Jun 21, 1932 - Jan 26, 2010

Allen Amsbaugh died at home in Menlo Park on January 26, 2010, at the age of 77.

Although he was born in San Francisco, his childhood was spent in Southern California, and he graduated from Claremont High School in 1949. 

His interest in aviation set in early and he earned his pilot''s license while a student at Chaffey College. He graduated from the Naval Aviation Cadet program during the Korean War and was commissioned in the U. S. Marine Corps, seeing four years of active duty and another sixteen years in the USMC Reserve at NAS Alameda. After completing his active duty, Al received a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, and he worked for a few years setting up satellite tracking stations at home and abroad.

But flying was his first love, and the rest of his professional career was spent as a captain with American Airlines. His flying took many forms, including hot-air ballooning. He flew for many years in the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, as well as the Great Reno Balloon Race, WHAMOBASS, and other events around California. He called himself "the world''s least productive salmon fisherman" with his small commercial fishing boat at Pillar Point. He was also an avid motorcyclist, capping his ride-log with two round-trip tours from Santiago, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina.

"Cap''n Al" loved to be with people, and he was a member of many groups reflecting his interests: Wings of History; Pacific Coast Aeronauts; Grey Eagles; Moffett Field Historical Society; SIRS; former Sheriff of The Westerners, San Francisco Corral; Ex Noble Grand Humbug of E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena #1. He volunteered for many years at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University and at the Hiller Aviation Museum.

Allen is survived by his wife, Judith; their daughter Marian Amsbaugh and her two sons, Genaro and Joaquim Lozano of Santa Maria; their son Gordon and daughter-in-law Teresa and their son, Samuel, of Helena, Montana. He also leaves three half-sisters: Patricia Zoe Davis, of White Rock, B. C.; Sue Rector, of Pomona; and Elinor Rector, of San Diego.

All of Al''s friends and family are invited to a "going-away party" in his memory, to be held on Saturday, February 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos (Holly Street exit). In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Hiller Museum or to the charity of your choice.

- Published in San Francisco Chronicle from January 30 to January 31, 2010