John LERSCH

Sparkey, above all else, your were always the quintessential gentleman. We spent many hours, both day and night fair weather and poor on the "back porch" of the USS Saratoga, as LSO's . As squadron mates, we loved a lot of the same things and, me being a newbee, you lent me a ton of "squadron knowledge". You were my sons God Father which was maybe one of the better choices I made in life. God love you brother. Never realized how much I would miss you. My great loss for not staying in closer...

Sparky, It's just not right that YOU, my Friend, my fellow Naval Aviator, my fellow Airline Pilot, my fellow TEAMmate should be moving on at this time in your life to that home on God's Celestial Shore. There was too much golf to be played yet, too much music to be learned and played yet. I will forever miss your great sense of humor, your calm easy demeanor, and your friendship. We had some great times, and they were ALL great because of YOUR caring, and YOUR devotion. Sparky, you were...

God bless you and your family Sparky. You were my Delta classmate, my first airline roommate, and fellow Viking pilot. Thoughts and prayers.

Sparky, your last takeoff was perfect and I know you are enjoying your eternal flight through the heavens. May God bless you, your family and all your friends! No doubt, someday we will fly together again