7 minute read
Signal Charlie
CAPT George Conaway, USNR
CAPT George Conaway, USNR became a Naval Aviator on November 22, 1972 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Fl. He was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-12353. George Timlin “Tim” Conaway, Jr., 74, of West Chester, PA passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2022.
Tim was born in 1948 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of the late George Timlin, Sr. and Edna (née Hunley) Conaway. He was a retired Navy Captain who served his country for 30 years as a pilot. He enjoyed flying airplanes and helicopters, sailing, and golfing with friends. In his civilian life, he ran a sales organization in the packaging industry where he met many friends and colleagues. Upon retiring Tim spent his time volunteering and serving as the Executive Director of the American Helicopter Museum continuing his passion for aviation. Tim was a loving husband, proud father and devoted Pop to his 12 grandchildren, who he enjoyed spending time with every chance he got. Those who knew Tim, know that he always had a smile on his face and a drink in his hand.
Tim was the beloved husband of 52 years to Carol (née Winter) Conaway; loving father of Meghan K. Gillmor (Steve), Melissa A. Teti (Chris), Meredith W. Gatt (Jon), Matthew Timlin Conaway (Erin), proud Pop to his grandchildren, who meant the world to him: Logan, Chase, Max, Kaden, Addison, Emilie, Ronan, Ryan, Connor, Sean, Luke and Vivian; dear brother of Georgeann Muia (Jim) and Gail Kilmartin (Tom), and also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Helicopter Museum, 1220 American Blvd., West Chester, PA 19380 (https://americanhelicopter.museum/donations/).
LT Alfred J. Banford, Jr.,USNR
Alfred Joseph Banford, Jr. was born in Salem County, New Jersey on June 16, 1940 and died peacefully on November 2, 2022 surrounded by his family (Al, Andy, AJ, Mr. Dennison, Uncle Al, and when in Italy, Alfredo, a man with many names, who was truly one of a kind).
A 1962 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, AJ took his commission in the U.S. Navy and served a combat tour in South Vietnam flying Huey gunships for the Navy Seawolves of HAL 3. Among his many military honors, AJ received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and three Purple Hearts. After serving six years in the US Navy, AJ moved to Incline Village and worked for Boise Cascade. During the 1970’s, he formed Silver Pine Homes, a modular home manufacturer and contractor based in Stead, Nevada.
In 1975, Banford accepted a position as an advisor to the Saudi Arabia National Guard. Returning to Incline Village in 1976, AJ became a principal and general manager of the North Shore Club Casino. After selling the casino in 1979, he and his partners bought Captain Jon’s Restaurant and the Tahoe Vista Marina. In the same year he formed The Radford Company, a full service, independent mortgage company based in Incline Village which he owned and operated for 43 years. As a three-time wounded warrior, he volunteered his service as a counsellor for the VA’s PTSD Rehab Program in Reno and was a member of the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Veterans Club.
AJ is survived by his wife, Karen Dennison, his cousin, Margie Goodier (John), his brother-in-law Bob Hodges and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth L. Brown, his father, Alfred J. Banford Sr., his sister, Susan Hodges, and his nephew, Andy Allen.
AJ was known for his irreverent wit, his generosity and his “larger than life” personality. He was an avid reader, an excellent cook, loved to travel to Maui and Italy and spend summers at Incline Beach. He looked forward to his daily coffee group fondly known as the OG’s (Old Guys).
A celebration of life will be held at the Chateau in Incline Village at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Veterans Club, c/o The Incline Village Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451 (Attn: Jennifer Moore).
CAPT Thomas J. Bernsen, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Thom Bernsen, USNR became a Naval Aviator on July 29, 1971 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson field, Pensacola. ENS Bernsen was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-11731.
It is with great sadness that the family of CAPT Thomas J. Bernsen, Jr., USN (Ret.), announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and stalwart veteran of the HS Community, on January 3, 2023.
Born December 13, 1948 in St. Louis, MO, he grew up in a sailing family in Long Beach, CA. After graduating from CSU Long Beach with a BA in Mathematics, Thom dedicated his life to serving his country as a Navy helicopter pilot and test pilot.
Sea assignments included HS-2 in Imperial Beach, California involving service aboard USS Enterprise in HS-2 Det One, Vietnam. Highlights include numerous rescues during Operation Linebacker II and later being a primary pilot for the initial flights into North Vietnam during Operation End Sweep to negotiate de-mining Haiphong Harbor. Captain Bernsen served as a department head with HS-8, on staff with CVW-15, and commanded HS-4 aboard USS Carl Vinson in WestPac. Ashore, Captain Bernsen attended the US Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD and later became Director of the Test Pilot School and Commanding Officer of the Systems Engineering Test Directorate there. Notable projects included primary Test Pilot for the initial test article of the SH-60B Seahawk. Captain Bernsen retired from FASOTRAGRUPAC at NAS North Island on June 30, 1994 after 26 years in uniform.
Captain Bernsen’s post Navy positions included being a Director for Horizons Technology Inc., Senior Director SAIC Corporation, COO for National Dispatch Center, Inc. in San Diego, and owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard, all while cultivating his love for German sports cars.
Thom was a devoted husband and a proud father and grandfather. Thom and Linda made their home in Point Loma, CA where they enjoyed many happy years together. He was known for his sharp mind, quick wit, keen sense of humor, and ability to find the silver lining in any situation. He was an avid sailor and loved nothing more than being out on the water, a calling he passed on to his two children, Eric and Lauren. Thom was a master of the deadpan and could keep a straight face even when delivering the corniest of dad-jokes. He was as sharp as a naval officer’s sword and could express an entire conversation through a single look.
Thom will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Thom is survived by his wife, Linda, children, Eric and Lauren, and four grandchildren, Charlie, Havana, Jack, and Zoe.
A celebration of Thom’s life, complete with humorous anecdotes and tall tales of heroism will be held at a later date when known. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Thom’s memory to the Semper Fi Fund or Disabled American Veterans.
The memorial is scheduled for Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary, Point Loma, San Diego, 1415 (2:15PM) on Thursday, February 9, 2023. For full details click on the EverLoved link, https://everloved.com/life-of/thomas-bernsen/. RSVP’s via EverLoved webpage. Reception to follow at the Thursday Club, on Santa Barbara Ave. For purposes of condolences contact: Linda Bernsen, 2668 Narcissus Dr., San Diego, CA 92106 (lindasuebernsen@gmail.com or ericbernsen@gmail.com)
