In Memoriam...

12/21/1936- 10/22/2008

Wayne L. "Red" Smith was born December 21, 1936 in Chewelah, WA., passed away October 22, 2008 when his 1946 Stinson 108 airplane crashed in Concrete, WA. Red was a graduate of Mt. Si High School in 1955. He was a resident of Bellevue, WA. Red retired from Federal Express as a 747 Captain. Prior to FedEx Red flew for Flying Tigers and also worked for United Airlines and JAL. Red spent his extra time working on his other passion for cars. He was a member of the National Ford V8 Club, Cascade Regional Group, and the PSRG Regional Group. Red's other interests included building and flying RC model airplanes, water and jet skiing, and was a volunteer for the Young Eagles Flight Club. Red was survived by his Wife of 22 years Janet, Sister: Beverly Pitts, Children: Andy Smith, Barbara Gourley, Stepchildren: Lisa Cannon, Mike Hinz, 7 Grandchildren: Casey, Ryan, Scott, Cody, Shane, Taylor, and Cole.

The pictures below are courtesy of John Huculak (UAL, ret.), who writes, "I first met Red in early spring of 1966 as a 14 yea old kid who was captivated by aviation.  He was a brand new DC-8-63  FE who completely loved his job and was more then happy to answer the million questions that a starry eyed kid had of everything Flying Tigers and DC-8s. He helped increase a flame that would later lead to a career in Aviation for me.  I’m just blown away to think how quickly 54 years have passed and at the time not realizing how special the time we spend together and our friendship would be.  In later years I was able to meet many fine people who were a part of Flying Tigers. From cargo ground handling, Line maintenance and Pilots. From the start Tigers was my dream job goal but I ended up working for UAL.  (Yea… we had to deal with Steven Wolf too:)  But anyway I digress..So enclosed please find a few pic’s that I have of Red.  1st Pic is of him with his son Andy. Thats the way he looked when I first met him in 1966. 2nd Pic is of him in his mister groovy days with his 1st wife (her name escapes me now) and kids. Dig the stash, side burns, longer hair and peace sign belt buckle.  And the 3rd is of his dashing, debonair, captains days.  I have to admit he aged well…I wish I knew his secret !   My last contact with him was in 1982.  Distance was the challenge at that point since I lived in Sonoma County Ca. and he lived in Washington.  (Plus 7 1/2 years of Military service 71-78) I hope these pic’s can be of some help.  Best regards…John Huculak"