William Frank Black
September 8, 1931 - March 25, 2010
Obituary
William Frank Black was born prematurely September 8, 1931 on his grandparent’s farm in Comanche County, TX. His Grandmother, Jessie King Black, was the midwife and was credited with keeping him alive. She said that ‘if he makes it through the night, he will be OK.’ He did, and became affectionately known as ‘Billy Frank’. He was small enough to fit in a shoe box, which is where he spent the first few hours of life, in a makeshift incubator, near an open oven door. From there he graduated to a dresser drawer. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN as his parents moved there when he was an infant. The air was so cold one winter, that Bill would put water on his perfectly formed wavy hair and have it freeze into place. Cool kids didn’t wear hats.
He graduated in 1949 from Roosevelt High School and went to work for NW Airlines. He started out in equipment service, and then as an apprentice mechanic. When he was laid off as a mechanic someone mentioned that Northwest was hiring stewards male flight attendants and that he should go and apply. He had only thought of this as an interim position and not a life long career, however, he continued in this career until he retired in 1993 after 42 years. In his years of flying he had approximately 33, 000 flight hours and many hours of jet lag. After moving to Washington he was classified as a ‘Flight Purser’. He flew the international flights to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila, and to Viet Nam during the war. Bill was a ‘people person’; he loved to tell jokes, loved singing and was always telling stories about his flights. The best one was the woman who kept walking back & forth in the aisle, finally Bill asked could he help her and what was she looking for – her reply: ‘how do you get to the next coach’?
In his younger years in Minnesota Bill enjoyed pheasant hunting, deer hunting and ice fishing. He loved to sing and often told the story about singing ‘It Had to Be You’ with another boy when they sang at a school assembly.
Bill married Corinne Corky Haugen in 1955. They lived in Minneapolis for ten years before moving to Washington. Bill has spent the greater part of his adult life living in King County, which was named after his 5th generation great uncle Wm Rufus Devane King, who was the Vice President that served with Franklin Pierce.
His favorite singer was Nat King Cole and everyone had to be quiet when he was listening to him sing. He sang in choirs in school and at Christ Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and at Calvary Lutheran, Federal Way in the 70’s. His favorite thing to do was to watch his boys play soccer and baseball, and attend every game when he was home. He served as the Safety Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop #70 in Federal Way. Bill’s hobbies were tilling the soil in their garden in Graham, mowing the lawn and of course, taking a nap. He will be remembered most by his smile.
Bill passed away peacefully at Carol’s Country Cottage, a group home where he had been receiving loving care for the past two months from hospice and the care givers at the home. Bill and his family have been challenged for nine years since he was diagnosed with dementia. He is now in a better place smiling down on all of us.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Corinne Corky, three sons: Jeffrey Montesa of Vancouver, WA, James of Spokane, WA and William Todd Rosemary of Shoreline, WA. six grandchildren: William Brent, Jeremy, Kevin, Becky, Jordin and Danica. Brothers: Robert Janice of Savage, MN, Phillip Kathy of Edina, MN and Sister Beverly Perry Putnam of Baxter, MN., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way in lieu of flowers.
I miss Bill. He started flying in MPLS about 4 years before me and we had lots of trips together both while there and in Seattle. His smile and funny jokes always made me smile and the trips enjoyable. He was a good worker, a great FA.
My father also died of Alzheimers…a terrible disease.
Love and prayers to the whole family.
Sally
Bill Black, father of the 3 boys
We will remember the surprise of Christmas toys
Coaxed his eldest son to pull him on a sled
For dad a grieving tear will be shed
The classic ’56 chevy brought such joys.
To get out and shovel some snow
At pretty near 35 below.
Skip a rock across Lake Superior
We kids,in throwing, were much inferior.
Take a street car in Tokyo.
Baby squirrels were pets we could cherish
Dad adopted them so they wouldn’t perish.
Grandpa’s farm and tractor were quite fine
So too, the Boy scout Jamboree in 1969.
Pushing Todd on the homemade swing could make one so peckish.
Burn a wood pile, clear the land
Mom would always lend a hand.
Devotion to each other
Mom took this to heart with our father.
And she makes things turn out as planned.
So we gather today to honor our dad
Now when we are feeling sad
We’ll remember the times that were good
As only Billy Frank’s children could
Look down on us now and we’ll be glad.
There’s not much else I can say about my grandfather that hasn’t already been said by everyone else; His smile, his stories, his never-ending patience and generosity for everyone he encountered. My fondest memories of my grandfather are at the house in Graham, whether it be outside cutting down a tree, picking some sort of fruit or vegetable for canning, chasing away the Coyotes, or him letting me drive his riding lawnmower like a Nascar his words around the yard. You and your wisdom will never be forgotten, Grandpa. We all love and miss you very much.
Bill was an awesome man and an even better ex father-in-law. He will be missed ALOT!!
With Billy what you saw is what you got – Simple, pure, genuine. He loved to laugh, make others laugh with his jokes and make things light and happy. He was the easiest person in the world to be with. We will miss him but we will never forget his big smile and easy manner. We also will never forget Corky’s tireless and endless devotion to him.
Dear Corky, Jeff, Jimmy, Todd and Families,
My fondest family memories were with uncle Billy. He always had a special place in my heart, he was my favorite! His smile, his infectious laugh and his great stories kept us all entertained!
We will miss him! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Love,
Cindy Black
Corky, Jeff, Jim and Todd;
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Uncle Billy. I was very saddened to hear of his passing but know he leaves behind so much in you and his grandchildren.
I have so many fond childhood memories of Uncle Bill, and though we were far away much of the time, many more happy memories as we grew up. Lou and I will miss his smile as everyone does.
Scott and Lou Black
Corky, Jeff, Jim, Todd and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Billy. I have fond memories of him when we were all younger and he ALWAYS had a great story and a huge smile on his face. He will be missed. Take care all!
Hi Corky, Marian Niebuhr called to tell me that Bill died. May the Lord comfort you and take you into your new chapter of life with strength and peace.
It’s been a long time since we’ve been in touch but I have fond memories of both you and Bill. We were in the hospital together in November 1961 when our boys were born, remember? I can just imagine Bill and Howie singing in heaven. They both loved to sing. Stay busy. Love, Beth Ritter
We had some very good times back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Thank you for keeping us up to date with your family through your newsy Christmas letters. God be with you all.
Dear Corky,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dick and I both enjoyed flying with Bill and we also so enjoyed our times with you and Bill in Seattle when we were first married. Dick passed away on September 1, 2008 and now the two of them can laugh about the good old times! My prayers are with you and your family.
Bill and our gang had many great days in our high school and dating days in the 40’s and 50’s. Bill was always eager to get into whatever scheme we could come up with next. He will be greatly missed.
I miss Bill. He started flying in MPLS about 4 years before me and we had lots of trips together both while there and in Seattle. His smile and funny jokes always made me smile and the trips enjoyable. He was a good worker, a great FA.
My father also died of Alzheimers…a terrible disease.
Love and prayers to the whole family.
Sally
Bill Black, father of the 3 boys
We will remember the surprise of Christmas toys
Coaxed his eldest son to pull him on a sled
For dad a grieving tear will be shed
The classic ’56 chevy brought such joys.
To get out and shovel some snow
At pretty near 35 below.
Skip a rock across Lake Superior
We kids,in throwing, were much inferior.
Take a street car in Tokyo.
Baby squirrels were pets we could cherish
Dad adopted them so they wouldn’t perish.
Grandpa’s farm and tractor were quite fine
So too, the Boy scout Jamboree in 1969.
Pushing Todd on the homemade swing could make one so peckish.
Burn a wood pile, clear the land
Mom would always lend a hand.
Devotion to each other
Mom took this to heart with our father.
And she makes things turn out as planned.
So we gather today to honor our dad
Now when we are feeling sad
We’ll remember the times that were good
As only Billy Frank’s children could
Look down on us now and we’ll be glad.
There’s not much else I can say about my grandfather that hasn’t already been said by everyone else; His smile, his stories, his never-ending patience and generosity for everyone he encountered. My fondest memories of my grandfather are at the house in Graham, whether it be outside cutting down a tree, picking some sort of fruit or vegetable for canning, chasing away the Coyotes, or him letting me drive his riding lawnmower like a Nascar his words around the yard. You and your wisdom will never be forgotten, Grandpa. We all love and miss you very much.
Bill was an awesome man and an even better ex father-in-law. He will be missed ALOT!!
With Billy what you saw is what you got – Simple, pure, genuine. He loved to laugh, make others laugh with his jokes and make things light and happy. He was the easiest person in the world to be with. We will miss him but we will never forget his big smile and easy manner. We also will never forget Corky’s tireless and endless devotion to him.
Dear Corky, Jeff, Jimmy, Todd and Families,
My fondest family memories were with uncle Billy. He always had a special place in my heart, he was my favorite! His smile, his infectious laugh and his great stories kept us all entertained!
We will miss him! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Love,
Cindy Black
Corky, Jeff, Jim and Todd;
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Uncle Billy. I was very saddened to hear of his passing but know he leaves behind so much in you and his grandchildren.
I have so many fond childhood memories of Uncle Bill, and though we were far away much of the time, many more happy memories as we grew up. Lou and I will miss his smile as everyone does.
Scott and Lou Black
Corky, Jeff, Jim, Todd and families,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Billy. I have fond memories of him when we were all younger and he ALWAYS had a great story and a huge smile on his face. He will be missed. Take care all!
Hi Corky, Marian Niebuhr called to tell me that Bill died. May the Lord comfort you and take you into your new chapter of life with strength and peace.
It’s been a long time since we’ve been in touch but I have fond memories of both you and Bill. We were in the hospital together in November 1961 when our boys were born, remember? I can just imagine Bill and Howie singing in heaven. They both loved to sing. Stay busy. Love, Beth Ritter
We had some very good times back in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Thank you for keeping us up to date with your family through your newsy Christmas letters. God be with you all.
Dear Corky,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dick and I both enjoyed flying with Bill and we also so enjoyed our times with you and Bill in Seattle when we were first married. Dick passed away on September 1, 2008 and now the two of them can laugh about the good old times! My prayers are with you and your family.
Bill and our gang had many great days in our high school and dating days in the 40’s and 50’s. Bill was always eager to get into whatever scheme we could come up with next. He will be greatly missed.
I had the priveledge of flying with Bill in my transition from our merger. I came from Huges Air West/Repiublic. When I worked along side Bill on the Boeing 747-200,it was a pleasure. He always treated his passengers and fellow Flight Attendants with respect, a smile and a story or two. I learned from Bill, that a sense of humor could get you almost anywhere NWA flew!
Thanks for sharing part of his life I was not aware of.
DEAREST BLACK FAMILY
I AM SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF BILL’S PASSING. I REMEMBER HIM AS SOMEONE I ALWAYS ENJOYED WORKING WITH BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH A PLEASANT PROFESSIONAL WHO MADE OUR WORK ENVIRONMENT ENJOYABLE. HIS SMILE AND HAPPY DISPOSITION MADE HIM SO CHERISHED. HOLD ONTO THOSE WONDERFUL HAPPY MEMORIES OF HIM AS YOU ENDURE THIS PAINFUL TIME OF LOSS. HE MAY BE GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WE LOVE IS NEVER TO DIE. LOVE IS ETERNAL.
POSITIVE PRAYERS THOUGHTS AND CHI ARE WITH YOU ALL.
BEST REGARDS,
JUANITA DEIS AND FAMILY.
I’m sorry I didn’t ever have a chance to get to know Bill, even tho’ we were first cousins. I met him once when I was nine at a Rice family reunion in Minneapolis in 1949. His family was a part of my family history over the years and I welcomed the opportunity to take part and learn about Bill’s family in the Rice Family History Book. Steve and I send our love and heart felt prayers to Corky, his sons, and grandchildren. I know he will be missed and well remembered. Cindy, Steve and Family
Hi Corky, Jeff, Jim & Todd.
I am sorry for your loss. I hope things are going OK for all of you. I am trying to arrange to come out for the 17th, but it may not work.
In any event, stay strong and I hope to see you soon.
Rob Black
Who could ever forget this peach of a man w/ the great big smile and jokes a mile long! He was the best and genuinely cared for everyone. A great Purser and human being! He’ll be missed and remembered by all!
I transfered to Seattle from Minneapolis in 1968 and in my 43 flying years was honored to work with Bill many times. I will always remember him as a kind and funny person, a wonderful flight attendant and a real gentelman. As his family grieves I hope they will keep in mind that he just earned New Wings. My thoughts are with you. Litsa Mizelle
Bill will always be remembered for his smile and friendly attitude. What a wonderful person to have had the pleasure to work with. He was always there to help and serve others. My deepest sympathy to his wife, Corkey, and his family. Bill will be greatly missed.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to you,Corky and your family.I mentioned the passing of Bill to a friend who resides at Narita and Sydney.Although she’d left NW many years ago,she vividly remembers Bill and the special man that he was.
My most sincere condolances to his family–
We grew up on the same block in south Mpls…I sent his interesting obit on to my twin bro. Buzz in FL…
I am sure he will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him…
Bill was a very special person and a joy to fly with. He will be missed.
Sheri Kiley
To Corky and the boys,
I will always have nothing but good memories of Uncle Billy. I can’t think of a time when he didn’t have a huge smile on his face.
i remembered his lovely smile every time i worked with him.
Webster’s defines mensch as a person of integrity and honor. For those of us who knew Bill it implied more. How fortunate we were to have him in our lives and how wonderful and kind hearted a person he was to all of us. He brought out the best in us and we all loved him and thank him for that always. With love and sympathy to you and your yours. Alona McFarland Hudgens
I was a flight attendant in SEA for 20 years. I remember Bill, and he was indeed always smiling! My heart goes out to you, his family!!
Warmest Thoughts and Prayers!
Carolyn Willits
I am sad knowing Bill has passed away.
As an eight year old Aunt I held him in a shoe box in front of the oven door.
I remember being so unhappy when his parents decided move to Minnesota to live. When his parents returned to Texas for a visit a year later Bill was a beautiful healthy little boy.
Praises to Corky for her endless care of Bill.
Rest in Peace, Bill
My deepest sympathy on your loss, Corky and my deepest gratitude for sharing that sweet, kind and gentle man with us all.
I remember Billy, my brother and my friend.
I remember his infectious, disarming SMILE.
I remember his kind and gentle demeanor.
I remember his faults and his frailties.
I remember his need to be cared for.
I remember his desire to care for others.
I remember his complete, overwhelming love for Corky and his family.
I remember his easy, comfortable personality.
I remember he put others before himself, mostly.
I remember his frustration and anger as he slowly lost his mental abilities.
I remember his humble spirit, which will never die.
I will ALWAYS remember Bill, my brother,my freind.
May these words of sympathy bring some comfort on the loss of one so very dear to you and your family. Remember that you’re thought about not just by friends alone but by a kind and loving God.-Rev.21:4. Those we love and are no longer with us remain in our hearts.
I remember Minnesota, Hawaii and Federal Way with the Blacks. Mr Black always had a smile and a story and was a great friend to my Dad. I was able to join both Bill and Harry on their last flight before retirement and there was so much out pouring of love for them.
The very best to you all.
To my big brother Billy.
I miss you already.
I’ll miss not being able to pick up
the phone and call just to talk.
I’m so glad that we were able to get together last fall. I hope for
a little while you new who I was.
I liked just sitting quitely next
to you. All the thing Bobby said
are true. Billy the quite one.
Your are now in heaven with Mom and
Dad. We’ll all be together again
someday. Sister
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was always a pleasure to work with. Our prayes are with his family.
Dear Corky and family,
You have my deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband and will be in my thoughts and prayers. It was so good to see you both on our 50th school reunion and I know you were such a good caregiver to Bill then. We have been married a long time haven’t we? we will be married 59 years in June. Your family will be a source of strength and support to you. PEACE! Marian
I too, had the pleasure of working with Bill for 26 years. I was one of his many supervisors. Bill did not need superversion. He was an exemplary Purser and gentleman for Northwest Airlines and one of the air carrier’s greatest assets.
My sincere condolences to his family.
I first met Bill during the spring of 1955; when I began a career with Northwest Orient Airlines. We shared so many things and experiences during those years; that I will “ditto” all the wonder ful remarks and “multiply them”.
Some of you were part of his family, or a relative, or an aquantance or a friend/buddy; but to me, BILL was my PAL.
my deepest sympathy to corky and family…It was alway great to have Bill as Purser on my flights. He made us all laugh and he was always happy and telling stories. You always knew it was going to be a good flight when he was on..Billy you will be missed.