Richard “Dick” Betz, born in Hartford Connecticut September 14th 1919 passed away on February 3rd 2019. Dick was the last of his 13 siblings.
Dick met the love of his life, Lavelle, on January 27th, 1945 and they married April 3, 1945. Traveling to Anchorage, Alaska to pursue the dream of hunting, fishing and outdoors June 19, 1946. In 1947 they started their family, raising 3 children, Judyth, Rebecca and Timothy.
In 1946 Dick passed his Alaska Guides test and guided clients from all over the world. Lavelle was his assistant guide and always worked by his side. Dick began flying in 1946. Dick was happiest when exploring Alaska’s remote wilderness in his super cub, sharing the Alaska he loved. People often said “Dick wore his super cub” when he flies it.
Dick was always available to help out anyone, anytime, flying out to remote locations or using his boom truck at Lake Hood. People often said he was like a real-life McIver. He could always figure out a way to fix almost anything and often did.
Dick was working at Pratt/Whitney in Hartford in December 1941 when they asked for volunteers to go overseas to get airplanes ready for the military when they arrived. He volunteered and spent time in Ireland, England, Morocco and South Africa. He was called back to Connecticut by his draft board in September 1944, and joined the United States Army Air Force, discharged in February 1946.
Memorial services will be held at the Lakefront Hotel in the Flying Machine from 4-6pm Saturday, February 9th. The family welcomes any thoughts or experiences about Dick. All who knew him are invited to attend the memorial.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Richard Betz, please visit our Tribute Store.
9
Feb
4800 Spenard Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99517
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