In Memoriam

November 24, 1932 - October 7, 2025

Captain Harjehausen's employment at Flying Tigers was unique. He was originally hired as a Navigator (date still unknown) and flew in that seat for a time while working on his qualifications to become a pilot.  Fairly risky at the time, he resigned as a Navigator long before those positions were being phased out due to the arrival of INS's in the cockpit, and applied for a pilot position.  He was hired on 11/28/1966 and enjoyed an event-free career before taking an Early Retirement Incentive offered by Federal Express just before the merger in 1989.  He was always jovial, well known, and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The following notice was received from Denny's grandaughter.

My name is Angela Cordova (shown at right with Denny). My mom is Brandi (Harjehausen) Cordova. My grandpa, Denton (Denny) D. Harjehausen flew for FTL and retired as a 747 captain when FTL merged with FedEx. He had tremendous pride about being a Tiger. It was the core of who he was and he reveled in sharing flying stores and experiences with his family and friends.  Unfortunately, my grandpa passed away from complications of Parkinson's on October 7, 2025,  just shy of 93 by about 6 weeks.

After his retirement, my grandpa and his wife, Judy, moved to Oregon where he built and flew two airplanes (an RV-6 & RV-4). He and his wife, Judy Harjehausen, also bought an RV and traveled around the United States for a period of time. Flying was in his blood and it was hard for him to eventually give it up after he had a small stroke (upon approach at the local airport in the late 90's; both he and the plane were fine, I might add!). He did fly for a little while following the stroke and he was quite fond of "buzzing" my mom's house! He stayed connected to flying by joining a local pilot's weekly breakfast and made fast friends with many people!

He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his mid-80's. But flying for FTL was a source of great pride for him and he told us stories about his many trips, his time in every seat of the aircraft, and the wonderful people he worked with up until the last few weeks of his life. He was an incredibly talented human being who loved deeply and protected fiercely, designed his homes, was a craftsman, and forever a Captain! 

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughters Brandi Cordova (Guy) and Dina Harjehausen; his granddaughters Angela Cordova, Amber (Cordova) Carlton, Shannan Roberts, and Kayla Young; his great-grandchildren Devin Cordova, John Chitteden, Ivan Chitteden, and Braxton Young; his stepdaughter Sheri Everett and her son Chris; and his step-children Jennifer Carter (Eric) and their children (Adelaine, Conrad, Aubrielle, and Hudson) and great-grandchild (Gilbert) who all lovingly called him Opa as well as his stepsons Tony and Tim and their spouses and kids. He is preceded in death by his daughter Sheli, his granddaughter Amanda, his parents (Della and Heinie), his stepson Chris, and his step-grandson Danny).

Denny and Judy pictured above with family celebrating his 90th Birthday

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