Donald Gordon Aitken

Donald G. Aitken, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died on January 23rd, 2026, one month shy of his 90th birthday. Don was raised in rural Overly, North Dakota, the only child of John and Gerda Aitken. As a boy growing up in an agricultural community, he was immersed in the world of farming, trains, his father’s love for target shooting, and his mother’s extended Norwegian family. However, it was the occasional planes flying overhead that captured his imagination and led him to a career in aviation that would take him around the world.

Don joined the United States Navy and trained as a pilot in Pensacola, Florida. While he was in flight school, he began dating Barbara Hoefflin. Three days after earning his “wings” as a naval aviator, Don and Barbara married in 1958. The newlyweds were transferred to the Marine Corps Air Station in Santa Ana. After leaving the Navy, Don worked as a helicopter pilot for several companies before beginning his career as a pilot for United Airlines. Over the years, Don flew most every plane that United Airlines operated. By the time he retired in 1996, he was rated a captain on the Boeing 747, 727, 757, 767, and DC-10s.

Don and Barbara raised four beloved daughters: Diana Chandler, Trisha Johnston, Megan Aitken, and Amy Aitken in the new, and largely rural (at the time) city of Irvine. Over the years, their home was full of the crazy chaos and fun that comes with four daughters, lots of dogs and cats, friends, boyfriends, and later husbands and grandchildren. When he wasn't away at work and caring for his children and later, grandchildren, Don enjoyed running, bicycling, photography, being a ham radio operator (N6TB), building all manner of things (TVs, engines, woodwork, etc.), as well as constructing and flying his remote-controlled airplanes. Don was a man of integrity, curiosity, wisdom, kindness and deep devotion to his family.

Don and Barbara were married for 54 years before her death in 2012. He is survived by his four daughters and their spouses, nine grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and many wonderful friends, all who brought love and joy to his rich life.

A service celebrating Don’s life will take place on Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 am at his second “home,” the airfield at Irvine Regional Park. This informal gathering at “the field,” surrounded by family, friends and planes will be followed by a lunch reception.