Flying Tiger Line Pilots Association

In Memoriam...

Daniel Cork

12-11/1928- 02/17/2014

Daniel C Cork Sr of Owasso, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord on 17th, February, 2014. After a long and adventurous life. His Son, Dan Jr, Daughter in Law Jeannie, Grand Kids Kelly & Danny were at his side.

Daniel Charles Cork Sr. Was born Dec 11, 1928 in Portland but moved as an infant to Corvallis, where he will be laid to rest along with his mother, grandmother & sister, in Crystal Lake Cemetery.

Daniel attended Corvallis High School and from there he joined the United States navy in 1945 where he served on the USS St. Paul Heavy Cruiser (CA-73) in 1947 after leaving the navy with an honorable discharge he began a long adventurous career in aviation. He married Lois Elaine Norton with whom he had two daughters (Marlene & Cynthia) and a son (Danny Jr.) with.

He has held many different positions with a host of many companies as he climbed the latter to success in the aviation field. A&E (A&P), Flight Engineer, Shop Foreman & Pilot are just a few of the positions. Certificates he has earned are: Airframe & Power Plant, Inspection Authorization, Flight Engineer, Commercial pilot with Multi Engine & instrument Ratings, Hot Air Balloon rating and type rating in DC-8 & Boeing 747.

Over the course of his aviation career he completely restored 2 aircraft from the ground up. A Stinson 108 and a Piper Tri-Pacer. After his retirement he built an experimental aircraft from scratch. A Pete N Pole Air Camper which he also test flew.

The most prestige’s part of his career had to be the 26 + years with Flying Tigers. He started his Career with Tigers as a flight engineer on the Constellation (A 4 Radial Engine Aircraft) from there it was flight engineer on the CL 44 (a 4 Jet Engine Turbo Prop aircraft). He then earned a right seat (First Officer) on the DC-8 (a 4 Jet Engine aircraft) then earned a left seat (Captain) in the same aircraft and topped off his Career for Tigers in the Left seat (Captain) in the Boeing 747 aircraft. During this part of his career he flew Military personnel and just about any kind of cargo you can think off all over the world. Dan was also recognized by the US Air Force for his participation of completing 43 Contract Airlift Logistical Support Missions for the Military Airlift Command within the Republic of South Vietnam from 1965 to 1968.

He has always been respected & considered by his close friends & family as a top notch mechanic, pilot and very generous man giving to family, friends and numerous charity organizations including donating his Piper Tri-pacer to the Wings Of Hope.

He is survived by his Sister Helen, daughter Cynthia, son Daniel Jr., 9 grandchildren, & host of great grandchildren.

In his final year of life he officially accepted the lord as his savior and said he was looking forward to seeing his daughter (Marlene (Kathy)) sister (Betty) & mother (Winifred May Cork) again in heaven.

Grave Side Inurnment will be at 11:00 am, Saturday April 5th,2014 at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis Or.