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Robert POLHAMUS Obituary
Robert "Bob" M. Polhamus, 75, of Boynton Beach, FL, took one final flight west on January 17, 2014. Bob was born in Seattle, WA on April 24, 1938 and was a 1961 graduate of Santa Clara University. Shortly thereafter, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps where he became an A4 Marine Fighter Pilot flying 174 successful missions over North Vietnam. In 1966, Bob joined Northwest Airlines where he had a distinguished career that ultimately took him to become a 747-400 Captain. After retirement in 1998, Bob was a highly active member in a number of organizations including; 32nd Degree Masons, Shriners - where he became President of the Boynton Beach Shrine Club, and was the Keyman and Governor of the Palm Beach Quiet Birdmen Hangar. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Betsy; his beloved daughter, Leigh of Delray Beach; his twin brother, Richard of Vero Beach; brother, Mac of Houston, TX, and sister, Kathi Hanson of Bentonville, AR. Private Services to be announced at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert POLHAMUS
Steve Kantor
January 13, 2025
He was always a fun guy to be around.
John Codella Jr
January 13, 2025
I will always have fond memories of Robert, and accomplish war hero and pilot. RIP.
John Codella Jr
January 15, 2024
Outstanding member of the USMC. American hero and superior aviator. RIP Bob.
Tony Andreoli
January 13, 2024
Bob will always be my hero.
ira H kirsch
January 13, 2024
Never forgotten.
John Codella Jr
January 25, 2023
It is hard to believe Bob has been gone since2014. I always enjoyed taking to him at the YMCA about aviation.
RIP Robert, your are missed.
Steve Kantor
January 13, 2021
Bob was such a character, he would always lighten up a room. I sat with him for dinner as often as I could to listen to his stories about flying his A 6 in Vietnam as a Marine as challenging other guys at the table about how low he would fly and other airplanes he flew like the 747. What a great guy, we all miss him in the QBs.
Roger & Eileen Griggs
February 15, 2014
Bob became a good friend, having rode on my EAL jump seat many times PBI-JFK-PBI enroute to/from his trips with NWA. We became friends and he later became a client in my non-airline business. We always shared fun and interesting stories. My wife and I met Betsy at his home in Boca and we all had fond memories/stories we shared. I lost touch with Bob when he moved but Bob was always one who was a good friend, interesting and fun to be around. Our sincerest sympathies go out to Betsy and his family. He has been missed and will always be missed as he is one you could never forget after being with him a short while. May his flight West be safe and peaceful and may he arrive in the best of places he deserves.
John Codella, Jr.
February 14, 2014
Dear Betsy, My sincere condolences for your loss. I knew Bob only the last 3 years of his life and met him at the YMCA. I liked him the moment I met him. He was on the adjacent elliptical working out.
And as I got to know Bob I realized what an exceptional human being he was.
And he was a true war hero w multiple Air Medals from his Marine aviation days. He risked his life for our country. He was a great patriot.
I could tell he was a great pilot, "a natural".
He was inspirational with his dedication to working out and he made my YMCA workouts fun.
He was kind to share his expertise of many baseball, aviation and golf related issues w me.
It was a true honor to know him and he will be missed.
Once again my condolences.
Sincerely, John L Codella, Jr.
Charles Brantley
February 13, 2014
Just recently heard the sad news of Bob's passing. I was fortunate to fly as a FO with Dick on the DC-9, then years later with Bob on the 747. Though we had a few trips together, most of our time was spent regaling "war" stories and laughing so hard on the NRT layovers....I'm grinning now just thinking about it. What a true Birdman and gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Ron Weldon
February 11, 2014
Bob was a great friend to all that knew him. I have certainly never met anyone that could fill his shoes. One of a Kind would be a simple way of describing someone so special. I have flown with a lot of great pilots over the years, but Bob was the best pilot I have ever flown with. Hands down, a Real Stick! The stories are too many to elaborate on, however, Lightspeed Fun might describe my memories. Buddy Owens may have a few memorable stories that might describe this Legend of a man. Godspeed Betsy, for sharing the best years of his life!
Blue side up, Lightem up Bobby, Full AB
Ronny Boy and Cindy "KRAZO"
BRADFORD NAVARRO
February 9, 2014
BOB will be remembered by me as a PILOT'S pilot, a MAN'S man and a GREAT friend. God thought he was so good he made two in the same likeness.
Charlie Leeuw
February 5, 2014
Dear Betsy, Dick & Family, I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I flew with many great pilots at Northwest Airlines but none I enjoyed more than Bob. A great pilot and a superb personality. Janeece also got to enjoy some conversation and laughter with him on a number of occasions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Betsy and all his family. Just thinking of Bob brings a smile to my face. We will continue to remember and toast Bob Polhamus.
Charlie Weeks
January 26, 2014
To all of Bob's family,
As a fellow QB, it was a pleasure to be around Bob. He was the quintessential aviator; and loved by all. We will miss him dearly.
Fair winds, smooth flying, and happy landing; as you fly west my friend.
Nate Cobb
January 23, 2014
To learn of Bob's passing, I'm affected with a palpable measure of sadness. To know Bob, and fly with Bob, comparing Marine//Navy histories, NWA sentiments, and life experiences (pro baseball try-outs), etc, were all enjoyable. May the prayerful sentiments of friends, comfort Betsy, and the Polhamus family, during this time of sadness.
HARRY BEDROSSIAN
January 22, 2014
DEAR BETSY AND FAMILY, I FIRST MET BOB WHEN HE WAS STILL IN THE MARINE CORP. I WAS FLYING COPILOT FOR HIS DAD BOB,SR. HIS DAD KNEW I WAS A FORMER MARINE AND HE SAID HARRY YOU'VE GOT TO MEET THIS SON OF MINE. FROM THEN ON BOB AND I BECAME GOOD FRIENDS. WE NEVER FLEW TOGETHER, BUT HE LOVED TO HEAR ABOUT HIS DAD AND TALK OVER TIMES IN THE MARINE CORPS. HE WAS ALWAYS GOING AT MACH ONE AND I ALWAYS LOVED OUR TALKS. I'LL MISS HIM AS WILL EVERYONE THAT KNEW HIM.
'Vic Britt
January 22, 2014
A tent on the beach served as the O'Club at MCEF Chu Lai in October 1965, and “Rapid Robert” from behind the bar said: “What'll it be, Marine, Salty Dog, Salty Dog or Salty Dog.” It was the start of one of the better friendships I have had at any point in my life. Bob Polhamus was loyal to his friends, and he would not stand silent if a friends name or character was taken in vain. We were squadron mates and tent mates in VMA 211 from December 65 to April 66 and flew numerous missions together. Several of the missions were “Night Specials”, dive-bombing under flares on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos, near Tchepone. Bob was a good stick and a good lead, and I had total confidence flying his wing. If I had not known Bob I doubt that I'd have learned there was an airline called “Northwest,” and he influenced my applying to Northwest. When Bob got a bid on the 747-400 I loaned him my notes, and just before he started ground school we hopped in the -400 flight simulator one night to see how much he knew. He could have taken his ATP ride that night and passed it. Bob had a photographic memory like a steel trap, and once he saw or heard something it was saved in his “hard drive.” When it was time to go to work, Bob Polhamus was as well prepared for the job at hand as any pilot with whom I have flown. Blue Skies Bobby, I'll never forget you and its been good to know you
Joe Babb
January 22, 2014
My sympathies go out to all of Bob's family and loved ones. The world lost a truly great man. I have never met a more energetic, entertaining, and engaging person. His stories, jokes, antics, and indeed his entire persona are legendary among his peers. He always kept things lively on those long night pacific crossings and it was truly a pleasure to have had the opportunity to fly with him. He will be missed by all but never forgotten.
Steve Kantor
January 21, 2014
We should learn a leason from Bob, to try and get as much out of life each day, like he did. As a fellow QB, Bob accepted everyone in our club like a brother. His mind was sharp up to the end and he always kidded me that he still had my Baron hat from a initiation we had at a Palm Beach Hanger many, many years ago. He never failed to search me out to just say those words to me, it was a great warm feeling and I was saddend to hear that the cancer finally got the best of him. He was a great guy, and I, and the rest of the QB frat will miss him. May he enjoy my hat forever as he flies in heaven.
January 21, 2014
Some of my favorite NWA memories were with Bob,from room parties to fine dining when we were based in New York. He will be missed. Godspeed Bob.
Bob Kunold
Russ Clutter
January 21, 2014
Bob lived life to its fullest, always pushing the envelope to its limits, and then, just a little bit more. A true professional and at the same time the most entertaining Captain I ever flew with. We will miss his incredible sense of humor, but to you, his family, my heartfelt sympathy because I know you will miss his equally incredible love for you all.
Melanie Cope Folsom
January 20, 2014
I flew with Bob many times since 1979 when I started flying for Northwest and his jokes and stories and laughter will never be forgotten! A first class pilot and a first class Gentleman!
I was lucky enough to fly with him on his last flight into DTW as he retired and it was truly an honor. Rest in peace Bob! We all love you!
Gary Skinner
January 20, 2014
The Polhamus stories are still circulating at the Airline even after the merger with Delta. Bob always had a story to tell and was a pleasure to work with. He truly will be missed. RIP
Ivan Brenes
January 20, 2014
Bob a great guy, " A Fearless Leader" ; sure made us laugh and always the life of the Party! Happy Landings Bob!
Robert Bartholomay
January 20, 2014
My best friend always and I will miss Bob greatly! Loved our time together at Northwest, baseball games and our good times with friends along the way. My heart goes out to Betsy and Leah. Bart
Ira Kirsch
January 20, 2014
Rest in peace my brother
Ira Kirsch
January 20, 2014
Brother Bob
I am saddened by your loss but extremely happy to have known you.
You put a smile on my face each time we met. You are one of the bravest men I have ever known.
I'm sure you have your wings in heaven. G-d bless you and keep you in His loving arms for eternity.
Brother Ira Kirsch
Boy ton Beach, Florida
Linda Garchar
January 20, 2014
To the Polhamus Family, my deepest sympathy to everyone.Bob was a "one in a million".I remember as a relatively new flight attendant on a flight to Tokyo he just had the funniest personality. He always had a story to tell,and the bus ride to the hotel in Narita he had the whole bus laughing. You can be sure his legacy will live on as one of our "greats".Here's to you Bob,now you can entertain in heaven...Godspeed.
Phil Brown
January 20, 2014
As I read through the guest book entries I am in awe of the consistency. Bob was a consummate gentleman, a thoroughly delightful person to be around, a loyal friend and an excellent aviator all wrapped in one. It was my honor to have been associated with him.
Andy Zona
January 19, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Bob's entire family.
As my own airline career enters its twilight, I look back to the very beginning. Bob's larger than life personality is definitely one of the high points in my memories. I can't begin to recall the countless trips, crisscrossing our country, as Bob's “second O” on the 727. His constant stories and jokes keep me laughing so hard that my cheeks would hurt when I would get to the hotel that evening. However through it all, he always remained a true aviation professional. I learned a great deal from Bob!
Please know that Bob will always carry a special place in the hearts of his “airline family”.
January 19, 2014
Bob always made us laugh,a very special friend... we cherish the memories.
With love and heartfelt sympathy, Wally and Cheryl Walbaum
Rob
January 19, 2014
There was only ONE and I was fortunate enough to have flown with him many times. May God bless you Bob,as many of us would do were we in that position. Now that we are not.....I wish you fair winds and a smooth landing.
Rob Landkamer
January 19, 2014
There was only ONE and I was fortunate enough to have flown with him many times. May God bless you Bob,as many of us would do were we in that position. Now that we are not.....I wish you fair winds and a smooth landing.
David Lane
January 19, 2014
We campers at Camp Narita certainly had a lot of laughs "down the street" when Bob was center stage. His keen sense of humor and easy going attitude will definitely be missed.
January 19, 2014
Marcia and I remember the great times we shared with Bob and Betsy while we lived in Boca and especially all the laughs we had. We'll really miss him.
Steve Ryf
Choshi Point Japan "after the long flight"
Joe Kannapell
January 19, 2014
Betsy and the Family,
I am saddened to hear about Bob's passing.
All of Bob's colleagues from Northwest Orient share this tremendous loss.
Having happily served as his First Officer for numerous trans-PAC flights, I can tell you that he was a fabulous man, a consummate pilot, and a joy to be around. He always brightened the lengthy flights with his expressive and engaging stories and jokes - unforgettable!
Though we have lost a great man, we will always remember our times with him and the smiles he put on our faces!
Strength and peace to you at this time.
Joe Kannapell
Bruce Faber
January 19, 2014
You were an inspiration for all of us at the YMCA. We will miss your sense of humor, your laughter and your courage. May you rest in peace.
Anthony(tony) Andreoli
January 19, 2014
major,
you were my hero and the best brother jester i know. i will miss you always and remember you forever. you will surely be missed. love your brother
jester, tony
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