May 1, 1937 - May 17, 2012
Jack Salkovics left this world to be with the Lord on May 17, 2012, in Bend, Oregon, surrounded by much of his loving family.
Jack Salkovics was born May 1, 1937, to Trudy and Albert Salkovics in Lake Stevens, Washington. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1955, and joined the Naval Reserves at Sand Point, Washington shortly thereafter.
As a Plane Captain, on the F4U Corsair, he discovered a love for Naval Aviation. Serving in far away places, such as Kwajalein Atoll, he attended college classes and applied for the Naval Cadet Aviation Program (NavCad).
He was accepted and graduated in November 1957, wearing the wings of gold awarded to Naval Aviators and the gold bars of a Navy Ensign.
He attended advanced jet training in Texas, flying the F9 Panther and the A4 Skyhawk. After completion of his training, he toured the Far East during a Western Pacific cruise (WestPac) aboard the USS Coral Sea. In February of 1963, he transitioned to helicopters, flying the H-34. He spent 2 years in Antarctica (Operation Deep Freeze 1964-1966). He left the Navy in April 1966, to fly for Pan American Airlines. He flew the Boeing 707 and 747 until Pan Am became insolvent in 1991.
In retirement, he enjoyed walks on the beach with his wife, Dee, and his West Highland Terriers. He spent much of his retirement in California, Camarillo (1978-1994), Nipomo (1994-2004) until relocating to Redmond, Oregon (2004-present).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Trudy and Albert Salkovics; and his first wife, Ginger Salkovics. He is survived by his wife, Dee Salkovics; sons, Scott and Steve Salkovics; daughter, Jacqueline Williams; daughters-in-law, Kari Salkovics and Nora Guy; grandchildren, Nicolai and Ivan Salkovics, Cole Salkovics and Rowan and Haidan Smith-Williams.
A memorial service will be observed at the Assembly of God Church in Redmond, Oregon, June 2, at 2:00 pm.
Donations in his honor can be made to the Humane Society or to a church of choice.
