Wesley D. Schierman, Maj USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on January 4, 2014.
Wesley Duane Scheirman (Age 78) headed West on January 4, 2014, at his home in Everett after a short battle with cancer. Wes was born St. John, WA on July 21, 1935. Wes flew the F-100 with the 481St TFS from 1962-64.
At 17 years old, Wes joined the Washington Air National Guard and served as an Armorer before he earned his pilot wings in 1956. The only thing that rivaled his love for flying, was his love for Faye Rigsby, whom he met while attending Washington State University (ATO Fraternity). Wes and Faye married in 1958, and the couple recently celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary.
During their marriage, Wes had a long and successful aviation career flying for the WA Air National Guard, the U.S. Air Force, and as a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines. Wes was a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 28, 1965 to February 12, 1973.
In 1974, after his incredibly distinguished military career, Wes retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major and returned to flying for Northwest Airlines, which he retired from in 1995 as a Boeing 747 Captain with over 15,000 flight hours. In his “free time” Wes became a founding member of the Blackjack Squadron, a group developing a structured training program in formation flying that continues today.
He also enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends, traveling, attending reunions, building and flying airplanes at Arlington, and going to many movies with his wife.
He was a true hero, gentleman, loving husband, father, and friend.
Many loved Wes and all will miss his resilient spirit, positive attitu de, and sense of humor.
Predeceased by his parents, Waldo and Nora Schierman, Wes is survived by his loving wife Faye; his children Sandra Schierman, Steven Schierman (Wendy), and Stacy Schierman; his grandchildren Cassandra Settle, Steven Schierman, and Alexa Schierman; and his sister Sheila Lester.