HAROLD NEMER

NEMER, HAROLD Harold Nemer, "Hal," was born on May 25, 1927, in Evansville, In., and died on July 6, 2012, at San Diego Hospice. He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Howard, in 1945 and another brother, Roscoe (Rocky), in 1952. He leaves his wife Jean and daughters Rhonda Lene, Miquette Nemer, and sons Richard Williams (Genelle), Mathew Williams (Joanie), and Andrew Williams (Nicol). Hal also has eight grandchildren: Logan, Allegra, Cassidy, Camryn, Ellie, Hailey, Jessica, and David; and, a great grandchild, Finley. A brother, Willard (Dodie), lives in Evansville, and there are numerous nieces and nephews. Hal had a distinguished 25 year career in the U.S. Navy as a pilot. He learned to fly at age sixteen and entered the US Navy after high school in 1945 retiring in 1970 as a Commander. Hal, nicknamed "Nemo," flew over fifty military aircraft mostly off of aircraft carriers including the USS Ticonderoga and the Oriskany. He also saw duty at the Naval War College and the Pentagon. Hal also earned an engineering degree from Stanford University. After retiring from the Navy, Hal began a second career as a professor at Riverside City College from 1971 until 1995. He taught statistics and astronomy and was chair of the Physical Science Department. He and Jean then moved to Ramona, Ca. where they resided for 13 years. They also lived part-time in Coronado. One of Hal's most interesting pursuits was involvement in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA Chapter One at Flabob Airport located near Riverside). He spent many hours restoring vintage aircraft and assisting in building experimental planes. Hal and his friend, Phil Denham (Anne), recently donated a Stinson 105 plane to the Wathem Foundation at Flabob Airport. Hal's log book of over 60 years of flying attests to his love and skill in flying all types of aircraft from vintage bi-planes and racers to jets and gliders. He was a test pilot of numerous experimental and home-built planes and was very involved in encouraging youngsters to become pilots through the Young Eagles program of EAA. In 1986 Hal flew a home-built plane called "Baby Bird" at Camarillo Airport. With a 6' wingspan, the plane and Hal Nemer hold the Guinness Book of World Records for flight in the world's smallest monoplane. Baby Bird is now at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, Wi. Hal's greatest enjoyment in his later years after moving to Point Loma was volunteering for the USS Midway at the Restoration Hanger at North Island where he and his buddies restored Navy planes that are now aboard the aircraft carrier. A beautifully restored TBM with his squadron colors is included aboard the carrier with his name under the cockpit, "Hal 'Nemo' Nemer." The model in the plane wears his flight suit and goggles. His friend and navigator aboard the TBM, Tom Porter (Peggy), donated funds to help restore the plane, and Tom's name appears on the plane as well. A military ceremony will take place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on August 31st, at 2:30 p.m. Hal's final wish was to have his ashes scattered by aircraft off of Point Loma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Flying Midshipmen Endowment Fund, USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101.