In Memoriam

Patricia Collins, 1929-2007 _______

Pat joined the Mother Lode Chapter of Flying Samaritans in the 1980's, and flew many trips to our clinic in San Quintin.  Pat served in many capacities in the organization, including president, and was most recently a representative on the International Board. Employees of La Pinta Hotel were especially grateful to Pat because she always remembered to bring clothing and other items to them, which were not readily available in San Quintin. The Board voted to name our scholarship program "The Pat Collins Memorial Scholarship Program" and 30 students were originally selected to receive a total of $5,430. At Pat's memorial service, an additional $2,500 was collected in her name, and in an emergency board meeting, the group voted to give an additional 15 scholarships, bringing the total to $8,030. During the August clinic when awarding the scholarships, each certificate had a sticker placed on it reading "Pat Collins – N9302M" A memorial bench was purchased jointly by our chapter and the Cameron Park Soroptimists; it will be placed in front of the Placerville Airport office. Thanks, Pat, for all your good works and the pleasant memories I will have of you.
— Sr. Bilito

Bob Hoffman, 1928-2005 _______

A new plaque hangs in our clinic in San Quintín in remembrance of Bob Hoffman, founding member of the Mother Lode Chapter.  In Spanish, the plaque reads… Bob Hoffman 22 Nov. 1928 to 22 May 2005 Founder of the Mother Lode Chapter of the Flying Samaritans   “I shall pass through this life but once.  Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it,  for I shall not pass this way again.”
— Etienne D. Grillet

Bill Kennedy  _______

It is with much sadness that I bring news of Bill Kennedy's demise Friday, August 13th after his long struggle with cancer He was a good friend and fellow pilot whom I admired both as a member of the Flying Samaritans, and also for his work with CASA, the nonprofit network that promotes volunteers who are court-appointed advocates for neglected and abused children. Bill flew F-86 fighter jets in Korea. He served our country well. Janice, his wife, said he went peacefully, without a great deal of pain. There will not be a funeral service now, but a memorial at a later date; one that will be with laughter and fun - Bill's style. Janice asked that donations be made to the Flying Samaritans in his memory. Donations can be made through the Flying Samaritans website – use the donation tab (above). Or checks made payable to the Flying Samaritans can be mailed to: Flying Samaritans PO Box 686 Fair Oaks CA 95628-0686
— Joel Prosser