David McFall Boaz

1936 - 2016

Captain David McFall Boaz, USN, (Ret) September 15, 1936 - January 11, 2016 SAN DIEGO / LAKE TAHOE Our local sailing and Navy communities lost a fine gentleman with the passing of Dave Boaz, of San Diego and Lake Tahoe, on Monday, January 11, 2016 at his home in Banker's Hill. In true Navy fashion, Dave was born at the Navy Dispensary on Coronado Island in 1936. He was a proud graduate of Stanford University. Like his father and brother before him, Dave joined the Navy and became a fighter pilot, flying A-4's in three tours of duty in the Vietnam War and serving his country proudly for 31 years. He then embarked on a 31- year career as a commercial pilot for Western, Delta, and Hawaiian airlines. It was in his capacity as the Chief Pilot for Delta that he flew a charter jet from Athens to Atlanta, carrying the Olympic torch for the 1996 Olympic Games.Dave was an enthusiastic and skilled sailor who completed two Transpac races and enjoyed memberships in yacht clubs in both Honolulu and Waikiki. He was also an avid traveler who loved planes, cruises, and railroads, visiting six continents with his favorite traveling companion, his wife Judy, at his side.All of us who knew and loved Dave will long remember his prolific skills as a raconteur, telling tales from his own fascinating life experience. From running with the bulls in Pamplona to having his favorite beer show up in a "bugged" hotel room in Pyongyang, North Korea, this was a man who lived life large and always colored outside the lines.Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; son, Travis; daughter, Katrina Bradley and son-in-law Neil Bradley; sister, Anne Trujillo; and brother, George Boaz. The family will bid Dave a fond farewell at his Celebration of Life, to be held on January 30th, 11:00 A.M., at Naval Base Point Loma, 33050 Acoustic Ave., San Diego, CA. (Admiral Kidd Conference). In lieu of flowers, please honor Dave's memory and Navy heritage with a donation to the Navy League of San Diego, 2115 Park Blvd., San Diego, 92101.