July - September 2025
As Compiled by JT Smith
"Just heard from Kath that Bill Gillis passed on Tuesday 23 September."
Bill will be interred at the USAFA Cemetery. A Requiem mass will be at the Community Center Chapel at 10AM, Thursday, 9 October. It will be followed by the grave-side service at the cemetery. A luncheon reception will be at the Eisenhower Golf Course clubhouse.
If more information is received, it will be posted here.
"59ers & Friends,
We lost our classmate Steele Holmes on June 10, 2025. Ed Montgomery received, and forwarded to me, the attached, exquisite tribute to Steele. It was written by Judy Skelton, who is Steele's lifetime friend, and companion for the last decade.
"When plans are made, I will forward the information.
"Condolences may be sent to: Judy Skelton howdyjudy2@sbcglobal.net and Randy Holmes rhgatecontrols@yahoo.com
"My feeling has always been that Steele was a compassionate and kind person, but was aptly named when the situation required it."
"59ers and Friends,
We have lost our classmate, Dave Groark.
"As you remember, Dave graduated in the top 10% of our class and went on to be an Air Force fighter pilot.
"He founded several financial businesses in his post retirement days. He also continued to pilot the T-6 that he owned. He and Margaretta competed in the inaugural season of the TV show, The Amazing Race.
"When Dave was training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, he and Joetta stayed with Trix and me. He and I hiked in our Colorado Springs mountains, and then he went on to more difficult areas."
"Just heard from Faye that Frank [Gorham] passed on Friday [22 Aug]. She’s working on arrangements and I hope will let me know.
"We were roommates and table mates in primary."
As more information is received, it will be posted here.
"My wife of 64+ years Linda Louise Hart left this life August 2nd 5:20 pm after years of love and tolerance of many TDY, 14 pcs and more than 36 years of working for MACY'S for her after Lady Bird Johnson in DC said she would not come shopping if Linda Hart wasn't there to help her. We will be buried at USAFA in the future."
No other information is currently available. When information is received, it will be posted here.
Earl "Van" Van Inwegen passed away on 14 july 2025.
Van is to be interred at the USAFA Cemetery on Friday, 22 August, at 1300. A reception will follow at the Golf Course clubhouse.
No other information is currently available. As information is received, it will be posted here.
"Gentlemen of the Class of 1960, this message from Max [Miller ('59)] beautifully encapsulates our Air Force origin and history. While often denied, our two classes are inextricably joined at the hip, sharing virtually identical experiences. Kudos to all of our classmates for their lifelong dedication and recognition of our origins. Hope to see you for our 65th reunion 17-21 September. NULLI SECUNDUS!"
"Friday, 11 July 1955, Lt. General Hubert Harmon, Colonel Robert "Moose" Stillman, Colonel "Bent Wing" Ben Cassidy, Captain Bill Yancey, Lieutenant Jerry O'Malley and numerous other dedicated Officers, NCO's, Airmen, DoD Civilians, Contractors and others welcomed our Class of 1959 to the birth of the USAF Academy. Those 306 of us enjoyed the stroke of good fortune to inaugurate this national treasure. Let's remember, ..."
Seventy years have soared on by,
Since bold young hearts first reached the sky—
When Class of ’59 first came
To write their place in freedom’s name.
No towers stood, no chapel spire,
Just grit and will and burning fire.
In borrowed halls, their dreams took flight,
Cadets who trained by day and night.
The blue they wore, a symbol true,
Of skies they’d one day journey through.
With honor bound and courage high,
They learned to lead, to fight, to fly.
From Denver's start to Falcon’s nest,
They built a home with all their best.
Steel and stone, then soul and pride—
They stood with country side by side.
And year by year, the legions came,
With stars in eyes and duty's flame.
They climbed the Hill, they faced the call,
To serve with strength and give their all.
The Chapel rose with spires of grace,
A beacon for the human race.
Its windows cast red, white, and blue—
A holy light for what they do.
From ancient foes to modern threats,
Their vow remains: “we won’t forget.”
Each war they’ve fought, each peace they’ve kept,
With silent watch while others slept.
Now seventy years have passed in flight,
Their legacy still bold and bright.
New cadets march where others stood,
Still guided by the greater good.
So raise the flag and lift your gaze,
To honor those who’ve paved the way.
Air Force Academy, proud and free—
Here’s to your noble legacy.