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Loyd Woodward Obituary
On Jan. 1, 2012, Loyd Woodward succumbed to complications from Parkinson's after a gallant and hard fought battle.
Loyd was born a twin on Jan 15, 1921 in Spokane, WA to Butler J. and Orma L. Woodward. He grew up in Winthrop, WA with fond memories of fishing, camping, hiking, skiing and learning to fly in the Methow Valley. He soloed at 16 and aviation became a lifelong passion.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943. In Oct of '43 he began flying C-46 transports over the "Hump" between China, Burma and India. Stateside in '44-'45, he flew med evac. That's where he met Helen McMaster, an Army Nurse Corp flight nurse and the love of his life. They were married Jan 24, 1946.
Woody began his commercial aviation career with Pacific Northern Airlines (PNA) in 1947 in Anchorage, Alaska, moving to Seattle in 1953. He flew for Western Airlines after the PNA purchase and retired in 1980 as the Delta merger took place.
Woody and Helen enjoyed 30 years of retirement traveling around the country, spending summers boating and winters in Mesa, AZ.
Woody is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Karen (Mitch Meany), Gail (Chuck Hanson) and Jayne (Jim McCartney); two grandsons; Chris Hanson (Paige) and Aaron Van Wart (Kristen); two step-grandchildren, Matt McCartney and Krissy (Josh Garber); two step-great-granddaughters, Mackenzie and Ava. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister Maxine and brother Douglas.
He was a wonderful family man, friend, aviator and fisherman. He is missed every day.
A celebration of his life will be held at The Museum of Flight, Boeing Field, Seattle, July 12th from 11:30-2:30 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Loyd Woodward
5 Entries
Susie Jones
March 12, 2022
I loved this man so much . He is a cousin that same to visit once a year.
Lisa Woodward
July 20, 2012
Dear Aunt Helen, Karen, Gail and Jayne. I am so glad that Gail called to let me know about Uncle Loyd's passing. My thoughts are with you all. We had wonderful, bright, and witty fathers. I know you miss him every day. Much love and condolences, Lisa Woodward
Mike Schirmer
July 15, 2012
Dear Helen,
I read about your husband's passing several days ago, and I'm sad for your loss. I mentioned this in a recent visit with my mother, Shirley Schirmer and she was saddened by the news and passes along her thoughts and prayers to you and your family as well. The PNA pilots were like extended family as exemplified by the PNA picnics at Lake Sammamish in summer with the Arden Ice Cream truck passing out ice cream bars, and of course digging through the haystack for coins; and visiting Santa Claus in the airplane hangar and getting a little mesh stocking filled with candy. I know I wouldn't recognize your daughters if I saw them on the street but never the less we share a common bond of all those great PNA years as kids, and feel the pain of the passing of another aviation "giant" who served so well in WWII, flew the Hump, and navigated the 'Connies' in some of the most challenging weather in Alaska. May you be comforted by all the memories of a life well lived by Woody and your family.
God Bless,
Mike Schirmer
(one of Capt David Schirmer's kids)
July 8, 2012
Dear Helen, Gail, Karen and Jayne,
I just heard from Gail last week that her dad had passed. How very sad for all. Seeing his picture here in uniform brings back so many memories. That is the way I remember him best - with his pilot's hat. I'm glad you chose that photo. It's good you are all together for the memorial, and I'm sorry I won't be able to join you. I'll be thinking about you all and send you love,
Paula (Evans) Monsef
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July 8, 2012
Jayne: as time passes, I find myself reading obituaries more and more often. This morning I saw your father's. I am so sorry to read about his passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Len Sorrin
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