EDWARD GWYNN obituary

TUCSON, Ariz. - Edward Ray Gwynn, 61, of Tucson, Ariz., a retired helicopter pilot, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at University Medical Center after a long battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. First Ave., in Oro Valley.

Ed was born to Elmer and Grace Gwynn in Havre. He graduated from Flathead County High School in Kalispell in 1962, attended college in Bozeman and graduated from Cameron University in Lawton, Okla. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served 20 years as a helicopter pilot and instructor, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam, receiving the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross, among others. After retiring from the service in 1987, he went to work for Rocky Mountain Helicopter Co. in Iowa for nine years. Then he transferred to Tucson, where he continued to fly for Life Net until 2001.

Ed enjoyed flying model airplanes and was a member of the Sonora Desert Flyers Club. He belonged to the American Legion and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. He also enjoyed working on cars, reading and playing with his grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his mother, Grace Gwynn; sister, Judy Smith; and uncle, Vernon Woods.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Glenda; children, Kim (Scott) Girard of Chugiak, Alaska, Lisa (Paul) Leeman of Phoenix and Jana Gwynn of Anchorage, Alaska; four grandchildren; father, Elmer Gwynn of Havre; sisters, Sheri (John) Potter of Crawfordville, Fla., and Karen (Paul) Stout of Havre; brothers, Hugh (Charlotte) Gwynn of Havre and Larry Gwynn of Casper, Wyo.; brother-in-law, Jim Smith of Livingston; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are by Adair Funeral Homes, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave.