So very sorry to hear about Dave's passing.  He was a genuinely nice person.  Prayers to all of the family.

Dear Mrs. Van Dyke and family, on behalf of the entire Lieou family, we are with you in honoring and celebrating the life of your beloved husband Dave Van Dyke.  He will be dearly missed, but his tremendous courage, his strength, his humor, and his love for so many will live forever in the hearts and memories of those he had touched, and for generations to come.  The courageous men of the Rustics share a special bond with our family through our father Colonel Oum.  And for that, we will be always be grateful.  All gave some.  Some gave all!

Messages from members of the Forward Air Controller (FAC) community with which Dave served in Vietnam. 


From Claude Newland, Rustic 19 

Susan, My sincere condolences on your loss. Dave was a true brother to us all. As you may recall, I was his roommate at Bien Hoa when I first became a Rustic in Aug 1970. We shared some good times together then and later at our Rustic reunions.  May God bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time.
 
From Sonica Lieou  

We are so sadden by Mr. Van Dyke's passing.  Our deepest condolences and prayers. Warmest regards, The Lieou family

From Johnny Drury, Rustic 04  
 
My slow hand salute to my brother and mutual Rustic 04. I plan to attend Dave's ceremony so that the Rustics can "throw a nickel on the grass."  
  
From David Parsons, Rustic 08 
 
Susan, I am David Parsons, ex-USAF fighter pilot turned doctor who trained and served with Dave.

We met in Clovis, NM, at Cannon AFB in 1969, for our initial fighter training school flying the ancient AT-33, created from the P-80 which was a single seater fighter.  A fighter trainer was needed so this plane came out in 1948.  It was so successful, the T-33 was created from it, coming out in the early 1950's and becoming one of the most produced airplanes ever.  Our plane was so old, that many wires were crossed and when we wanted to drop bombs, the rockets might fire or the wing tip fuel tanks could fall off!  Every flight was a new adventure but we did learn from true experts.

We then traveled to Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and at Hurlbert Field, learned to fly the OV-10 Bronco in preparation for war. We then both went to the Big Red One, 1st Infantry Division, and learned the horrors of war together. When the 1st went home in early 1970, we joined the 25th Infantry Division and began the border war.  From there, we were both hand picked to fly the Rustic missions in Cambodia.

We remained letter and email friends for life, but seldom saw each other. Dave was a marvelous friend and a great pilot. I will never forget him and I will miss him. Bless you Susan. I will be praying for you.  David

From Ron Dandeneau, Rustic F

I was deeply saddened this morning to hear of the passing of my friend and fellow Rustic, Dave Van Dyke. An exceptional pilot and true gentlemen with a great sense of humor. It was a privilege to serve with him and an honor to be considered one of his many friends.

From Tom Capps, Rustic 12  

Susan, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I was Dave's T-37 instructor in UPT at Moody. It was good to know him in the Rustics.

From Fr. Douglas Mitchell, Rustic 30. I will offer today's Mass for Dave and his family.

From Ron Slats Slater, Slugger/Sidewinder 22

Susan, G'day from Oz. I was very saddened to hear  of Dave's passing. Dave and I flew several missions together while stationed at Di An in 3 Corps SVN. He and I formed a close airman's  bond while serving under the command of Major Phil Hanneman, flying missions out of Di An and Long Thanh.

If you recall at the last FAC Reunion at Fort Walton, Dave wore 24/7 the Aussie military hat that I swapped for a pair of his USAF flying boots while were stationed in "Nam. . I still have the boots and I am sure Dave kept the hat to the very end.

We spent many enjoyable hours at the Reunion reliving the old Bronco days. On the final day, Dave  had the grace to drive me to the local Greyhound station in his little Fiat hire car where we saluted and said goodbye to each other. Such is life. My sincere condolences. Kindest Regards,

Susan and family: Dave was far too young to have left us. I pray you find peace and solace in the many memories he left you. We Rustics will miss his stories and great smile at our reunions. God Bless....Doug Aitken, Rustic 16

Susan & Kelly,

Our prayers are with you. I'll miss our visits & phone calls with Dave. Thanks for keeping me informed. 

Jim & Lynn Furness (Versailles, Ky.)

I am saddened at the news of David's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Even though, we have all moved on,you are all often in my thoughts.

Susan and Kelly we are so very sorry to hear about Dave.  He's such a good guy and I always enjoyed hearing his stories.  My heart is heavy and he will be greatly missed.  Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will all continue to be in my prayers!! I am only minutes away and will be by your side always!!!

Kelly, my deepest sympathies to you, your mom, and family.  Joel spoke highly of him and enjoyed his stories.  
May his memory be a blessing to you and your family.
Sincerely, Frank Agron

I am so sorry this happen.  Bless everyone of you as you struggle through.  Judy I am thinking of you and praying for all.

OBITUARY

David C. Van Dyke

October 8, 1945 – July 17, 2016

McGilley State Line Chapel

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