May 14, 2006 the King-Pin of VFR Towers; FH passes away

[Kevin Hansen]

Don,

He was my friend, my mentor, and my inspiration. I feel very fortunate to have spent time with him last summer.

His beutiful wife Jan is such a special lady, my prayers and heart go out to her.

Don, help the good Lord keep the stars on track. Spend a little time flying to heights you've never seen. Drop by here every now and again. You are loved, and will be missed.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1037632/group.jpg

[Mike Hale]

Beautiful words Kevin. My heart is heavy at the reading of this thread.

I too agree that FH should be retired. I would also respectfully motion that the "Ask ZLA!" forum be renamed the "Don Fiveash Memorial Ask ZLA Forum", in keeping with his spirit, enthusiasm and love for mentoring on ZLA.

In the presence of God, may you find the love, comfort and peace that you deserve my friend. Until we meet again Don...

[Aaron Flodin]

I too agree that FH should be retired. I would also respectfully motion that the "Ask ZLA!" forum be renamed the "Don Fiveash Memorial Ask ZLA Forum", in keeping with his spirit, enthusiasm and love for mentoring on ZLA.

I think that would be a good idea. Very fitting.

[Andy Cleeremans]

Definately a good idea.. especially considering his love for helping everyone out with their questions.

[Gerry Hattendorf]

Ahmen,

I sent Jan in a private mail my condolences, and gave her this link, so you she can have some comfort knowing how many peoples lives Don has touched and inspired, just what he always wanted to do.

[edit]Jan, if your reading this, there are alot of people here that loved Don, and if we can give you any support in your time of need, were all here for you.

[Brad Littlejohn]

Definitely a great idea, MH.. I was actually thinking we could rename the D-Day event after him, but your idea sounds better. Perhaps we do both. Either way, it's the least we can do to show how much we will and already miss him..

BL.

[Keith Smith]

Don's initials, FH, will be permanently retired from ZLA. Let's do him proud at the upcoming Cal Screamin' event. Furthermore, future D-Day events will almost certainly bear his name.

(Jan, D-Day refers to an event that focuses on smaller fields, much like Santa Monica where Don was famous for providing service).

I have sent a note to Richard Jenkins along with a photo for inclusion on the VATSIM home page. Don was well known outside of ZLA, I expect many will be shocked by our loss.

[Larry Freeman]

I am a newbee to VATSIM and flew out of SMO because Don was there. I am an old-timer. Don and I would delight in bringing each other's recollections of earlier days in what were always the "blue skies" of yesteryear. I'll never fly at SMO again without a snappy salute to DON

[Benjamin Caldwell]

[David Walsh]

I first heard about this when GH sent the training staff a Training Note for Don. My first reaction was: "Wow, Don is back". Unfortunately, it only to a few moments after I read the message to realise how wrong I was.

The tributes on this forum are quite amasing to say the least. What got me was the poem that AF posted written by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Don brought SMO to life and in doing so, dramatically improved the quality and quantity of VFR traffic in the Socal area. He was a shinning example of what a single man can do if he puts his mind to it. Don actions at SMO should be an inspiration to us all, not only on VATSIM, but in all areas of life.

Thanks for everything FH. Rest in peace.

[Markian Olesijuk]

Very sad to hear this. From the conversations I had with Don I could tell he was a great person who had a life full of accomplishments behind him. He was always kind and willing to help anyone who needed it. He will be sorely missed.

[PaulB]

When I was at ZLA, Don was ALWAYS on SMO! It became so natural to see him there, it felt strange when SMO was not staffed.

Don was a good guy. He'll be missed.

[Jim Karn]

Don was one of the first controllers who I mentored. He would cuss ASRC because it never seemed to want to do what he wanted it to do. During those sessions, we talked about his career, his love of aviation and his family. I learned more from him than I was ever able to impart.

Don, you'll be sorely missed. He was an avid and accomplished airman and I'm very humbled to have known him. God rest his soul.

[mblakely]

I was Don's hub manager at KLAX for AAVirtual.com. We got to know each other through email, reminiscing about living in LA, and real world flying.

Don had a great sense of humor. I asked him one about long on-line flights from the US to Europe, Don said, "Out over the water with no ATC you can have lunch and chop firewood and still be back to work ATC in the UK"

Don also did Beta testing for Microsoft and would occasionally give me hints and clues as to what was coming in the future.

Don became more involved in VATSIM controlling in 2004 and eventually dropped of the scene at AAVirtual.

It makes me smile to think of Don looking down on all the world's airplanes from up in heaven.

[Pablo Norambuena]

Don was a great guy. I used to control a couple times and also fly while he was controlling SMO TWR. He will be missed. RIP Don