In Memoriam

January 19, 1951 - January 11, 2019

Al was hired by FTL on February 9, 1979 and finished out his career as a Captain with FedEx.

He was active at his home airport, Gillespie Field, and the following was received by their association the day of his death.

It is with great sadness to report the unexpected passing of Gillespie Pilots Association Board Member, Allan Bresee, early this morning.
 
Allan had been involved in aviation for a 50 year span of time. He was a CFII, and flew jets for Flying Tiger (air freight) which was acquired by Federal Express (Fed Ex) in 1988. Allan flew for Fed Ex for 30 years. In the past several years, Allan flew for General Atomics (KSEE), and most recently, Schubach Aviation (KCRQ). He also was a check airman for these carriers. His first love was aviation, and he flew everything from taildraggers to jets.
 
GPA would like to extend their sympathy to the family, close friends, and all the pilots at Gillespie Field who shared a great friendship with Allan.
 
A memorial for Allan is in the process of being planned. As soon as the memorial date and time is determined, it will be sent out to everyone via email.
 
Blue skies Allan, we will all miss you greatly.
 
Leslie Day
V.P. Gillespie Pilots Association

The following is a copy of his obituary

Allan Bresee flew home on Friday, January 11th in Santee, California. Born on January 19 in 1951, Allan was predeceased by his parents, Dean and Dorothy Bresee and first wife, Janice Jett Bresee. Allan was a father to many and a friend to all. He was a veteran of the United States Army, a commercial pilot for Fed-Ex for over thirty years, and an avid fly fisherman. Allan lived his life in the air, and his passion for flying was surpassed only by his love for his family and community. He is survived by Megan Bresee, his wife of 26 years, his daughters Katie Meyer, Erika Bresee and Emily Bresee, and his sons Jonathan and Justin Bresee, his grandchildren Grace and Sarah Meyer, along with over a dozen nieces, nephews and a squadron of pilots who will think of him every time they touch the sky. Visitation services will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7:30 at El Cajon Mortuary (684 S. Mollison Avenue, El Cajon, Ca 92020). Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019, at The Immaculata - University of San Diego (5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110) Celebration of Life will follow from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at Gillespie Field Hanger #13. All are invited to join a sharing of memories for friends and family beginning at 2 p.m. Food and beverages will be served. (1921 N. Marshall Avenue. El Cajon, CA 92020). Internment will be Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Alpine Cemetery (2495 W. Victoria Drive, Alpine, CA 91901) In lieu of flowers, contributions to Honor Flight San Diego would be appreciated. HSFD is a non-profit team of volunteers dedicated to escorting San Diego county Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. www.honorflightsandiego.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this page with archived pictures or testimonials about Al is encouraged to contact us at email@flyingtigerline.org