Flying Tiger Line Pilots Association In Memoriam... William Pattison October 2, 1919 ~ June 19, 2010     Back to directory

Bill Pattison passed away at home on Saturday, June 19, 2010, after a year long battle with cancer.

Bill was born  October 2, 1919  to Andrew and Mildred (Skillman) Pattison in Los Angeles, California. He graduated  from Hollywood High School and then attended UCLA.

Bill was involved in ROTC at UCLA and left one semester short of graduating to join the Navy, and WW II.  Bill learned to fly and flew bombers off a carrier in the Atlantic Ocean. Bill was awarded an Air Medal for meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of a torpedo bombing plane in action against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic  Ocean arena. On April 19, 1944 Bill delivered an extremely accurate and effective rocket projectile attack in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire, making several hits on the target.

After the war Bill held a few jobs before hiring on with Flying Tigers. While flying for Tigers Bill received commendations from the government for missions he flew for the military airlift command. Bill flew 127 airlift and logistical support missions into enemy territory between 1964 and 1972.

After living all his life in Southern California Bill decided he wanted a change and in 1972 he moved his family to a small Northern Idaho town called Hayden Lake.
In 1987 he decided that golfing year round sounded good so he and Norma moved to Wickenburg, Arizona where they spent the rest of their lives.

Bill loved flying for Tigers and told so many great stories about his adventures flying for the company and about his good friends there. He didn’t want to, but in 1979 he retired.

Bill had things to keep him busy in retirement because besides flying, he loved to golf, talk to friends on his ham radio, work in the yard, and be with his family. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Bill was preceded in death in 2002 by his wife of 46 years, Norma.

He is survived by his four daughters: Ann Sheridan, Linda Erickson (Mike), Lisa Prosser (Dave), and Laurie Morgan. His grandchildren: Molly, Will, Derek, Dominik, Raechel, Jess, Andy, Heidi, and Shane. His great-grandchildren: Silas, Jayleigh, Chyanna, Brayden, Kimber, Tutu, Ruger, and Paislee.

Bill is buried at Coeur d’Alene City Cemetery, Riverview annex.