Benjamin Louis Donahue

Benjamin Louis Donahue Ben was born in Hollywood, CA, on February 10, 1918, and after a brief illness he passed away peacefully on March 16, 2006, at the age of 88, in Mt. View, CA. Ben piloted B24 Liberators in WWII in the Army Air Corps, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. After being called back to active duty he also flew in the Korean War. He continued his military career in the Air Force Reserve and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1978. After the war he began his career as a California Highway Patrol officer. He retired in 1972. He spent most of his CHP career working out of the Redwood City office, responsible for Highway 1 and the Half Moon Bay area. He was affectionately known as "Blazin' Ben" by his coworkers and friends. Ben was an active member of the American Aviation Historical Society, as well as the 781st Bomber Squadron and the Golden Gate Wing of the OX5 Aviation Pioneers. Ben is survived by his wife, Lucille Donahue of 59 years; daughter, Jill and son-in-law, Arthur Hively; two grandchildren, Jennifer Perry and Christopher Hively; and two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Zachary Perry. There will be a private family Vigil and then he will be cared for by the Neptune Society. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Northern California Chapter of the American Aviation Historical Society, PO Box 7081, San Carlos, CA 94070. He will be missed by all.