DYER CHARLES P

WO1 Charles "Pat" P. Dyer was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 01/12/2022 at the age of 78.6
Orange Park, FL
Flight Classes 68-521 and 68-39
Date of Birth 06/02/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 192 AHC in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam POLECAT 405
This information was provided by Stephen Willett

More detail on this person: Chief Warrant Officer Charles Patrick "Pat" Dyer passed away on January 12, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 78. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Ernest and Beverly Dyer, who preceded him in death. Pat served his country honorably for 24 years, including tours in Korea and Vietnam, most notably as a helicopter pilot in 192 AHC (Call Sign POLECAT 405). He was most recently a helicopter pilot training instructor. Among other decorations and medals, CWO3 Dyer received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Campaign Stars, and Senior Army Aviator Badge. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and other veteran's organizations. Pat is survived by his wife Crea; daughters Suzanne Terrell and Christine Brandon (& husband Jim); Step-son Park Balevre (& wife Sonia), Step-daughter Renee Emmitt (& husband Drew); Grandchildren Trevor Terrell, Amanda Stafford (& husband Jesse), Elijah Emmitt & Willa Emmitt; Brothers and Sisters Ronald Michael Dyer, Pamela Dyer Ridley, Michelle P. Gatta, Paula Gatta Connolly (& husband Mike), Gregory Gatta; and Nephew Gregory Connolly. He has two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Jesse James Stafford. Early in life, Pat had a great curiosity and sense of adventure. He shared this with others and often took his siblings on long walks exploring their neighborhood and city where they lived. When needing a dance partner for an upcoming contest, he taught one sister how to dance. He later taught another how to bowl. Early on, Pat discovered his love for the water. He enjoyed rowing, scuba diving, and sailing along the coast of Maine. He even built a cement bottom boat and a large wooden sailboat in his backyard. He often took his family on his sailing trips. One memorable summer, he chartered a great sailboat out of Bar Harbor, Maine, for a week and sailed to Portland with his two daughters and a sister. He was always very dedicated to family and was fiercely protective. Once, he and Crea made a special trip, traveling a great distance, to attend Michelle's graduate school graduation. After retiring from the Army, Pat and Crea delighted in visiting family, exploring the country, and traveling the world. They were Diamond Plus cruise members on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, making lasting friendships and cruise partners. He loved seeing his children and grandchildren in Missouri and Colorado. In his later years, Pat turned his attention to gourmet cooking and inspired family and friends with dishes such as Strawberry Basil Chicken and Teriyaki Salmon with Pak Choi and Basmati Rice. He was also skillful in identifying the birds, especially of northeast Florida and middle Tennessee, and he would delight friends and family with his knowledge of ornithology. He was well-liked by his neighbors, cruise friends, and extended families in Tennessee and Florida. Pat was a good storyteller and could be quite charming. If he didn't get the expected laughter from his audience, he would joke that they had no sense of humor and would laugh for them. He excelled at puns and "dad jokes" and could keep the room warmhearted by reminding all to walk to the corner if they got cold because it was always 90° there. All who met Pat knew he was passionate about many things, but he was most passionately in love with his wife of 33 years, Crea. The last thing he said to her was, "I love you so much." Chief Warrant Officer Dyer, Pat, Dad, Granddad, brother, uncle, and husband will be greatly missed.

This information was last updated 02/21/2022

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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