Joe was an inspiration to me.....
Not only was Joe a neighbor down the street, at some point I became aware that was also an Air Traffic Controller at a local airport.
Joe was the very first controller ever met. I spent several hours watching him work and talking with him about job as an air traffic controller during several visits to the Tacoma Narrows Air Traffic Control Tower. Joe had a great sense of humor and impressed me as a very capable and talented man. To me he appeared to be the John Wayne of air traffic control!
I believe that the time spent with Joe those many years ago helped to instill an interest in aviation and caused me to pursue a career in the FAA as a controller. Later I learned to fly and got my pilots license. I would often fly to Tacoma Narrows to practice landing and taking off under Joe's watchful eye - often stopping long enough to go up in the tower and say hello.
It's now been over 40 years since those days spent with Joe and I am nearing the end of my own career. I have loved being an air traffic controller and can't imagine doing anything else. Thank you Joe for taking time to talk to a wide-eyed kid and sharing your love of the job with me way back then.
My condolences Joe's family and friends, I know he will be missed.
Dave McNeel
Puyallup, WA
