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Thomas Dolan Obituary
A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, 4721 Aircraft Drive.
Tom was born Oct. 2, 1921, to Leo and Bernadine Dolan in St. Paul, Minn. He grew up in Oakland, Calif. He attended military school and later attended and played baseball for San Francisco State College.
At the age of 15, he enlisted in the California National Guard, where he quickly found himself, rifle in hand, facing angry strikers during the San Francisco Dock Strike. In 1942, he graduated from the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying Cadet Program, as a 2nd lieutenant. Tom was a fighter pilot in World War II. He served in the Fifth and Seventh Air Forces in the Pacific, where he flew 204 combat missions out of New Guinea. For his service, he received two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
In 1953, Tom was assigned to Furstenfeldbruck, Germany, and assisted in the reactivation and retraining of the New West German air force (Luftwaffe). He received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Ribbon for his meritorious service in this endeavor, as well as honorary pilot wings from the German and Yugoslavian air forces.
While in Germany, he met and married his wife, Barbara, daughter of Air Force Brig. Gen. Wentworth Goss. His military career took him to Alabama, California, and later Greece, where he was a flight adviser to the Greek air force.
Tom retired from the Air Force in 1963 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He continued in the aviation industry as a DC-8 flight instructor for United Airlines in Colorado and later as a DC-8 captain with Japan Airlines in Yokohama, Japan. In 1972, Japan Airlines relocated the family to Anchorage.
Upon completion of his flying career, he continued working in the aviation industry with the Anchorage Airport, FAA and eventually retiring from Reeve Aleutian Airways at age 70.
Tom enjoyed being a longtime member of the Quiet Birdman and Daedalian pilot associations.
His family wrote: "Tom was a loving, caring husband, father and grandfather who was deeply devoted to his family. He will always be remembered for his unending care and guidance in our lives, the enormous pride and joy he had for his grandson, Colt, and the sweet love he had for his "best buddy' Riley.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Rick Richter; daughters, Carolyn and Susan Dolan; and beloved grandson, Colt Richter.
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Barry Chambers
April 17, 2009
Mrs Dolan, Cathy,Carolyn and Susan
I still remember our trip to see you in the mid 70's. It is one of the best vacations our family took. I am sadden at hearing about Tom's passing but know how the love in your family will help everyone get beyond the pain.
Sincerely Barry Chambers
Peg Banks
April 11, 2009
It was very warming to listen to everyone's remarks last night at Tom's service. Having lost my own father when I was young, I am always affirmed to hear how others have benefited from such a guardian and guide of many years. I know that the course he helped chart for each one of you will be a steady and constant one that brings you surely to meet him again.
Teri Lindenberger
April 10, 2009
Barbara,Cathy,Carolyn and Susan- I am so sorry that Tom is gone.As children I do recall his fondness for using your nicknames and laughing because they were so unusal. His voice seemed booming at times but always happy.I know that I shall miss the Christmas letters that he contributed to.He and Barbara have always been special friends to my parents and my mom would share their visits. I know it is difficult when things happen suddenly, however he enjoyed life to the fullest and now is in a better place.
Miss you all very much and thinking of you at this time.
With sincere sympathy,
Teri (Chambers) Lindenberger
Peter Nicholson
April 9, 2009
My parents Joy and Keith Nicholson met Tom and Barbara during a visit to Alaska about twenty years ago. They stayed in touch by email and telephone and subsequent visits to the US. Keith and Tom shared their experience as fighter pilots in the Pacific in the war against Japan albeit with different Air Forces. Nevertheless, they recounted many war stories to one another over a cold ale or two. Because I served for more than thirty years in the Royal Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot, I also had much in common with Tom and he included me in his emails about aviation, life, the world and everything after Keith died in 2005. Marie and I are saddened at Tom's passing and offer our sincere condolences to Barbara and the family.
Peter Nicholson, South Durras, NSW.
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Joe Hazen
April 9, 2009
I recall, on several occasins, usually on a flight from Tokyo, Tom picking me up at the JAL crew hotel and we would go to a local Anchorage watering hole, where we would have lunch, sometimes with one or two Reeve pilots. Other times, Tom would pick me up and proceed to his house, where we would have a few drinks and Barbara would prepare a delicious dinner. Sometimes Cathy, Carolyn and Susan were there, not always at the same time. There was also a big old dog named Keesha-popo and a cat, whose name I do not recall, maybe just "Cat." Those were good days.
Semper Fi, old friend.
Patricia Gillin
April 9, 2009
I remember Tom visiting us, the Dolan relatives in St. Louis, during the war and after. He was always so thoughtful and had the most interesting stories. It was a wonderful surprise when you all moved across the street from us on Saratoga in Anchorage. He was such a lovely human being and he will be missed. Our condolences and prayers. (Am in England and very sorry not to be at his memorial.) The Gillins, Patricia, Jack,Richard, Elizabeth, Patrick and Kathleen
Gordon & Aud Severson
April 8, 2009
We will sure miss Tom taking his regular walks in our Westmar Circle with his buddy "Riley". We couldn't have had a better neighbor!
With our sincere condolences,
Gail (Chambers) Smith
April 8, 2009
Dear Stinky, Poopdeck, & Poosie, how sad I was to hear from my Mom the passing away of your Dad. There was no one like him in so many ways. Because of his passion for flying, you lives were widen & expanded thru all your travels around the world. It never was easy to share him with the demands of being military, yet you & your Mom sure made it look easy. I still remember you moving back to Merito Ave. & playing in the long summer eves. Your Dad was very tolerant of our noise. Of course, I never knew all he did as we were growing up, he was just your Dad. He really was a special person. . . .
Jack Gillin
April 8, 2009
Condolences to the Dolan Family for their loss of Tom.
I will never forget Tom, showing me around the cockpit of his 747. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marcia Anderson
April 8, 2009
Although I didn't have the privilege of spending much time with Carolyn's dad, it was easy to see the love he felt for his family. Barbara, I know by the way he loved his family that you had to be the great woman beside the man and he must have adored you. Carolyn, Cathy, and Susan were the twinkle in his eyes and Colt, you were his pride and joy. I have often shared with others the story of his tradition of honoring the flag of our country with his grandson.
He was an officer, a gentle-man,a husband, a father, and a grandfather and he will always be as long as you keep the memories of him close to your hearts.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God show you His love and healing.
Mareldine (Hunter) Leuer
April 8, 2009
Sure is sad when you lose a loved one. He's in Heaven catching up with all the "Reevers" there. My prayers are with you all during your time of heartache and sadness.
April 8, 2009
The Dolan Family,
The Tribute to Tom Dolan showed what a wonderful family, life and career he had.
Please accept my sympathy for a most admired gentleman.
Sincerely
Bill Strusz
Cathedral City, CA
Doug Doyle
April 8, 2009
I did not know Mr. Dolan, but wanted to write and tell his family that he makes me proud to be an American. I Salute you Mr.
Dolan. Thank you four your service during the War and for your service to our County after. Doug
Chris Rivera
April 8, 2009
I extend my deepest sympathy to the family. I know Cathy and know that her dad was a very important part of her & her family's life. My thoughts and prayer are with you all.
April 8, 2009
Susan,Cathy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I so remember all the times he came into the office to visit Susan. He was so very proud of his girls. May God comfort you and your family during this time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Bev Gunson, Eagle River, Ak
Jeanette
April 7, 2009
I'm very sorry to lean about your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Dolan, from the computer store many years ago. He was a wonderful man. I enjoyed his smile.. When Mr. Dolan, walked into the computer store on Elmendorf AFB, it was a joy. What a (blessing he was on this earth). My prayers are with you.
JLB (Anchorage AK)
Sharen Clevenger
April 7, 2009
Cathy and Susan,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God be with all of you during this time.
April 7, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Frank Vancini
April 7, 2009
He was more fun to fly with than almost anyone else I can remember during my 35+ year career.We had some great times during our days together at JAL and I enjoyed our get-togethers years later when I was a UAL pilot and had ANC layovers.He was my friend,my fellow Quiet Birdman and an all-round good guy.Fair weather and good tailwinds to you,Tom,and don't drink all the whiskey before the rest of us get there!
Pam Lloyd
April 7, 2009
Carolyn and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I always remember Tom coming to see Carolyn at work. He ALWAYS had a smile and a bounce in his step. He was such a proud father and grandfather and often brought Colt by to assist with special projects within our department.
I know he was your rock, Carolyn and I know that he will continue to watch over you. He is your angel.
Heidi Halsey
April 7, 2009
Those who walk uprightly enter into peace.Isaiah 57:1-2. Tom was a remarkable man in every way. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Vicki Williams
April 7, 2009
Cathy,Rick, and Colt,
Vic and I send our sympathy at this sad time. I know how hard it is to lose a parent and a special grandfather. We're thinking of you and beaming you strength.
April 7, 2009
Barbara, Kathy, Carolyn, Susan & Riley:
Here is to heavens newest angel, beloved Tom. He was such a presense at Dog Tired when he would drop Riley off for daycare. Loving, caring and compassionate he love you all so very much and that was evident in everything he did. We were so proud to have known him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kari Campbell & Staff
Dog Tired Doggie Daycare
Anchorage, Alaska
Kit Kenney Fogel
April 7, 2009
Cathy, am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I remember meeting them a long time ago. Hope you are doing ok. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
Jimbo Hutto
April 7, 2009
Tom was always there for everyone. He is the one who taught me how to track flights on the internet. I will always remember his compassion & will carry it with me the rest of my life. Including his favorite comment "RTM" (read the manual). Our prayers are with you all at this time.
JoAnn Richardson & Family
April 7, 2009
May God bless each of you and keep you in His comforting arms now and always. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel through these trying times.
April 7, 2009
My deepest sympathy to you, Barbara, and your family. May your wonderful memories of 54 years help sustain you and comfort you in this sad time. Audrey Lee
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