LARRY BEARDSLEY 1949 - 1978 PILOT DEN Posted at FL Club: I just finished an autobiography by Charles Kuralt, the CBS correspondent who did the "On The Road" segment for many years. He mentions Larry and Frontier: 'General Custer marched down from Bismarck into these Black Hills and camped at a little spot you can see down there on the right. They call it Custer now.' On his flights from Denver up into the Dakotas, Captain Larry Beardsley of Frontier Airlines used to keep his passengers straining for a look at historic rivers and crumbled forts. 'On up to our left about fifteen miles is the famous old western town, Deadwood City, home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Wild Bill was killed in a poker game, as you doubt recall, holding aces and eights at the time, the 'dead man's hand'...' Often, when he had a few minutes to spare, Larry Beardsley would bank his Boeing 737 in a tight 360-degree turn around Mount Rushmore so that people seated on both sides could see the sculpted presidents; when Frontier was gobbled up by a bigger company and the new owners told him to knock it off, Captain Beardsley got so bored that he retired. Something went out of aviation that day." How true it is, something went out of aviation when they killed Frontier! Does anyone know the whereabouts of Capt. Beardsley? Kuralt errs in that Larry retired when he reached age 60 on 2/17/78 and there was no change in FL ownership in that timespan. -Jake Lamkins (3/26/02) I was hired at Frontier Airlines on January 16, 1978. That was a very happy day for me, fulfilling a dream. I still refer to Frontier as "the best job I ever had". As a Frontier new-hire I was introduced to Captain Larry Beardsley. He retired shortly after I was hired. A lot of Frontier friends thought I was his son. We are no doubt related somehow, but I'm not his son. We communicate via e-mail to this day. I'm still trying to prove our exact relationship. -Al Beardsley (7/31/02) I flew for FL just one year, but made some great friends. I stayed in touch with Larry Beardsley in Hawaii for several years after his retirement. I went back to Alaska when I was furloughed from FL. And flew for Wien Air Alaska until they folded in 1985. I am now employed by AAL, based in JFK flying the 767 for 5 more months! -Mike Latta (3/2/05) Posted at the FL Club: Thought you all would like to know that Larry Beardsley passed quietly March 2, 2010 at the age of 92. I flew with Larry and his wife Celia 1962 to 1968 and have wonderful memories of him. -Bev Brown Armando (5/5/10) Celia A Beardsley 69 Fresno, CA Denver, CO Clovis, CA Kailua Kona, HI C Lori Beardsley Clarence A Beardsley (92) Lori Beardsley (38) ------------------------ Clarence A Beardsley 92 Fresno, CA Denver, CO Clovis, CA Kailua Kona, HI C Lori Beardsley (38) Celia A Beardsley (69) Lori Beardsley (38) -Intelius.com (5/5/10) C A BEARDSLEY Pilot seniority date of 2/24/49 on the 9/1/72 FL/ALPA seniority list. -Jake Lamkins (5/5/10) Hi Ace & Billy, Got the following info about Larry. Wasn't his real name Clarence? I find a C A Beardsley on the 9/1/72 FL/ALPA seniority list with a seniority date of 2/24/49. I found the attached obituary for a Clarence Beardsley in Fresno. Wasn't his wife Celia a FL FA? Do you recall her last name? Owen? -Jake Lamkins (5/5/10) Subject: Larry Beardsley Thanks so much for letting us know about Larry. Do you have an obituary and/or a photo of him and Celia? Was Celia's maiden name Owen? -Jake Lamkins (5/5/10) CLARENCE A BEARDSLEY Born 17 Feb 1918 Died 02 Mar 2010 Age 92 At 93727 (Fresno, Fresno, CA) SSN issued in Pennsylvania -SSDI (5/5/10) Thank you for letting me know about Larry. I met him when I was a new-hire at Frontier in 1978 at Stapleton. I am still trying to figure out how we are related. If I could read a copy of his obituary I would appreciate it! Thank you! -Al Beardsley (5/8/10) I'm still trying to locate one. All I found so far is attached. -Jake Lamkins (5/8/10) Thanks. I'd like a copy of an obit if you come across one later. Do you have his old e-mail address? -Al Beardsley (5/8/10) If I get one it will be posted at his memorial webpage which I'll post on the FL Club message board. I have no address, either email or postal for him. Info has been slow coming in - no answers to my ???s so far. About the only things I had on him are the Kuralt item which follows and the article attached. -Jake Lamkins (5/8/10) I just got an e-mail two days ago from Celia. I plan to send her a reply and ask for info on Larry's passing. This might take a few days..... I have a pretty busy schedule this week. -Al Beardsley (5/8/10) I have contacted Celia and asked for a copy of the obit - when I hear back I will post it. -Bev Brown Armando (5/11/10) Hi Bev, Thanks for any info you can send me. A photo would be great too. I'm ready to start building his memorial webpage when I get a little more info. Was Celia's maiden name Owen? -Jake Lamkins (5/11/10) Hi Celia, I was a station agent at FL 1964-86 and do the FL newsletter and websites. I was sure sorry to hear about Larry. I'm building a memorial webpage for him at the FL website: http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Please take a look at it and see what you think. My condolences, -Jake Lamkins (5/18/10) Posted at the FL Club: Subject: New memorial webpage LARRY BEARDSLEY 1949 - 1978 PILOT DEN http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Post your remembrances of Larry. -Jake Lamkins Thanks for the info. Larry started with Challenger Airlines. -Ace Avakian (5/19/10) I so appreciate the webpage. I don't know how you did it, but it is beautiful. Thank you so very much. It brought tears to my eyes and Lori also our daughter. I'm sure I would recognize you if I saw you. I recognized your name immediately. I flew for Frontier from 1962 to 1971. -Celia Beardsley (5/20/10) I just heard from Celia (Owen) and there wasn't any obituary done. Celia said she did send something to the FARPA. -Bev Brown Armando (5/20/10) Captain Larry Beardsley became a grand personal friend early on in my Frontier career. I prevailed upon him to be the guest speaker at a Dinner Meeting of our Gunnison, ( CO ) Lions Club. He wowed the members & guests with anecdotes of his Frontier Airlines career along with his amazing grasp of Western Pioneer history. Larry was an avid tinkerer which led to him to successfully invent several marketable products. At one point he was successfully operating a residential lawn care service on the side. When Larry was "batching it" in Denver. He always made me feel welcome in his home. Alas during the final years of his FL career. He was commuting from his home in Hawaii and I was stationed in TUS so our paths did not cross too often. Larry was a unique character and a grand friend. -Bob Pearson (10/20/10) Photo of Larry from 1964 reprinted with permission from the book FROM THE COCKPIT TO THE GALLEY by Bonnie C. Dahl and Patty A. McNeill. -Jake Lamkins (6/26/13) Posted at FLacebook and the FL Club: DEN pilot Larry Beardsley's memorial webpage has been updated. http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Several items and a better pic added. -Jake Lamkins (6/27/13) I was a mechanic in Den and knew Larry. Last I heard he moved to Hawaii and started out as a deck hand on a charter boat and worked his way up to Capt of the ship. He was a great guy. -Bryan Sondburg (6/27/13) Have many fond memories of Larry - always a gentleman and he, Celia & I had many a laughs and pleasant times. -Bev Brown Armando (6/27/13) Remembering his inflight commentaries and Celia was awarded her 5 yr. pin at my stew graduation ceremony. -Kathleen Dionne (6/27/13) Larry and Art Ashworth were my two favorite pilots. Larry was so popular with our passengers with his narrations. He made a DC 3 ride to Alamosa seem fantastic and I don't remember when or where it was but Larry was on the five o'clock news flying and pointing out scenic spots on a major newscast. God bless his memory, -Art Giffin (6/28/13) As a former FL station agent in DEN during the early 60's, I recall Larry as one of my friends and mentor. As I was taking flying lessons to hopefully one day fly for FL, Larry would let me ride in the cockpit jump seat on occasion during my days off. He was very helpful and considerate of my beginning flying progress and took a personal interest in my development. (I did not make pilot status, college prevailed instead and subsequent management positions with FL.) I recall one jump seat flight with him when he had just checked out in the CV580. He had some humorous moments with the copilot before takeoff at Stapleton. One hell of a great pilot! One hell of a great guy! May your final flight west be smooth. -Jim Jeppesen (6/28/13) FLacebook Lance Brough So why is my name Larry "Lance" Brough? My Grandfather, My Hero! I flew with him several times a month when I was a little boy... he was my legal guardian for several years. Before every flight he would say to me “it’s a great day for flying Buddy”. Before every flight, usually while I’m sitting on the jumpseat waiting for takeoff, I always tell him “it’s a great day for flying Grandad”. I always feel close to him when I am flying through the clouds! It's amazing and so heartwarming to see how many people remember my Grandfather and the wonderful things said about him 50 years later! I can only hope that my passengers and coworkers remember me fondly in 50 years! (2/17/18) FLacebook postings Roberta Brashears This is from the book "A Life on the Road", by Charles Kuralt, published in 1990. It is found in the chapter "Aluminum Tubes with Wings", where Kuralt talks about how he misses the old days of flying, the seats, the pilots and the stews, etc: "I miss the fine old hand of government interference. I miss the comfortable seats and the considerate captains with gray at their temples who conducted historical tours of the landscape passing below." ""General Custer marched down from Bismark into these Black Hills and camped at a little spot you can see down there on the right. They call it Custer now." On his flights from Denver up into the Dakotas, CAPTAIN LARRY BEARDSLEY of FRONTIER AIRLINES used to keep his passengers straining for a look at historic rivers and crumbled forts. "On up to our left about fifteen miles is the famous old western town, Deadwood City, home of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Wild Bill was killed in a poker game, as you no doubt recall, holding aces and eights at the time, the 'dead man's hand'....."" "Often, when he had a few minutes to spare, Larry Beardsley would bank his Boeing 737 in a tight 360-degree turn around Mount Rushmore so that people seated on both sides of the plane could see the sculpted presidents; when Frontier was gobbled up by a bigger company and the new owners told him to knock it off, Captain Beardsley got so bored that he retired. Something went out of aviation that day." Trish Swanson-Hawk I really miss flying, what I learned from being on the plane was pure history not taught in books. I enjoyed the pilot or whomever wanted to let me know what I was seeing, so sad, so uncomfortable is the way we fly now. Linda Casey Hamala One very eary morning in Rapid City my son and I were trying to get on that same flight back to Denver. I heard Cap Beardsley ask the agent if there was a person for 1 empty seat. The agent said he had 2 - Mrs Casey and son. Larry said "send em out" As we entered the plane I saw someone go into the flight deck. I never forgot his kind gesture. I got home and John got to school and we got to see the Black Hills too Bill Buse The time I got to experience the early morning fly by of Mt Rushmore I was a student at Metropolitan State College in Denver and got into Denver in time for my classes. I told some classmates about flying over Mt Rushmore a little earlier in the morning and I think they had a hard time believing me. I miss those days of being able to fly non-rev on Frontier Melodye McKamey Wangler If only things were that simple now. I remember Captain Beardsley and his informative flights. That's when flying commercial was actually fun. Carol Bartley Phil Stallings and the Captain flew down low beside them as close as possible on my last trip on the 580. Phil Stallings Wish we could do it again ... Jake Lamkins Larry's at http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Lance Brough Thank you for the memories, Jake Lamkins! Gary Summers Thanks Jake I was in KC most of my 19 yrs with Frontier - loved the stories. Penny Scott Overdier Larry was among the best! Lou Clark I flew with him several times when I worked in Grand Forks. Lou Clark Great Guy! Greg Bentley To Lance Brough, There is more about your wonderful Grandfather, Larry Beardsley. Lance Brough Today would have been his 100th Birthday! Mynette McKamey I remember flying with Larry many times. Wow!!! The “tours” we got!!! We could almost pick the nose hairs out of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore! The passengers loved it though! Lance Brough Thank you so much for your kind words! My Grandfather was my hero, it is so touching to read these posts and how many people remember his extraordinary personality! Mynette McKamey My pleasure, Lance Brough. Your grandpa was such a good man and loved by so many. I can see why he’s your hero. I’m sure you were his hero as well! Lance Brough to Mynette McKamey Thank you! I am a FA with AA based in PHX. If you are ever in town, I would Love to meet you! Also, not sure if you still receive non-rev benefits, but you are always welcome to a buddy pass. Again, it is so nice to know you and I look forward to exchanging stories. Buck Hawk One of our best. Lori Staab Hello all. Capt. Larry Beardsley was my father and I have to say how wonderful and truly in awe I was reading all the posts about him especially on what would have been his 100th bday. It was especially heartwarming how many he touched by doing what he loved the most and I wanted to say thank you so much for all this wonderful posts and memories shared ?? (2/23/18) Two of my dearest friends - Celia was my flying partner all the time I flew & Larry a dear dear friend whom I also flew with. -Beverly Armando (9/19/18) One of my favorite FL pilots. -Vern Lahman (9/21/18) FLacebook posts Bryan Sondburg Beardsley, are you still in Hawaii Al Beardsley This response is from Al Beardsley. You are probably referring to Captain Larry Beardsley... He retired from Frontier shortly after I was hired in 1978. He moved to Hawaii and operated as a charter boat captain for years before moving back to Fresno CA. Some details are here in the “Gone West” (obituary) section. Larry and I are not related. I loved flying for Frontier! I retired in 2007 from UPS. Bryan Sondburg Hi, thx for the response, yes Larry is the one, got to know him at work and knew he retired and moved to Hawaii, he invited me over to go fishing on his boat. I did oblige him and went to meet him in Hawaii, but his boat was in dry dock at the time but had a nice visit. Knew he had gotten his boat captain's license and was running a charter boat. Very nice man. He use to fly the Nighthawk runs from Denver to St Louis, I believe. Al Beardsley I made a trip to Hawaii one time and called him and asked if I could come and see his operation. He said it would be better to come back another time because the volcano was eruptIng and the sky was black with the visibility near zero and they weren’t doing any fishing anyway. After he moved back to Fresno California I want to visit with him there before he passed away. Bryan Sondburg Yeah, he sure changed alot from what he was at work, let his hair down and had fun. (12/13/20) Lance Brough Posted for Vets Day on Facebook 11/11/21 with a pic of Larry Beardsley Happy Veteran’s Day to my Hero in Heaven! Susan Walker Aww Lance he was truly special and just like you so handsome! Marie Stribling Wow he gave you his whole face so handsome Jake Lamkins Ah Lance, as you know, they don't make them like him anymore! http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Memorial to Larry Beardsley Lance Brough Thank you so much! He was such a great man and an incredible Pilot! Jake Lamkins Lance, do you have an obituary for your grandmother? We need one for her memorial webpage. Anything else you want to add too. Also for Larry. Lance Brough I don't believe her daughter "Lori" ever wrote one! Very sad! Celia was my Step-Grandmother, but I Loved her as my own! I lived with them for many years while growing up! I would like to write some interesting and historical information about my Grandfather! He was written about in several books and interviewed by Walter Cronkite for his amazing in-flight entertainment! He was always telling stories about the mid-west history... Mount Rushmore, The Sioux Indians, Wild Bill and Calamity Jane etc. He had amazing and funny stories where ever he flew! (11/11/21 Lance Brough on Facebook Happy Heavenly Birthday Grandaddy, my Hero! “It’s a Great Day For Flying!” (2/17/23) Jake Lamkins Great guy! Larry retired 45 years ago on his 60th birthday. https://fal-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html I'm going to update his webpage soon. Got a few more items to add. (2/24/23) Lance Brough Thank you for all you do! Your time and work means so much to so many! (2/24/23) Jake Lamkins to To Lance Brough I'm working on your granddad's memorial webpage. Any family pix of him to share? Refresh my memory re how long you'been a f/a. Thanks. Jake (2/27/23) Lance Brough I started with Golden West Airlines in 1979, first as a Ramper, then Gate/Ticket counter LAX/SNA until 1984. I have worked for 5 other airlines since then Pacific East Air, West Air/United Express, CP Air and Eastern Airlines, now American Airlines for 11 years. I am presently based at LAX. I am Domestic and International Qualified! I have also won the Flight Service Champion’s Award twice… less than 1% of all Flight Attendants receive this award. I have been employed within the industry for 44 years. I also taught Travel/Airline Careers at a Junior College in Fresno, CA. Being a FA is alI I ever wanted to do since Grandad took me to Australia on Qantas Airlines and I saw my first Male/Steward when I was 8 years old. Too much information, but you can use what ever you choose. Thank you so much! Remember that Grandad was written about by Charles Kuralt, also Walter Cronkite included him in a special because Grandad was so well liked/known for giving the history of the Midwest/Gold Rush, the Sioux Indians, Mount Rushmore, Wild Bill and Calamity Jane etc. he was well known for entertaining and narrating on each flight about the history of the Midwest! He was a showman in the sky! I am currently on a four-day trip. When I get home I will search my pictures for more photos to send you! Thank you again for this and all you do for so many!!! I would really Love to talk sometime also. Maybe do lunch or dinner on one of my trips! I would also offer you Buddy passes for yourself anytime. Non Revenue travel is not what it used to be, but I would extend my passes to you, which I don't do for anyone. Thank you again, Jake! (2/27/23) FLacebook FLIGHT WEST UPDATED Frontier Memorial Webpage LARRY BEARDSLEY 1949 - 1978 PILOT DEN http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Larry_Beardsley.html Larry was one of the great ones! Post your remembrances of him. -Jake Lamkins (3/2/23) Lance Brough Thank you so much for all you do, Jake! Your hard work and care means so much to so many! Grandad's 25 year pin. I always wear it over my heart! (Photo) Fred Watson R.I.P, Captain Vern Lahman The Frontier Family will never forget Captain Larry Beardsley he was the best. RIP What was the cause of death Lance Brough Natural causes! He was 92! (3/2/23)