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In memory of Gary Loren Dick October 11, 1933 – December 7, 2023 Lt. Col. Gary Loren Dick, U.S. Air Force, passed away at 90 on December 7, 2023, in the comfort of his San Antonio TX home. Born October 11, 1933, in Lisbon ND – the first son of Walter and Dora (Hanna) Dick, Gary was raised on the family farm and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1951. He went on to study mechanical engineering while in the Air Force ROTC at North Dakota State University earning his bachelor’s degree in 1955. Gary met his wife, Delores (Weiler) “Tudy”, at Lisbon High and married her in December 1954. They were partners in life for over 63 years until her death in 2018. Gary began his career and his love of flying as a 2nd Lieutenant with pilot training at Marana Air Base and basic training at Laredo AFB where he earned his wings. His career spanned several more assignments including Luke AFB; Nellie AFB; Turner AFB; Biggs Army Airfield; Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taipei Taiwan; Pope AFB; Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Udorn Thailand; Birmingham Airport; Ontario Airport; and Kelly AFB in San Antonio TX where he retired in 1980. The following are many of the aircraft that Gary trained in and piloted: T-34 Mentor, T-28 Trojan, U-6 Beaver, U-4 Super Commander, U-3 Cessna 310, C-123 Provider, C-54 Skymaster, C-47 Skytrain, C-45 Twin Beech, T-39 Sabreliner, T-33 Shooting Star, T-29 Convair 240, H-19 Chicksaw, F-100 Super Sabre, F-84 Thunderstreak, KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-97 Stratofreighter, KB-50 Tanker, B-57 Canberra, and finally, C-130 Hercules. The medals and decorations awarded to Gary include Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; and Air Force Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster. In retirement, Gary spent a few notable decades as the owner of a thriving handyman business, open 24/7, primarily for the large Oak Meadow community where he lived. This was a labor of love that kept him active and closely connected with his neighbors. He once said: “I’m a lucky man. Helping others feel safe in their home is my way of giving back some of the good that came into my life.” He also enjoyed working with wood, and he designed and cut many thousands of pieces supporting the ‘handmade crafts’ boom in San Antonio. Tudy and Gary learned to play bridge in their 20s and played as partners throughout their marriage. But everything was put on hold when the fish were biting! Gary is survived by his daughter Roberta Prior of San Antonio TX; his daughter Julie Bais and her husband Tim of Escondido CA; his son Dave Walter of Dallas TX; his grandson Kyle Pollitt and his wife, Skylar, of San Marcos CA who are the parents of his two great grandsons, Milo and Sage; his sister Kay Hegle of Perham MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Tudy, his son Dana Dick, his parents, and his brother Keith Dick. Gary will be interred in a private ceremony with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio TX, where he will join his wife, Tudy, who he greatly missed. There they will continue their journey playing bridge and telling fish stories.

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Lt.Col Gary Loren Dick USAF Ret

October 11, 1933 - December 7, 2023