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Alvin Lagger Obituary
LAGGER, DR. ALVIN JOSEPH
Alvin Joseph Lagger, 84, took his final flight home to Jesus on June 14, 2008. He died peacefully with his family by his side. He was the son of Alvin Joseph Lagger, Sr. & Florence. Dr. Lagger had an extensive & accomplished aviation career, beginning at Macomber Vocational High School, Toledo, Ohio, graduating in 1942. After completing the U.S. Naval Air Technical Training Center as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class, his active service was from 1942 to 1946 in the South Pacific.
He married Patricia Ann Moore in 1949. Together they had four children, Linda, Dianne, David & Evelyn. Alvin moved from Toledo, Ohio, in 1961 to Denver, Colorado, to pursue a career with Frontier Airlines, located at Stapleton International Airport as an Aviation Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic.
In 1969, he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary & Adult Education at Colorado State University. He completed his Master's Degree in Trades and Industrial Education in 1970. In 1975, he graduated from the University of Colorado with a Doctorate in Education, specializing in Content, Professional Aeronautics. Post-Doctoral research was completed in 1982. In June of 1977, he completed mining industry-related courses at the Colorado School of Mines. In October of 1977, he completed the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) Aircraft Accident Investigation course. In addition, he completed many safety aviation accident-related courses
through the University of Southern California from 1984 through 1989. Over a span of three years, Dr. Lagger completed courses at the Academy for Metal and Materials, Cleveland, Ohio from 1986 through 1988. Dr. Lagger was nominated for the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame award in 2004.
Dr. Alvin Lagger began his vocational teaching career with Denver Public Schools, at Emily Griffith Opportunity School/Aircraft Training Facility teaching the F.A.A. Certified Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance Technician program from 1962 until he retired in 1992. While employed there, he wrote the curriculum for General and Powerplant Maintenance courses and also the Inspections Procedures Manual. Al continued to teach part-time until 2007.
During the summer months of 1980 to 2000, in addition to teaching, Alvin also worked for the National Transportation Safety Board, traveling extensively around the world including Canada, Alaska, New Zealand, and New Guinea, investigating aviation accidents.
Dr. Alvin Lagger was a truly remarkable person, a profoundly knowledgeable, yet modest, public school teacher who has dedicated his long life to learning and to teaching generations of Colorado's young people about his true love and passionAviation.
Al's zest for life, especially his devotion and love for his family and
dedication of aviation will be an inspiration to us all. He is survived
by his brother, Donald, his sister, Mary, four children, eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and a new baby to be born in
September.
The service for Dr. Alvin Joseph Lagger will be held at Calvary Chapel
South, located at 9052 W. Ken Caryl Ave., Littleton on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 4:00 PM., 303-933-8733.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alvin Lagger
Linda Loucks
June 14, 2010
Dearest Dad,
Today is your second anniversary in heaven. You are missed so very much. We can't believe it has been two years without you here. Unbelievable!
We are going to Fort Logan this evening and then to Melissa and Ian's for dinner in remembrance of you.
We love and miss you more than words can say. Our heart yearns for the day when we meet again in heaven.
I love and miss you,
Linda
Linda Loucks
February 24, 2010
Dear Dad,
On February 8, 2010, I spread yours, mom's and Terry's ashes in the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean while I was on an eyeglass mission.
Yesterday we went to Cecelia's service; she went to heaven on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010. I know you see her and are having fun together. Please both of you, keep praying for your families. And until we meet again we love you both.
Love always,
Linda
On a quiet trail near the entrance to Denali National Park on August 25, 2009, Dad's ashes were scattered.
November 11, 2009
Dad's ashes were scattered on 8/18/2009 amongst ferns & pines on a mountain-top trail in Juneau, Alaska.
November 11, 2009
Ashes spread in Alaska, August, 2009
November 6, 2009
Sherri Seely
November 3, 2009
Grandpa,
You have been on my mind so much lately! You are so missed! It's amazing how the 6 degrees of seperation really is; one of our tower climbing and helicopter safety instructors thinks you were his instructor for an airplane crash investigation course you taught several years ago...what a small world it is.
This spring I am going to start taking flying lessons and I cannot wait!!! I wish you could be there in person the day I take my first lesson - I know you will be there in spirit though! I cannot tell you how excited (and a bit nervous) I am about flying. It's the best childhood memory ever for me!!! I loved going flying with you - it was so special...my time with grandpa! I loved flying with you - more than you'll ever know. I loved the touch and go. I could have done touch and go all day long. It was so peaceful being in the plane with you. I'm so thankful that you shared your story with me the November before you passed away...how you remebered the summer day you took me out to the airport and while you were working on the plane I fell asleep on the ground in the shade from the wing. I'm so glad you shared that memory with me because for whatever reason, I don't remember that day in particular. You told me when we would go flying I was so quite and I would look out the window and watch & once in a while I would ask a question. I remember telling you it was probably the only time in my life I was quiet & you laughed....we both know it was true!
I never thought I would learn to fly myself...but it came upon me so strongly this last summer and I am so eager to learn. I look forward to my first flight this spring & I want you to be there with me - I know we'll have a great flight together! I miss you so much and love you dearly!
Love, Sherri
Linda Loucks
July 28, 2009
Dearest Dad,
On this date , July 28, 1942, you soloed your aircraft. What an eventful day you must have had. One year ago today mom, you, and Terry had your service at Fort Logan and you were laid to rest. God Bless you all. We love you.
Love,
Linda
Linda Loucks
July 28, 2009
Dearest Dad,
Happy Birthday !!!! Today is your Day!! I hope you celebrate with everyone in heaven today. (Say Hi to Terry for me) We are going to get a "bite to eat" (as you always said) and then visit you at Fort Logan this evening.
I had a dream about you the other night (July 25). I viewed you from one room into another through the doorway and there were a lot of people talking. You were talking to someone; you turned and saw me. You were dressed in a grey suit, white shirt and a red tie. You saw me for an instant and smile at me, you said something and then just disappeared. Vanished, and you were gone. I think that happened twice. Something else happened but I don't remember now what it was. I woke up and told myself to remember so I remembered part of the dream. It was really nice seeing you. When I dream; it's like real. I got a real touch of you. I think of you often and I catch myself saying the things you used to and it always reminds me of you. You are a very special dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. You will live on in us all.
Happy Birthday !!!!
I love you and miss you,
Linda
Linda Loucks
June 22, 2009
Dear Dad,
Yesterday, I missed you immensely. I thought of you often, and it was hard to remember it was Father's Day without you here. I did have my son Paul to wish a happy day to. I saw a small airplane go over the house and I always say "Hi Dad" when I see or hear one. I do believe you are here with us when you are not doing the Lord's work.
I miss you and love you more than words can express. I do look forward to the day of seeing you again in heaven. I miss your advice and I find myself saying some of that same advice to my kids and grand kids. It's wierd to hear some of the same words come out of my mouth. It's like an echo !!!! Your legacy does live on and always will. I can't wait till I hear our kids repeating the same words of advice to their kids and grand kids, wow. You are the best dad for all the things you gave us all.
I love you and Happy Father's Day, everyday.
Love, Linda (your oldest)
Evelyn Brown
June 21, 2009
I hear Dad in the laugh of my grandson. I see him in the smile of my daughters. I feel his presents in the wind. He is here with all of us. Just close your eyes, and trust that he is near. A father so great and loving he will never leave our side. To the greatest Father I have ever known, Happy Father's Day. I miss you more than words can say. xoxo
Paul Brown
June 21, 2009
Al,
Today is Fathers Day, our second Fathers Day without you. Time passes quickly but time will never erase all of my fond memories of you and the great times we all shared with you. As my father in law, you accepted me and treated me kind and fair and our relationship grew over the years to a real father/son relationship. I am blessed because its like having two dads. I will cherrish our "breakfast club" chats and our Christmas Eve celebrations the rest of my life. As i reflect back on your life, it becomes more apperant to me what an incredible man you were and what a life you led. I'm so very proud to have known and even prouder to have become your "son". I miss you Al and I thank you for sharing your life with me. You have left a treasured legacy for your entire family.
Love and God Bless you,
Paul
Jamie Mitchell
June 17, 2009
Dearest Grandpa,
I sit here with tears running down my face rembering you and how wonderful you truly are. I cannot believe that you have been gone from this Earth for a year...but now you are in paradise! I miss your smiling face and your wonderful, infectious laugh, your big bear hugs and those ever so loving pats on the back. I cannot put into words how much I miss you. I love you Grandpa.
As a little girl, I remember the many nights that we went to Stapleton Airport to watch the airplanes fly over your car and onto the runway. You would get so excited for Jesse and I, and we got pretty excited ourselves. It was a wee bit loud but I got through it! I also remember your many visits to our house for your evening snack of fruit. It didn't matter what it was you liked them all! You loved to sit at the kitchen table and visit with Mom and I. You would always offer me some, not to mention how I should eat it to avoid squirting juice everywhere. Then you would laugh! Not only did you show me how to eat an orange but also how to properly peel it! I have to admit that I think of this every time I eat an orange...not to mention cantaloupe. I'll leave that for another time! And then there was Sunday.... You loved Mom's Sunday morning eggs and toast. There are just so many memories I could go on and on...like me running over to the fence at recess when I was in Elementary school to say hi. You would simply smile and wave. I'll never forget that.
A passion that we share is teaching. You always talked to me about my teaching career and how proud of me you are. Even in those last few weeks you wanted to know when I was going to teach again. You told me how much you love it and that you wanted me to do it again some day. I'll never forget when you told me that I'm a great teacher and a wonderful mom. I wish you could have known Ethan...something tells me you knew and know all about him! He's a wonderful blessing from God. My three beautiful children are my life!
Grandpa, as I told you during one of our last visits, I will teach again. And I will do it in honor of YOU! I hope I can be as awesome of an educator as you were and can make such a difference in my students' lives as you did yours!
I look forward to the day when I can see you again in Heaven! I love you and miss you.
Love Always,
Jamie
Evelyn Brown
June 17, 2009
Where and how do I begin to tell you about a man that ment so much to so many people, especially me. Dad was a great man! Not only as a father, but he devoted his life to teaching and avaition. The world is a better and safer place because of him. I often wonder how he did it? Raising four children being a single dad. Working nights, sleeping in the day, and going to school to better his future but mostly his childrens'. My children are grown and I still wonder how he did it. Lots of determination I guess!! Dad had enough for all of us. He was a father who could see the value of family and worked hard to keep us together. He had a vision for our future and didn't stray from the path that God set before him.. He is a true inspiration to me. I will miss him the rest of my life and will never forget the sacrifices he gave so we could have the life he gave us. I often wonder what he must be doing in Heaven and what it was like when he met Jesus for the first time. If I have an angel I hope it his him cause he sure was one for most of my life. I still hear him in the sound of a single engine airplane flying over head. I see his eyes in the mirror, and I feel his love in my heart. But most of all I see his legacy in all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. May his memory live forever!!
Ronni
June 17, 2009
Dear Grandpa,
I miss you so much. What do I even say...so many things are not the same since you have been gone. I miss, "what's the good word Ron", or the constant phone calls and how you would NEVER believe that I would tell mom to call you back lol. I read your legacy every time I enter in my door and I thank you for that. It truly means the world to our family that you left that for us. I know you are watching over each and every one of us and I can not wait till I get to see you again in Heaven. I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Ron :)
June 17, 2009
Dear Dad,
How you are missed! Every day at work I look at your picture and read your Living Legacy, & I say a prayer to you. I've always heard people talk of how terribly missed a parent is after they're gone; & I used to say, yes, I know I will miss my dad. I never understood its magnitude until now...I have an empty space inside me that will be there the rest of my life. I look forward to the day we will be together again.
Lovingly,
Dianne
Linda Loucks
June 15, 2009
Dear Dad,
Yesterday, June 14, 2009, you went to heaven to see Jesus, Terry, your family, and angels. I can't believe it has been a year. We miss you, but we know you are having the time of your life.
We went to Fort Logan yesterday and we released red, white and blue balloons at 1:05PM the time you left us to go to heaven. We all shared in one word a description of you. Love, integrity, passionate, children, family, compassion, airplanes, best. Those are just some of the adjectives that give a description of you. While we were there an airplane went over and an eagle soared above us. Were those signs from you? All we missed was a duck then.!!! We then went to Evelyn's for brunch and all was decorated in red, white, and blue in your honor.
We love you and miss you. Keep praying for your family, and until we see you again God Bless us all.
Love you always,
Your oldest daughter,
Linda
Sherri Seely
June 14, 2009
Grandpa,
Today was a sweet celebration of you taking your final flight home. So many family members met at Fort Logan to say 'one word' that describes you. You would be so proud to know what one word had each of us had to say about you. Mine was integrity. You were such a man of integrity...that's a lot of value to pass down to each of your family members. You stood by your word and you never let anyone down. It was so bitter sweet for each of us to release our balloons to you and to tell you we love you and miss you. You are so missed every day & especially this year. It's still hard to know you are gone...but you are not gone from our hearts and you are so close to each of our family members! You still seem so close, so nearby. You are celebrated this day - for the amazing man you are, the amazing life you led and the amazing family you held together. We really are an amazing family thanks to you! We love you and reflect on you this day. I ask that you always let us know in little ways that you are here & that you hold us close as we hold you still with tightly wrapped arms. I love you & miss you. As I say to myself so many times...what would grandpa say..."What's the good word"? Everyday has a good word...every day! I love you! Sherri
Linda Loucks
April 16, 2009
Dear Dad,
I love you and miss you so very much. Yesterday was my birthday and I missed the regular call from you. I missed you telling me all about when I was born. You said, the nurse came out and told you "it was a girl and she looks just like you". That is so special to me. You told me that story almost every birthday when I got older. I miss you and I sure hope you are up there praying for all your family still here. You are in my thoughts almost all the time. I love you and miss you and I wait for the day to see you, mom, and Terry again soon, but not too soon, I guess. Untill we meet again as John Wayne said, I love you.
Love always, your daughter,
Linda
Linda Loucks
December 15, 2008
My Dearest Dad,
I want you to know how much you are loved and missed. Yesterday was six months since you flew home to Jesus. I know you are having the time of your life. A life you never had imagined. How GREAT the Lord is. Now you see Him in all his Majesty and His Glory.
I want you to know though how you are missed here, but you live on in each of your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. We love you so much. I will always remember you in such a special way. Every time we see an airplane; we all think of you and say Hi to you. Ducks and geese are another reminder of you to all of us. Oh yes, and don't forget corn and putting milk on everything. Everything tastes better with milk, right?
You are such a special dad. We were so Blessed to have you for our dad, thank you Jesus. You loved us so much. You were always there for us and counseled us in our time of need. I hope, I can can do as good of a job as you. I want to follow in your footsteps. May your Legacy live on forever through everyone who knew you. We realize now what a pleasure it was to know you and be influenced by you.
I love you and miss you forever. And until I see you again, God bless you and God's peace and joy. Remember to keep praying and working for your family, OK? Ask God to bless each of us.
With all my Love,
Your daughter, (remember, I am the oldest, as you always said)
Linda
Dianne Czeczok
November 21, 2008
I sometimes think of our family vacation to Lake Ontario when I was a small child. We rented a little cabin on the lake. I'm not sure if it would have been my mother's preferred destination, but to my dad it was heaven on earth. I still can smell the intense fragrance of the giant pines; & remember walking along the boat dock, thinking how clear & cold the water was. I don't think I realized until later that I too, like my father, have a real connection with wilderness and the adventure it holds.
When I underwent hernia surgery as a child, Dad never left my side, sleeping next to me on the floor for many nights. After getting released from the hospital on Halloween, he pulled me around the neighborhood in a wagon so I wouldn't miss out on the fun.
Accompaning Dad on weekend trips to the airport while he performed "annuals" on private planes is a fond memory, and strengthened the bond between us. I would play in the field while he worked & always got a strawberry pop when he was finished.
Dad was intensely passionate about aviation. Instructing budding aircraft mechanics at Emily Griffith Opportunity School for 27 years truly meant working his dream job. He loved nature and wildlife, so it was fitting that he investigated aircraft accidents in remote places like Canada, Alaska, Papua, New Guinea & New Zealand. How he reveled in it!
The one constant in our life was our dad. He loved us deeply and was there for us all whenever we needed him. He would confide in me; and he was my friend. I will miss my dad. I will miss my friend.
Linda Loucks
November 14, 2008
Dear Dad,
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you all the time. Today is five months since you are in heaven. I want you to let you know how much you are missed every day. We are reminded daily of you. We all say and do things that remind us of you. You will live on in all your family. We love you and all miss you very much.
Bob Kefalas
September 16, 2008
Al Lagger was my General Instructor in 1979. He touched hundreds of lives at Emily Griffith, including mine.
My sincere sympathy to his family. Please know his memory lives with us.
David Lagger
September 3, 2008
No matter your age when a parent passes away, it is a profound event. I will miss him for the remainder of my life.
I will honor him by being a good parent to my children.
Sherri
August 24, 2008
Grandpa!! Words cannot describe how much you are missed. You are simply the BEST grandfather any grandchild could ever have. You shared so many wonderful times with each of us grandkids. You made us all feel as though we were each the best grandchild. It's been wonderful to hear the memories that we all have of you and it's been wonderful to hear how important you made each family member feel and how close each of us are to you. You gave each of us such a wonderful legacy to go foward with for our own individual families...yet it's a legacy we will forever share as a family in whole...we are united grandpa & that's because of you. You taught us all to be strong, to hold our heads up high with pride and to keep moving forward...because what's the alternative???...I can just hear you say that. I admire you for all the strength you have and the strenghth you shared.
Ya know, every time I see a single engine plane fly by, I stop and watch it fly over. I remember those plane rides when I was a kid and I cherish those memories. They are one of my favorite memories and times as a child. Thanks for sharing your passion of aviation with me.
I miss your laughter! What's the good word for today you might ask me...the good word today is it's been another great day in paradise and great to share another memory with you.
I love you! Sherri
Linda Loucks
August 8, 2008
Dear Dad,
I love you and miss you so much. I know you are in heaven with the Lord. What a joy that is to know. I know you are still working for us in heaven. You loved us so very much. You had a heart of (gold). You are so wise. We will miss you the rest of our lives, but we will see you someday when the Lord is ready. In the mean time, keep praying for us. I know your love for your family keeps growing.
I want you to know you are the best dad of all!! Your love is so strong. I know you will watch over us and pray for us still. Your legacy will live on in all of us that knew you. Your love and devotion to aviation will be handed down for generations through all the lives you touched through work and teaching. We all learned so much from you examples. Your integrity will live on in your kids and your associates.
Terry has been in heaven a year and a half today. I know you are both having the time of your lives!! The Lord is so good!!!
Thank you so very much for the great life you gave us. We will live our lives through you from now on. There are so many things I do now that I know you said or did. You will live on through your family and friends. There's no dad like you. Thank you for always standing by us and raising us to be honest and full of your integrity.
I Love you forever !!!!
Your oldest daughter (just like you always introduced me)
Linda
Eleftherios "Larry" Cusulos
June 24, 2008
Al was truly an insperation to me. I had him in General Aviation Class training at Emilly Griffith in 1976.
I have 30 yrs in Aviation Thxs to Al.
May his Memory Be Eternal.
Margaret Hebert
June 20, 2008
We loved Al and are very sad to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Margaret Hebert and family(Cecelia's daughter)
Alan Stewart
June 19, 2008
He was a wonderful instructor and a great friend!
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