In Memoriam

William Ellingworth

I was not aware that Bill had passed on. Does anyone know the circumstances of Bill's passing. I remember he was one of the Prep School cheer leaders. I can't remember if he started the Academy or not. I believe he did but did not stay past our doolie year. If anyone knows what happened to Bill after the Academy I would like to know. He always seemed like a nice person to me. – Richard Finke

Sherwin Goodson

Information verified per phone call to the trailer park manager February 12, 2009: "Robert Goodson passed three or four months ago from cancer while under the care of HOSPICE." – Bruce Hancock

Gus Mirich

If I remember correctly, Gus was a crew chief at Beale AFB on the SR-71.  After he left USAFA, he returned to Beale in that capacity.  Gus had a good sense of humor.  Memories. – Richard Kennard

One of the most colorful members in the Prep School class of 71. He stands out in my memory. His accent added flavor and he was not afraid to speak his mind. We needed guys like him to remind us that we were not just a run-of-the-mill class. I distinctly remember his saying, "Only the best will leave here and go to the Hill." His character will be missed. – David Marks

Great guy and made us all smile! – Scott Arnott

Gus and I were best of friends at the Prep School. He introduced me to a family in Aurora that became somewhat of an extended family of my own. He and I had many good times together both on and off campus. He was a Crew Chief on the SR-71. I saw him after his unfortunate dismissal from the Academy at Beale AFB during our Third-Class summer. The training program officially called Air Cruise (introduction to T-29 and Navigation training) [unofficially known as Booze Cruise but much more descriptive of the after flight time hours] landed at Beale for a tour of the SR-71 and a BS session with the pilots. Gus was working that day and I received a very in-depth orientation to the SR. That was the last time I saw him and was heart broke when I'd heard of his passing, unfortunately that was a couple of years afterwards and I never was able to pay my respects. Please consider this posting a testimony to my respect for Gus and a thanks for all the good times I shared with him. – Michael Garrett

Richard Mocarski

Bruce, I received a letter from you yesterday that I think was intended for my father. My father was Richard Mocarski and attended the Air Force Academy. I am sorry to inform you that he is no longer with us. He died in 1994 of cancer, but remains in our thoughts. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I thought you should know since you were trying to reach out to him. Take care, Richard Mocarski Jr.

Rich, Thank you so much for your reply. I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was always ready to lend an ear while I tried to sort out my feeling from the loss of my own father about 1 1/2 year prior to our time at the USAFA Prep School. I can seriously say that I would probably not have been able to complete that year were it not for your father's help. With my prayers for your comfort and healing, God bless you and yours. – Bruce Hancock

Alvin Orr

This notice was sent to us May 2012: He lived next door to me in West Seattle in approximately 1979 for about two or three years, and he worked for SeaFirst Bank. I was so shocked to learn of his passing. When I found it on the internet, I looked up the phone number for his father who lives in Washington. His father verified it with me. I told him how sorry I was to hear of Al's passing and asked him if he wouldn't mind telling me what happened. His father was so kind and said "oh, that's quite all right". He had a rare form of cancer. It was located somewhere in his shoulder. He had gone through some surgery, and now I can't remember the rest. His father told me that he died at home. – Jackie

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