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Phil Aune Obituary

November 4, 1935 - August 15, 2021 Phil Aune, 85, of West Hills, California passed away peacefully on August, 15, 2021. He is survived by his children Bob, Jan, Kris, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His wife of 63 years, Joan, passed away 2 days earlier. He grew up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota where he graduated from Roosevelt Park Senior High School. He served in the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. After the Navy, he relocated to West Hills. He was one of the first hired with the newly founded FAA, and for 47 years he guided millions of planes in and out of Van Nuys Airport with his soothing voice. As "Papa Alpha", he was known as the "Voice of Van Nuys Airport". He was an icon in the San Fernando Valley, and was a member of many flight-related organizations, including Wings Over Wendy's (WOW), Quiet Birdmen, the Association of Naval Aviators (ANA), and the Condor Squadron. He was also a member of the Elks, Moose, and American Legion. His favorite pastimes include country-western dancing, cruising the high seas, snow skiing, and riding his Harley. He will be dearly missed by his family & friends.
Published by Los Angeles Times on Aug. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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10 Entries

Diane V. Aune

September 29, 2021

I just looked up the name and I knew about this man. My husband is Phil Aune also and his father was from Fergus Falls MN. My Phil is 79 years old and grew up close to West Hills in CA. He is retired USFS CAlif. So are these two men related someway???? My husband's father was Sid Aune and came from a huge family in Fergus FAlls.

Bill Aslaksen

September 1, 2021

Sympathy to Phil's kids and family. You get to know someone pretty well when you spend a thousand or two shifts together in the Tower. Phila was amazing - so much energy. Phil could open the Tower and then stay out at the Cowboy Palace (drinking Diet Coke) till closing and do it again the next day. If you add up all the extra hours Phil spent enjoying life he actually lived 15 years longer - while the rest of us were sleeping. Rest well Phil. you earned it.

Rick Schara

August 27, 2021

I worked with the Fergus Falls 544 Foundation, which is the alumni organization for his Minnesota high school! We connected, chatted a lot. I left some years ago and lost track of Phil, but I know he left a piece of his heart in his hometown.

Lovie Bolsinger

August 26, 2021

I t will not be the same, saying Hello to Phil and going over and sitting with Joan for a visit. Always, at many places where we would go to dance. I was at Phil's retirement, it was really fantastic. They were very good people, well liked by all. RIP

DIANE BOURGHOLTZER

August 26, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Maggie and Joe

August 26, 2021

May you Rest In Peace. Always a gentleman and kind spirit.

Corkey Ahrendt

August 25, 2021

Paul Was A Honorable MAN
A Great Husband and Truly Loved His Family
Just Knowing Paul For A Short Time He Always Warm And Always Made a Point To Say Hi
And Cared How I Was Doing. And Paul was
Truly Intrested .
He Will Be Truly Be MISSED
RIP PAUL AND JOAN
I KNOW THEY ARE COUNTRY DANCING TOGETHER ALWAYS
WINGS IN SKY
LOL CORKEY

Jan and Mike Drake

August 25, 2021

We will miss Phil´s smiling face and friendly personality. Jan will miss Two stepping with him at the Palace! He will always be remembered! May his memory, and that of Joan be a blessing to you all.

Bill and Tara

August 24, 2021

Please accept our deepest sympathy.They were a wonderful couple .

matt kearns

August 24, 2021

Phil was always pleasant, friendly and courteous. We enjoyed watching as he enjoyed dancing.
His wife also had a friendly disposition. We will miss them both. Condolences to the family

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