meet Col. Bo at Thkhli . I was an egress tech and personally meet him at the base pool. I was the only one there until a party of pilots showed up (for ever reason). Col. Bo told one of the crew to ask me to join them in what ever their party was about. I didn't know it was the wing boss who present. best wing commander I had ever worked for. (38 yrs. in military). In my office, as Aerospace supr. the only thing that hung on my wall was a picture or Col. Bo.
Jack Knox
October 8, 2017
Met this great man at a Methodist men's retreat yrs ago. Was such a wonderful speaker and story teller. Got irritated with me and a few friends due to the fact we played basketball till 12:30 Friday night kept him awake. Then he laughed at us. Was. Great man
Jeff De Shazo
July 4, 2017
It was my distinct honor to have served as Bo's assistant at the TN CFO camp in July of 2003. My son at the time was 12 years old & loved getting to hang out with Col 'Bo' & the youth. Bo was roughly 83 years of age at the time & at first the youth were highly skeptical of Bo due to his age. However, virtually overnight the youth bought into Bo & responded superbly to his leadership & team building exercises. His walk with the Lord & humility was more than inspiring. He made a huge impact on my son & I and am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve under his leadership - it was one of the biggest joys of my life.
Colonel Bottomley welcoming Thai Princess
Edward Juarez
June 30, 2017
My condolences to his family my name is Edward Juarez served with him 69 to 1970 Royal Thai Air Force Base as sergeant Edward Juarez, may he rest in peace a Great Commander Person. Drove him to and from flight Line and several Uso shows on base.
Daniel Campeau
June 28, 2017
Bo was a mentor for me growing up at CFO camp. Bo had a lot to offer to the youth of this world. Thank you sir for all that you where and best of all thank you for your service.
Peter Jackson
May 6, 2017
I was touched by his Christian testimony. It was genuine and real. I was in the AF, but not until the late '70s. Woild have been nice to meet him.
Barb Reese
January 13, 2017
I used to work at the Grey Squirrel in Idyllwild, where the Colonel lived. We sold his books in the store and he used to come in to check on their sales and to bring more books. He was a friendly guy and I always enjoyed chatting with him. I've been wondering about him for a long time, since I hadn't seen him up here. Rest in Peace Col. Bo. You have been and will be missed. Barb Reese
Diance Reynolds
December 24, 2016
I happened upon Col. Bottomly's obituary today 12/24/16 Christmas eve and I remember the Christmas eve night in 1969 the Col. was on the flight line shaking hand's and wishing all the airman a Merry Christmas that would have been 47 yrs. ago tonight may he rest in peace.
December 19, 2016
I served under Colonel Bottomly from the end of 1969 to the end of 1970. He had BBQ's at the end of every month where you could purchase a raffle ticket, for 50 cents for a ride in a F-105. I would spend sometime $5 or $10 to win the raffle. I never won, though. He created a great environment over the entire base. Even though were over 10,000 miles from home, it still pretty good duty serving under the Colonel.
Bill Ledgewood 355 FMS AGE 69-70
Dick Williams
December 18, 2016
I served the same tour of duty at Takhli RTAFB as Col. Bottomly. We flew up on the same up country courier fight May 27th, 1969.
I briefed weather for him daily for the 5 o'clock Commander's Stand Up briefing and for his combat missions in the F-105.
My privilege to know him and provide weather briefings to Col. Bo and the other F-105 and EB-66 crews. A great group of men in the 355th TAC Fighter Wing.
larry Apple
December 16, 2016
also served col bottomly at takhli crew chief 333tfs what a dynamic person
December 11, 2016
I served under Colonel Bottomly while stationed at Takhli RTAFB, Thailand. He was the best Base Commander that I had during my four years in the United States Air Force. RIP
December 10, 2016
A great Commander. Rest in peace Colonel.
Bill Dunning (Takhli)
William Thompson
December 10, 2016
I served under the Colonel at Takhli RTAFB, the Colonel gave me ride from the movie theater to my barrack. In that short ride I knew I was in the presence of a gentleman and a true American Hero
Don Morgan
December 9, 2016
The Colonel was the 355TFW Commander at Takhli RTAFB Thailand. A great guy loved by the airmen. Our condolences to the family.
Brenda DeLuna
November 27, 2016
I am very thankful to have gotten a chance to know Bo. Bo welcomed our youth group from Trinity Lutheran Church in Hemet, CA for an over night youth event at his home in Idyllwild. His stories and advice to my sons and the other youth present are still talked about today. He was in his early nineties then, but he still was able to out hike all those young boys. He will definitely be missed and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to be influenced by this mighty man of God.
Sincerely,
Brenda DeLuna
Edith Daniels
November 25, 2016
I was in Col. Bottomly's very first CFO at Alliance Redwoods, Ca. He was in my prayer group. I believe God used him greatly in the lives of many young adults, especially our eldest son, Joshua Daniels. Josh learned how to lead, partly from Bo and was able to help with many CFO youth during the camps in several different states. Bo was a very special man. I know he is rejoicing in Heaven, along with his Savior, Jesus. We will miss him very much!
May the Lord give all of you, his family and friends, the grace and comfort you need at this time.
Len & Peggy Marinello
November 25, 2016
Our family has known Col. Bo for decades. To know him was to get love and life lessons in nearly every conversation. Farewell.
Margaret Meyncke
November 23, 2016
My heart is heavy today to hear about my friend and hero, Bo Bottomly, who I met at my first Camps Farthest Out. To me, he was a larger-than-life man of integrity and good will. I listened to all his tapes and read all his books. He became pen pals with my daughter, Lizzie, and we visited his home in Pine Cove to play in the snow. Later, I took a group of youth for a retreat at his home. He spoke into their lives and taught us about LOVE. I will treasure our memories. Rest in peace!
Cathy Patch
November 23, 2016
Our family, and I personally, will miss you here on earth. Heaven is blessed today with your presence my friend. I'm praying for you and your family my dear Penny. Love to you all.
tricia nolan
November 23, 2016
i'm so sad to hear this news. such an amazing man who lived an amazing life and taught so many things. RIP you will never be forgotten!!! xoxo
Tricia Nolan
Patrick Minoughan
November 23, 2016
Colonel Bottomly and I did a weekly TV show every Friday night while stationed at Takhli, Thailand. It was his show called "Commander's Notebook" I was the TV Program Director for the American Forces Thailand Network at Takhli. He was a true warrior and was at home while in Thailand. One of the great wing commanders during the Vietnam war. I last spoke with him by phone in California, I remember him telling me "Patrick, can you believe it I'm 92 and still going strong." I am so sorry to see him go, my condolences to his family. He had his up's and down's but his family can certainly be proud of this great military man. Rest in peace Colonel Bo.
November 22, 2016
Almost a centurion with much history made by him! Living one's life with principled direction or purpose opens many observers' minds. Teaching by doing, no frills just the necessary adornments. His family has known his love as he has known theirs. They will be courageous they will be strong. Joshua 1:7 Ps. 62:11,12.
Lindie Gibson
November 22, 2016
hello from Livingston - to Dick and family....I'm sorry for your loss....
Col. Bottomly in Thailand with the F-105's.
Fred Radcliffe
November 21, 2016
George Vann
November 21, 2016
May your Family have Comfort in knowing that Colonel Bottomly is now experiencing Peace with Jesus.
JD Manning
November 20, 2016
Col Bottomly was my Wing Commander when I flew in the 333rd TFS in '69-'70. Rest In Peace, sir.
November 20, 2016
Thank you for your service to our country.
S. Hill
November 20, 2016
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise at 1Thessalonians 4:14 will bring you comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have loss in death can be reassuring.
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