January - March 2021
As Compiled by JT Smith
Here is an update from Christine Schira Robinson regarding Jack Schira:
"A formal obituary has not been completed. He passed on 11 February of natural causes. He is survived by his wife, my mother, Susan Schira. My father chose to be cremated and is going to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I am currently waiting to hear back from Arlington on potential dates. The funeral will take place in the fall, and I should have a specific date by June for you to disseminate."
It's nice to have something that isn't bad news.
The Super Delta
The Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels practice for a joint performance on Memorial Day. Read the details on Military.com.
Look who's flying the challenging slots if they roll that beast. Looking forward to a dozen-burner light off.
Here is an update from Carole regarding services for Andi Biancur
"Services for Andi ... are set at first Presbyterian church in downtown Colorado Springs at 1000 on Jul 27 2021. Interment will follow at the Air Force Academy Cemetery about 1130 or 1200. There will be a light lunch at the officers club, following the interment and military honors, including a flyby. Legacy.com has details addresses etc, pictures, and guests can write remembrances for Andi’s family. Carole’s mobile number for messages is 801 891-9487.
"Thank you for getting the word out.
"Southwest Airlines has direct service into Colorado Springs beginning in March so no need to go into Denver and drive down.--Carole Biancur (if anyone needs help with hotels near the academy please call 801 891-9487.)"
And still more unwelcome news: Our Classmate Jack Schira passed away on Wednesday, 10 February. No details are available at this time. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
More unwelcome news: Our Classmate Tom Hill ('61) passed away at his home in Elkhart, IN on Sunday, 7 February, apparently of natural cause.
Services were held at the Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart on 13 February. Tom and his wife Liz will be intered at USAFA at a time to be determined.
Those wishing to read Tom's obituary may do so by clicking the button at the bottom of the panel below. Those wishing to send condolences to Tom's family may do so at https://www.billingsfuneralhome.com/obituary/Thomas-Hill.
Update regarding services for Andi Biancur:
The Memorial Service will begin at 1000 (MDT) on 27 July at the First Presbyterian Church, 219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs.
[Note: for those unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the internet.*]
The Interment Service will begin at 1130 (MDT) at the Academy Cemetery, 2304 Cadet Drive, USAFA
Those wishing to leave a message for the family may do so at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colorado-springs-co/andi-biancur-9994823/add-memory
*Details for Virtual Attendance will be posted on the Website a few days before the Services.
Classmates, I just received the following email:
"My name is Kristen Casten. I found your name on the USAFA website and it looks like you are in charge of your classes reunions. I was wondering if you could help me. I am the eldest daughter of one of your classmates, Michael Lewis Hyde who was lost in 1966 in Vietnam. Since I was only 2 years old when he passed, I was hoping you could help me reach out to your classmates. ... I would love to hear some stories about him from all of you. I was only 2 years old when he was killed and my mother, Ann, who passed away several years ago always found it painful to talk about him. I have been meaning to seek you all out for many years. We buried him at the Academy in 1991 and were overwhelmed by the wonderful group of classmates and their wives who attended. So if anyone has anything they could share--what he was like, what were his quirks ... a good story--that would be much appreciated. The best email address for me is Kristen.casten@gmail.com
9th Squadron, listen up: Anyone with memories of, or anecdotes about, Mike Hyde, please contact Kristen at Kristen.casten@gmail.com. If you know of anyone else who might be able to "fill in the blanks" for her, please put them in touch with kristen. I know she will appreciate anything that she can learn about him.b>
Wayne Kendall brings this unwelcome news: "Fellow '60 classmates, Jim Waddle has asked that I send this note to our local group. Our friend and President of the Class of 1960, Andi Biancur, passed away at his home yesterday afternoon. He was presumed to have had a fatal heart attack, but we have little other information. The AOG will send out a formal notification to the entire class. I am unable to express the great sadness and loss that we all share.Wayne"