Harry Andrew Detwiler
1922 - 2013
Harry Andrew Detwiler
1922 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1922
DIED
2013
Harry Detwiler Obituary
Harry Andrew Detwiler, 90, passed away on January 20, 2013. He was born May 3, 1922 to Ray and Anna Detwiler in Raymond Nebraska. He graduated from Raymond High School and attended the University of Nebraska. While working for his uncle's flight school, he learned to fly which had been his childhood dream.
During WWII, he was 21 when he enlisted as a naval aviation cadet in June of 1942. He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in March 1943, following flight training at Pensacola, Florida. He went to Cherry Point, N.C. and was attached to VMSB-341 bombing squadron. Harry flew many combat missions in his sturdy "Dauntless" as a dive bomber pilot in the Solomon Islands.
Harry came home a Captain earning many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a flight instructor for two years at Bremerton airfield and following a brief employment with TWA, was hired on with Northwest Orient Airlines. Harry met the love of his life, Nancy, who was a stewardess with NWA. They were married in 1956 and raised three children together in Seattle and Enumclaw, WA. He loved to golf, ski, was an avid reader, and travel with his family. Harry flew for NWA for 33 years, retiring as a Captain. Upon retirement he bought a small plane so he could continue to fly and they took many wonderful trips together.
He enjoyed his small ranch in Enumclaw before moving to San Jose del Cabo with Nancy where they shared many happy and wonderful times with their children and grandchildren. They moved to Redding, California in 2001 and built their last home together.
Harry was a member of the Sir's, the Sons of Italy, the Elks, the Retired NW Pilots Assoc, and the United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, son David Detwiler of Redding, Ca; son Douglas Detwiler (Kim) of Bonneylake Wa; and daughter Polly Kranz (Tim) of Enumclaw Wa. Harry has seven grandchildren that were the light of his life.
Everyone who knew Harry knows what a sweet, gentle, kind man he was. He will be greatly missed and was loved by us all so much.
A memorial service will take place at a later date at the Veteran's Cemetery in Igo. Please sign the guestbook at McDonalds Chapel.com
'Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings' Fly on, Dad!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patrick Donlan
February 2, 2013
Harry I will miss you although I haven't talked or seen you in many years. Always enjoyed flying with you. Vio con Dios amigo.
Jan Thielemann
January 30, 2013
A beautiful memorial to an amazing man, who had a smile that lit up his face. He had a happy life because of a wonderful wife.
Pam and Gary McCurdy
January 29, 2013
Our privilege to worship with Harry and Nancy on Sunday mornings. Reading about Harry's life reminds me of the poem "High Flight" and I know Harry has slipped the surly bonds of earth and touched the face of God. God speed Harry.
January 29, 2013
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Craig Gordon
January 29, 2013
Sorry to hear that Harry has flown west. Chet Gordon is waiting for him and they have an early tee time!!!!!!!!! Even though Charlotte has advanced dementia she would have wanted to express the family's sympathies. God Bless your family!!!
John Upthegrove
January 28, 2013
I had the honor of being Harry's co-pilot on temporary assignment for a month in Honolulu in 1969. What a pleasure. Our condolences to your family.
John and Cyndi Upthegrove
Ray Vasconcellos
January 28, 2013
Sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was a fine man and will be missed as a member of the Sons of Italy.
Semper Fi..........and Godspeed!
Marcia & Ron Litterst
January 28, 2013
What a wonderful life - reading it was reading a real American story. Thinking of you
Dave Bowen
January 28, 2013
Absolutely one of the "best". When I checked into the Seattle base back in 1966 as a new pilot, I walked into crew schedules and stood around wondering what I should do. Everyone in there was busy, busy, but one pilot looked at me and saw that I was somewhat lost. He walked up to me with a great big grin and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Harry Detwiler, can I help you?" I knew that I really liked that guy. Thanks Harry, always a joy to work with you.
Leonard Duz
January 28, 2013
It was a pleasure to know you. Injoyed playing Golf with you. You could still hit a ball straight as a arrow.
Shirley Davis
January 28, 2013
We will have fond memories of Sunday mornings church and breakfast with Harry. What a great guy.
Jack Herbst
January 28, 2013
I remember flying with Harry as a co-pilot and friend. He was a good pilot and wonderful man to work with and have as a friend. So long Harry, your contributions to the world are many and you will long be remembered.
Jack Herbst
Sterling Bentsen
January 28, 2013
I had the honor of flying with Capt. Detwiler on is last flight into Seattle. A great man and a great pilot.
Lawrence Owen
January 28, 2013
I flew with Harry in mid 60's as s/o and f/o on the 707...He waw a wonderful guy and a good pilot. Taught me a few things! Fairwell friend and have a great flight westbound!
Warmest regards, Larry Owen NWA retired
Peter Reiss
January 28, 2013
I remember Harry as being a true gentleman, always treating his crew with respect, and dignity... A real professional. I really enjoyed flying with him; he had a quiet,effective way of teaching...
Dick and Arlene Mann
January 27, 2013
We have known Harry and Nancy for about 8 years through SIRS and Newcomers. Harry was such a nice, decent man. Our sympathies go out to Nancy her family.
Gary & Barbara Pisel
January 27, 2013
God Speed Harry as your soar amongst the heavens. Your smiling face, your expertise in flying and your good time layovers are etched in the memories of Barbara and myself. It was the highlight of my bidding a schedule to see I had you for a Captain. May God be with your family in this time of sorrow and rememberance.
Fred Pack
January 27, 2013
Harry was not only a good pilot and friend, but a good example which I learned from. Harry has "flown West" and will be sorely missed by this pilot and friend.
Semper Fi Harry! He always was....faithful.
Frederick J. (Fred) Pack. Captain NWA ret.
January 27, 2013
Harry will be missed at the nine hole golf. Our sincere sympathy.
Johnney & Donna Meer
Jeff Detwiler
January 26, 2013
So long Uncle Harry. Though we were never very close I will certainly miss you. I would have enjoyed the stories you had to tell about your long flying experiences. I pray we can meet again in heaven and perhaps hear them then. May God bless you and your family.
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1275 Continental Street, Redding, CA 96001
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