Jack Birkland, 96

Jack A. Birkland, 96, died on Sept. 24, 2015, after a brief illness. In his long life Jack experienced many successes and adventures as a World War II pilot, attorney and world traveler. Jack is cherished by family and friends he leaves behind.

This is Jack’s story as written by him.

I was born and spent my early years in Spokane, Wash., where I lived with my fun-loving and caring foster parents. When I was 10, I joined my birth parents in South Dakota after a long court fight. I returned to Spokane in 1937, graduated from Gonzaga University, and went on to receive my law degree from the University of Cleveland Law School.

I learned to fly in 1938 at Felts Field in Spokane under the Civilian Pilot Project funded by the federal government. During the war, I flew 27 missions over Germany without incident. After the war, I joined the Hartford Insurance Company. I held a variety of positions on both the East and West coasts before retiring in 1976.

During the next 20 years, I traveled extensively on freighters with ports of call that were off the beaten track.

The following are some thoughts that have come to me over the years. I hope you can enjoy, laugh and learn from them. I believe it is important to have a positive interest, thoughtful concern, and to give what help you can to friends and acquaintances. To say ‘Hello’ and mean it — to give a friendly wave and a smile is the best medicine in the world for both you and the receiver. Don’t be too serious; living is a wonderful journey. May your spiritual beliefs satisfy and help you, and help you to help others.