More detail on this person: Richard A. Lindekens pushed back from the gate and took flight on his next adventure on November 9, 2017, where he is now flying high above the planes and eagles he so loved. He was born June 14, 1947, appropriately on Flag Day and the U.S. Army birthday, in Pasadena, California, to Frances and Herbert Lindekens. From early on he had a love of flying and spent his career flying helicopters in Panama, the Amazon Jungle, Alaska, and for the Army. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran until the end. A true patriot, he retired with full military honors after 20 years of service. He met his wife Raelynn Pedersen in the National Guard where they shared a love of flight. He became a corporate pilot for Fluor Corporation where he developed a love of international travel. This love of flying took him to work for AirCal and shortly thereafter to American Airlines, where he retired as a Captain on the 757/767. After retirement his "never let the grass grow under your feet" mentality took him all over the world where he pursued and excelled in his passion of photographing wildlife and people. His photography was published in the Montecito Times, was on display at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art and is proudly hanging at the US Department of the Interior. Richard loved flying, travel, people from all over the world, his friends and most of all his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind wife Raelynn, daughters Tracey (Todd), Tricia (Jason), Amy (Justin) and grandchildren Alyssa, J.T., Sara, Blake and McKenzie. He is also survived by his sister Jill and brother Rob (Kim) and nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the people who so compassionately cared for Richard during his long battle with cancer. We are forever grateful for your dedication. A special thanks to Dr. William Heringer, Melissa and Joan; Dr. Donna Walker, Tina, Elizabeth and Emily; Dr. Jeffrey Kupperman; Dugan PT, Sue, Joe, Jan and Joy; the wonderful staff of Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital; the lab technicians at Pacific Diagnostic Services; and Visiting Nurses and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Salvation Army, The Vikings Charities and Bethania Lutheran Church. Service will be held on November 18, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at Bethania Lutheran Church in Solvang.
This information was last updated 11/28/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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