Douglas H Parrott

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

For the attention of retired NWA Pilots and their families.

I am writing to inform you of forthcoming changes to the traditional practices of postings of obituaries for retired NWA pilots. RNPA has decided to phase out the group website late this year. This decision reflects a close examination of recent use of the website. Almost all the ‘hits’ today on the website are solely for obituaries. Most of the retired pilots who do the yeoman’s work of writing and posting obituaries are themselves well beyond normal life expectancy. That speaks volumes. Perhaps societal values are changing in ways that affect the willingness of family members to cooperate with the writing of pilot obituaries for pilot audiences. What you will read in the future will more resemble a traditional newspaper, funeral home, hometown type obituary.

We will cease posting our pilot specific obituaries after June 15, 2025. Those recently posted will remain available for viewing until late in 2025.

Yes of course, there are obituaries posted elsewhere for recently deceased NWA/Delta pilots. NWA pilots obituaries will forthwith be posted on the much-acclaimed PCN flight west website. In anticipation of this changeover, I strongly recommend you review the PCN flight west system using this link: https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Carol Faulkner, a retired Delta agent, is a key player at PCN Flight West. She serves as the website coordinator and is a master sleuth at searching industry periodicals, magazines, and aviation publications to glean timely information about the death of our colleagues. Many of the death notices I have posted have come from contact information from Carol.

Time is a key factor in the Delta Airline PCN system. I suspect the country varies greatly regarding the continuance of traditional funeral services. Where I reside in the Pacific Northwest the ‘Celebration of Life’ is becoming quite common. These events are often held several months after the death of the pilot. However, if you reside in thesoutheastern part of the country, you may witness a preference for traditional church and funeral home services. These services are sometimes only a few days after the passing of the deceased. Therefore, death notices and timing become very important. As you read the PCN Flight West postings take noof the ‘for community and the family character’ of the obituaries.

After June 15 I will no longer be writing obituaries intended for pilot readers. Those of you who have sent me an obituary for future use rest assured that a duplicate of your obituary will have been passed onto our friend Ruthie Dumas for her methodical computer storage. If all goes as planned, when I close out my logbook for good, Ruthie will have your key information and backup pilot email addresses. There you have it – a plan.

Thank you all for being understanding. No doubt this is the end of an era.

Please do me a favor and look at the PCN Flight West website. I have even discovered the obituaries of former Air Force squadron mates posted on that system. It is friendly turf.

Thank you for allowing me to fill a minor role in the great legacy of the Red Tail NWA Aviators,
Bill Day

Douglas Howard Parrott

1926 ~ 2025

Obit Photo Doug Parrott

Captain Douglas Howard Parrott, age 99, has slipped the surly bonds of the earth . . . . and touched the face of god. He passed away in his sleep at Roundup Memorial Healthcare.

Doug was born January 29, 1926 in Spokane, Washington. He grew up playing football, basketball and going to school. He got his love of aviation from his cousin Hank Troh who showed up one day in his airplane called The Bird.

Doug joined the navy after high school. World War II was in full swing and he was able to get into the flying cadets program. His training took a few years and he finally qualified in the TBM Avenger. He was stationed in Panama tasked with keeping the canal open for shipping.

After the war Doug went in partners on a crop dusting venture out of La Grande, Oregon. There he met Shirley at a New Years Eve dance in 1950. They were married 74 years.

Obit Photo Doug Parrott crop dusting

Doug finally realized his dream when he got a job with United Airlines. He was eventually furloughed from that airline but soon got a job with Northwest Airlines. He flew for them for 32 years and finally retired in 1985. Doug and Shirley purchased a ranch in Roundup, Montana to live out their retirement days on. It turned out to be a second job for them. They have owned and operated the ranch for 52 years.

Obit Photo Doug Parrottt nwa capt

Doug and Shirley had 3 children, Joe, Don and Jeff. He helped with 4-H projects, hiked with the Boy Scouts and endured many musical concerts involving the boys.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Mary and Wilma. He leaves behind his brother Gene Parrott and Sister Betty Rossiter, his wife Shirley, 3 boys, 6 Grandchildren, and 4 Great Grandchildren.

Doug will be laid to rest on April 1st at Roundup City Cemetery. Funeral to be held 11:00 am at Wier Funeral Home with a reception to follow at 1:00 pm. In Liu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners, VFW, The Musselshell Valley Historical Museum or the charity of your choice. Doug you’re going to be missed in this world. We will live on as an example of you.

HAPPY CONTRAILS DAD

(~Parrott family)

Obits Notice

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

Douglas H Parrott

The Birth of RNPA