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Ira Bortles, 97 year old pioneering aviator, folded his wings Sunday 6th May 2007, to join his loving wife Evelyn, who departed just under two years ago.
Ira grew up as a hard working farm boy in the tough, unforgiving dry-land farming region of NE Colorado. Inspired by Lindberg’s historic cross-Atlantic flight, Ira determined to become a pilot as well. A gifted mechanic, he wired his father’s iron-wheeled Fordson tractor with lights – perhaps the first ever – so he could cultivate and plant 320 acres of wheat at night, the only time that the tractor was available. This was to pay for his $2,000 tuition at the Curtiss Wright Flying School in Denver, Colorado.
The day before harvest, his crop was hailed out and his flying hopes were dashed with it. Believing in his dream, his father borrowed the funds Ira needed, and he soloed in October 1929, in a Challenger Fledgling. His dream, his transformation from farm boy to aviator had been accomplished, and soon was with the Clinesmith Flying Circus, barnstormed in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas in his OX-5 Robin; and was a contract aviator until he joined Northwest Airlines in 1939.
He was later to be the first to fly a jet airliner into Japan, Korea, and the Philippines for NWA. Later, he established a record that stands today: the fastest Honolulu-Portland time in a 707. His 1969 mandatory retirement at 60 from Northwest allowed him to fulfill another dream, to slooowly sail to Hawaii with his youngest son Lynel.
In 1950 he, Evelyn and two oldest sons Larry and Dan, moved into his new home on West Mercer Way, in which he lived to the last.
He is survived by his three sons, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A service celebrating Ira’s earthly arrival and departure to new heights will be held at the Mercer Island Emmanuel Eposcopal Church on Tuesday, 15th May at 2 PM, with a reception following the service. You may contact the family at l.bortles@amphiltech.com or at 206-418-6337. You may also view highlights of Ira’s life – and make your own blog comments – in the comment box at the bottom of this page.
6 responses so far ↓
Larry Bortles // May 9, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Dad, although I miss you greatly, I know that you departed the way you would have scripted it: quickly, with your dignity, wit and intelligence intact.
I treasure the last two years that we have had together, for you became so much more than my father. You became my friend and buddy. Thank you so much for your trust, love and friendship. It was a true pleasure being here for you.
I hope that you and Mom have now smothered each other with kisses.
Much much love to you both…
Larry
Mariluz Villa // May 10, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I was deeply honored to attend both Evelyn and Ira. As a geriatrician, I work with many elderly people every day. But Ira and Evelyn were not ordinary people. They enriched my life greatly, and I know their spirits will continue to help me care for people who are in the final years of their life. Ira told me every time I visited him that he wanted to be with Evelyn. Now they are together, and I am sure they smile down upon us!
Chris Howell // May 14, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Growing up with Lynel, I knew your family in the 60’s and early 70’s. Most especially, I knew Captain Bortles for a month as he skippered our little boat across the Pacific to Hawaii.
It is remarkable that everything that has been written about Ira Bortles is really true – he was the ‘real deal,’ an example towards which to strive. If any of the rest of us were even a little bit more like him, the world would be a better place. He was the real life embodiment of a “Man of Character.”
My heart goes out to all of you for your loss, but most especially for your celebration of what a great father you had!
Chris.
Glenn D. Price // May 14, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I came to know Ira over the past 18 months in my capacity as his estate planning attorney. Over that time period I had occasion to enjoy Ira and his son, Larry, probably a dozen times in my office and at Ira’s home. My last visit to Ira’s home was for his 97th birthday party, where he held court in his inimitable fashion. Ira was our oldest client and will always be one of our most memorable. He went out the same way he lived: active, alert and engaged. What more could his loving family have asked for?
GDP
Harry Bedrossian // May 15, 2007 at 3:05 am
Larry & Family, I had the honor and priveledge to fly co-pilot for your dad on the late props and the 707. He was the Captain that co-pilots tried to emulate because he was a true professional without being over bearing. I flew many SEA-HNL flights and enjoyed them all. I was a neighbor on Mercer Island for 26 years(1966-1992), and we would share rides to the airport whenever we were on the same schedule. Coming up as co-pilot you learned the Do’s & Dont’s from the Captains you flew with and Ira taught us all the Do’s.He was a great guy and great pilot. I’ll miss him. Harry Bedrossian
Peter Reiss // May 17, 2007 at 1:12 am
I had the great privilege of flying as Ira’s second officer on the 707 for several months in 1967. I never was senior enough to fly as his copilot before his retirement. Because of Ira’s being the ultimate Gentleman that he was, his schedule was always one of the first three or four to be bid for each month.
During those flights, however, I learned enough from him and his presence that he really became one of my mentors for the next 34 years of my career.
He always spoke of Evelyn with such love, respect, and devotion.
A true gentleman in every respect, he became an airline legend…and shall remain so….
Peter Reiss