GORDON WITTER Jr.

WITTER, GORDON JR. March 27, 1935 to Jan. 14, 2011 Gordon took his last flight into the sunset on January 14, 2011 at 75 years of age. A loving husband, a giving father, an individual who gave back to his country and community, and a consummate aviator, he will be deeply missed. Gordon was born in Detroit, Michigan, but, spent his early years in Palm Springs where his father, a doctor, was stationed during World War II. The family moved to Redlands, Ca. where he attended Redlands High School and later attended Menlo College for men in Menlo Park, Ca. He joined the United States Air Force through the cadet flight program and upon graduation was one of the youngest pilots to receive his wings. He was a Fighter Pilot where he attained the rank of Captain and Operational Test Pilot where he flew numerous aircraft in the Air Force inventory. He joined American Airlines in early 1965 and flew virtually all the aircraft in the airline's inventory. The most outstanding part of his flying career was when he met and married his wonderful wife of 24 years, Suzanne, a Sky Goddess, Flight Attendant with American Airlines. He retired in 1995 after over thirty years of service where he flew as Captain and served for numerous years as an instructor on the 767, Check Airman, and Chief Pilot of the San Diego and Los Angeles bases. Gordon was an active member in the American Airlines Grey Eagle Association and belonged to the San Diego Chapter of the Quiet Birdmen. He volunteered extensively in the aviation community and was Chairman Emeritus of the San Diego Aerospace Museum. Gordy's love for flying continued over the past decade after his retirement from American Airlines. As a leader of the Red Star Pilots Association he fervently flew his beloved YAK 52 (Red Nose #14) in aerobatics, formation and air show routines which require very demanding skill sets. He was a leader, mentor and instructor giving freely of his time as Southwestern Regional Director, Check Pilot and National Standardization Officer. His professionalism and discipline to aviation has inspired many young aviators. The aviation community has lost an icon. Gordon was a founder and director of Bank of Internet, a successful savings and loan bank. He also served on the Sharp HealthCare Board of Directors, and for 16 years the Sharp HealthCare Foundation serving as Treasurer, Vice-Chairman and Chair from 2007 to 2009. He is survived by his loving wife, Suzanne of Solana Beach, CA; sons, Gregory Witter of Escondido, CA, Bradley Witter and wife Lynnette and their children Michael and Annaliese of Maui, Hi.; brothers, Lawrence Witter of Canyon Country, CA and Frederick Wright of Ashland, OR; sister, Nancy Vian of Portola Valley, CA.; step-mother, Ruth Witter of Palo Alto, CA; grandsons, Christopher Witter and Geoffrey Witter, both serving in the United States Air Force; and his beloved dogs, GusGus and Riktor. Gordon's eldest son, Michael Witter, of Escondido, CA, and Gordon's father, Dr. Gordon L. Witter, of Redlands, CA preceded him in death. A Celebration of Gordon's life will be held at Bill Allen's Flying Museum, 2021 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon, Ca. Gillespie Airport (KSEE) on January 29, 2011 at 1300 hours. In lieu of flowers in honor of Gordon's memory, please send gifts to The Sharp Healthcare Foundation. https://www.sharp.com/sharp- foundation/donate.cfm