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David Kirkendall Obituary
Simi Valley, CA
Long time San Fernando Valley resident, David Kirkendall, took his final flight April 4th in Simi Valley.
Dave was born in Aliance, Ohio to George and Marie Kirkendall on August 8, 1938 (77). He grew up in Suffield, Ohio. After graduation from Kent State High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and spent time on the US McNair, as a radio and sonar technician. Then he attended Kent State University.
He married Janis Piltz on October 21, 1961. He began flying lessons and earned his ratings. He was hired by United Airlines in 1965 and began his 33 year career as a pilot, mostly flying his beloved Boeing 727. The family moved to Canoga Park in 1967 where their five sons were raised.
Dave was an active flight instructor for Lockheeds and Van Nuys Air Explorer Troops. He was also involved in his sons Boy Scout Troop, Civil Air Patrol, Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel, and his church, Westside Christian Fellowship. Dave was an active Harley Davidson enthusiast and rode his hogs everywhere, including many cross-country trips and rallies. After retirement from United, he started Blue Skies Aviation, a flight school at Van Nuys airport.
Dave is survived by his sons Kevin, Craig (Amy), Clark, Colin (Katrina), Kent and ex-wife Jan, 6 grandchildren, his brother Jim and sister Meigs.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Kirkendall
Wally Sitton
March 8, 2023
Wally Sitton
March 8, 2023
Wally Sitton
March 8, 2023
Wally Sitton
March 8, 2023
Garry Culver
July 5, 2022
Very sorry to hear about Dave. I'm the son of Don Culver. A very very long time friend of Dave. Dave use to fly myself, my sister judie and dad to Catalina lsland for breakfast on Sundays.
CHRIS "Doc" HALLIDAY
June 28, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I tried to get hold of him recently to tell him of his impact on my life and career. Dave was an instructor at an Edward's AFB Aviation Explorer flying camp. I took a last look ride with him before I was cleared to solo in a Cessna 150. I was 16 and had never even driven a car before! Dave gave me a GREAT lesson in getting a feel for the airplane making me fly more naturally. Everyone in the camp looked up to him because he was a United 727 Captain.
I went on to join the USAF after college and fly out my commitment, then got hired by United Airlines in 1995. I found my logbook with Dave's entry in it and tried to contact him to thank him for getting this young dreamer started on an amazing flying career. I hope his family reads this and knows what high regard I hold him in. My heartfelt condolences...
Ed Goldstein
June 28, 2016
Dave put me through my instrument rating in a Cherokee 140 in 1968. I don't even remember how I met Dave, but he was certainly a giving soul. He was always generous with his time, and had a broad smile on his face whenever we would meet. But, he was that way with everyone, not only me.
Dave contributed greatly towards me realizing my dream of being an airline pilot. I did so for 37 years, retiring from United Airlines in 2014.
I was saddened to read of Dave's passing in the June-July 2016 issue of Airline Pilot, the official journal of Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) , the union that David and I belonged to.
I haven't seen you in over 25 years, but I miss you, my friend.
Veronica Hurtado
April 9, 2016
Kevin, I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. God bless you and your family during this sad and difficult time.
Steve Wedell
April 8, 2016
Steve Wedell USAF Retired....
Dave was one of my first flight instructors. He was a United pilot and I first flew with him on Oct 26,1969 as part of the Lockheed Air Explorer Post. He instilled an enthusiasm for flying, always made it fun, and carried me through my Private Pilot License! We paid $5/hr and Lockheed paid remainder of a/c time, while instructors donated their time. Awesome way to get a private and start a lifetime of flying. Thanks, Dave, you'll be missed!
April 8, 2016
I first flew with Dave on Oct 26,1969. He was my instructor as part of the Lockheed Air Explorer Post. He carried me through my Private. He loved to fly and passed that enthusiasm on to me. I went on to the Air Force Academy, flew as AF pilot, and even started an Air Explorer Post at Randolph AFB. Dave was a big influence in my life and fostering a love for flying. I can't thank him enough. And to his kids, you're dad/grandad was a fantastic influence to many of us. Dave, you'll be greatly missed.
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