David Lee Kirkendall

Very sorry to hear about Dave. I'm the son of Don Culver. A very very long time friend of Dave. Dave use to fly myself, my sister judie and dad to Catalina lsland for breakfast on Sundays.

I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I tried to get hold of him recently to tell him of his impact on my life and career. Dave was an instructor at an Edward's AFB Aviation Explorer flying camp. I took a last look ride with him before I was cleared to solo in a Cessna 150. I was 16 and had never even driven a car before! Dave gave me a GREAT lesson in getting a feel for the airplane making me fly more naturally. Everyone in the camp looked up to him because he was a United 727 Captain....

Dave put me through my instrument rating in a Cherokee 140 in 1968. I don't even remember how I met Dave, but he was certainly a giving soul. He was always generous with his time, and had a broad smile on his face whenever we would meet. But, he was that way with everyone, not only me.

Dave contributed greatly towards me realizing my dream of being an airline pilot. I did so for 37 years, retiring from United Airlines in 2014.

I was saddened to read of Dave's passing in the...

Kevin, I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. God bless you and your family during this sad and difficult time.

Steve Wedell USAF Retired....
Dave was one of my first flight instructors. He was a United pilot and I first flew with him on Oct 26,1969 as part of the Lockheed Air Explorer Post. He instilled an enthusiasm for flying, always made it fun, and carried me through my Private Pilot License! We paid $5/hr and Lockheed paid remainder of a/c time, while instructors donated their time. Awesome way to get a private and start a lifetime of flying. Thanks, Dave, you'll be missed!