Gordie Blume
August 25, 1948 - September 25, 2014
Obituary
Gordie Blume
Gordie Blume (Harold Gordon Blume Jr) passed away peacefully on September 25. While battling cancer, his positive approach to life allowed him to explore the world for over 9 years.
He was born in Spokane in 1948. His grandfather and father were private pilots and Gordie developed a love of flying at an early age. He graduated from Washington State University. In college, he was in Air Force ROTC and went on to become a Captain and Aircraft Commander flying the KC-135 around the world. Breaking the speed of sound in a T-38 and developing lifelong friends were special times. While in Air Force in Spokane he met and married the love of his life, Molly. He was proud and passionate about flying at Alaska Airlines for 31 years on the 727, MD 80, and 737. He treasured the diverse flying experiences and wonderful colleagues who became close friends.
At home in Issaquah Gordie and Molly started the Clark Elementary Science Parent program and Science Fair. With family and friends he enjoyed hiking, camping, volunteering, aviation, Boy Scouts, model airplanes, science, fossil digs, old cars, space exploration, James Bond, fishing and sightseeing. Gordie explored the world with his family across the US (especially Alaska), Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, plus New Zealand and Australia.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Molly, sons Chris and Jeff, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
His enthusiasm, positive spirit, fun-loving attitude and dry wit provided joy to all—he will be greatly missed.
Everyone is welcome to attend the memorial service to celebrate Gordie’s life on Wednesday, October 1 at 1:30 at the Museum of Flight—View Lounge, in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Attn: Melanoma Donations—Gordie Blume, PO Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109.
Molly and Family – Martha and I extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Gordie was a true gentleman and a class act. He was one of my favorite people at Alaska Airlines. He will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him. I’m glad you mentioned his dry wit in the obituary. Everyone who knew him knows exactly what that was like and enjoyed his unique sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go forward.
Dear Blumes,
We were so saddened to hear of your great loss. As a fellow Captain, Gordie made flying for Alaska Airlines a joy. His dry humor, quick wit and genuine kindness were always so appreciated. He will be sorely missed.
Rich and Sara Loudon
Dear Molly, I am so sorry! This has been such a long road for you and Gordie. I am so glad that during this time, you both were able to do some travel and celebrate your amazing relationship. Truly, you were and are an example to your friends and family.
Sending love and prayers during this very present time of grieving,
Judith
Dear Molly,
Sandy and I are so sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. You guys seemed like an ideal couple. I know Gordie will be greatly missed. The premature end to a vibrant life diminishes us all. Our thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Be well,
Rich and Sandy
Molly, Chris and Jeff,
Kelly & I share in your grief for the loss of your husband, father and our friend. Gordie’s legacy lives on in everyone he touched. As an Alaska Airlines Captain, Gordie was the consummate professional–an outstanding pilot and leader of his crew. I enjoyed flying with him and I continue to benefit from all he shared we me. Kelly and I have been blessed for having known him. We continue to pray for you during this very difficult time in your lives.
Mitch & Kelly Mitchell
Molly, Chris, Jeff,
What a wonderful gathering yesterday to honor Gordie and gather together and share memories. So glad we were able to be there to shed a few tears, and express joy in having Gordie part of our circle of friends, He filled his life with tremendous zest and touched us all in positive ways. The tributes were heartwarming, emotional, and amusing. It was so good to see you three surrounded by family and great support.
We both add our love.
Peggy & Joe Salz
Molly, Chris and Jeff
Gordie was my best friend, I always enjoyed being with him and he always made me feel better. From our times at WSU, in the Air Force, enjoying the ups and downs of Cougar football and in retirement, Gordie was the best. But please know, that Cathy and I will not be strangers and we hope that you will call on us when ever you need to.
When I think of Gordie, I smile and I know you will too. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten,
All our Love
Rich and Cathy
Molly and sons,
We have never met. I read of Gordie’s passing in the ALPA magazine. I was his aircraft commander on the KC-135 at Fairchild AFB when he was a brand new co pilot, just out of pilot training. On his first trip to Southeast Asia, we had to fly from Spokane to Fairbanks, Alaska. Then 11.5 hours to Kadena AB,Okinawa then on to Thailand a few days later.
It was quite an eye opening experience for him (as I recall).
Gordie was a good pilot and an easy going guy, and I’m sorry to hear of his passing. I left the USAF in 1976 and flew for Braniff and Continental…I’m sorry we lost touch, and sorry we never got to meet.
God Bless you and your family,
Bill Eason
Molly, I just received my copy of the WSU alumni magazine…I had no idea Gordie had died. I am devastated. I broke down and cried. I saw the two of you in early Sept 2014…..I met Gordie while worked as a ramp service agent in 1980….he was one of the last pilots Alaska ever furloughed….he was one of the nicest persons I have ever met
…..you and he were friends I cherished….I hope to see you at future Cougar games…..you are in thoughts and prayers…..I thank God our paths crossed…..especially in 2014..
…..
Dear Blume Family,
The news of Gordy’s tragic passing just reached me yesterday, 6/10/15 I am shocked and deeply saddened for your loss.
Please accept my deepest and most sincere wishes. I pray that your are all well and moving on with your lives. I know what you’ve gone through. I lost my dear mother last April as well.
I was Gordy’s second aircraft commander at Fairchild for more than two years. I was new to the airplane and very gratified to have his wonderful expertise at my side as we accomplished our many missions together in the CONUS, Alaska and the Atlantic. I have many, many very fond memories of our trips and adventures together. He was a great companion and terrific pilot! I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Molly during your courtship days when he roomed with John in Spokane. We lost touch with each other during our airline careers, his with Alaska and mine with Northwest. I regret not getting to know your all better, and never meeting his two wonderful sons.
I wish you all peace and joy with the reassurance that Gordy continues to live in our hearts and minds. He is still with us in the vast blue sky that he loved so dearly.
My best wishes to your all.
Ron Potter