Richard Lloyd Drilling

Richard was born in Batavia, New York on April 3rd, 1935 to Walter and Susan Drilling. After graduating from Corfu High School in Corfu, New York in 1953, he earned his pilot's license and started a life-long career in aviation.

In 1959, Richard married his childhood friend Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Smith, and they went on to have three children, Teresa, Gretchen, and Jeffrey.

Over the years, he and his wife grew their thriving flight school, Genesee Airways, in addition to him spending time managing the Genesee Country Airport at Batavia, New York. Established in Western New York, his flight school moved operations to Lantana, Florida in 1988 where it served an international market of student pilots. Read his aviation career memoir at www.mybigadventure.com/flight

After retirement, he was very active at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverton, Oregon. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus where he eventually achieved the level of a 4th Degree Knight.

Richard is predeceased by his parents and brother, Donald Drilling. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Ann; his three children Teresa Drilling, Gretchen Drilling, and Jeffrey Drilling.

Richard will be deeply missed by friends, family, and all who knew him.

May his soul rest in peace.