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Harry PLACE Obituary
PLACE, Harry M., Col. USAF (Ret)
Passed away peacefully at home on May 14, age 91, surrounded by family. Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret; daughters Susan Brungardt and Lynn Place; grandson Jonathan Brungardt; and extended family Sandra Cappelletti and Clarence Phipps. Harry was predeceased by his parents and four brothers.
Born in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York, Harry joined the Army Air Corp in 1943. He served in WWII flying B-24s. During the Cold War he was based at Sculthorpe, England and flew B-66s. During the Vietnam War, Harry flew RF-4 Phantom jets (Reconnaissance) out of Thailand, completing 100 missions over North Vietnam. A highly decorated officer who loved to fly, Harry was awarded the Silver Star and other medals for his bravery and valor. Everyone wanted to fly with Harry.
Retired from active duty after 30 years, Harry and Marge moved from Mountain Home AFB in Idaho to Sacramento in 1972. After working at KVIE Channel 6 for five years, Harry and Marge took to the road in their trailer and explored the great USA. They lived in Cool, CA for twenty five years before moving to Lincoln where they've lived for the last eight years.
Harry had a smile for everyone, a gentle and kind humor, and was admired and respected by all who knew him. He loved his life, his family, and his country. He will be missed and forever in our hearts.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ellis and the staff at Sutter Roseville Hospital, Bristol Hospice, Right at Home, and Joyce Ortega for their compassion and support in helping to care for Harry during his final days.
Friends are invited to join the family for a military service on 6/7/12 at 1pm at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon and a celebration of life on 6/9/12 from 2pm to 5pm at the Maidu Community Center in Roseville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to an Alzheimer's Association of your choice.
'Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.'
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry PLACE
Virginia King
July 31, 2012
I feel fortunate to know the entire family. My love to you All.
Col. Place shared some terrific stories about flying during his service to our country. Glad you were stationed @MHAFB, your daughters are sisters to me. RIP Harry. Ginny King
Linda Budge
June 20, 2012
Want to share my sympathies with Harry's family as is typical of our Air Force community...from a long time ago...with so many connections. Several decades ago, as a volunteer at KVIE, he came to join the station working with Nip Carter in the Development Department. Harry was a year younger than my dad, but also flew B-24s. My dad in the CBI. We were also stationed in England, only at Burtonwood. And in another curious coincidence, my uncle was a finance manager for General Dynamics on the construction of the B-66. So, aside from working together, there was never a lack of something to talk about! Our country is losing so many of our Greatest Generation, and we treasure the memory and contributions of every one.
Shirley Hull
June 7, 2012
Marge and family, It was a very long time ago, and we were so young, (were we ever that young?) remember you I believe from maybe Alconbery and Sculthorpe, and what special people you two were. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. In God's love, Shirley Hull, (Rolland '31-05'
Chuck Patterson
June 7, 2012
I flew with Harry as navigator-bombardier in the 85th Bomb Squadron at Sculthorpe in 1955 - '57 in B-45s. He was also instructor pilot for Gen. R. Holzapple when he was checking out. Harry was a great man and a terrific pilot.
Chuck Patterson, Larkspur, CA
Thomas Maher
June 7, 2012
Harry was my flight instructor in the RB 66 Training Course at Shaw. I am saddened by the death of this special man. Tom Maher
Frank Doyle
June 5, 2012
So Sorry to hear about Col. Place's death. He was my OPS Officer at Udorn when I was TDY there, and later my Squadron Commander at Mt. Home. I flew with him on a number of occasions.
Frank Doyle
[email protected]
Marge, Sue and Lynn - Easter 1957
Sandy Cappelletti
June 4, 2012
Watching Harry's family and friends care for him in his last days was a profoundly moving experience, one I will never forget. "His Girls" were there, 24/7 - until the very end. He will always be in our hearts.
Ernie & Ritva Perkins
June 4, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Col. Harry Place's death. Ritva & I thoroughly enjoyed our time in the 22nd TRS under his leadership. I learned many lessons in his squadron that served well in the years thereafter. He sure enjoyed universal respect & admiration from all - & he earned it every day.
June 4, 2012
A great country consist of great men and Colonel you stand tall among them.
Don & Helen Capalety, Vacaville, California
Phil Brandt
June 4, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family of Colonel Place. I only flew one time with him (Mt. Home, circa 1971, unsuccessfully searching for one of our downed recce birds) but never forgot what a genuinely nice and highly respected person he was. For sure, one of the Good Guys!
Art & Rene Coulter
June 4, 2012
We're so sorry to learn of Col Place passing. We are remembering fondly the times we had flying and socializing together and remembering our last visit with you in Cool. Art and Rene Coulter
Ian Carah
June 3, 2012
A grateful nation mourns its loss. Rest in peace, Colonel.
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