More detail on this person: Michael (Mic) O'Connor slipped away from us and went West at 03:15am on April 6, 2024, after a six-month battle with cancer. He was comforted throughout his illness by his former wife, Merri Mattson and his beloved Golden Retrievers, Joey, and Riley. Mic was born on December 8, 1947, in Spokane, WA. His family moved to Tacoma a few years later, and finally settled by the time he was in the fifth grade, in Eugene, OR. Mic's military experience included one tour in Vietnam. His first assignment was to the Vung Tau Cobra Transition School for Cobra pilot training. He was then assigned to the 269th Combat Aviation Battalion's (Black Barons) 116th Assault Helicopter Company (Hornets), at Cu Chi, in III Corps. After only a few weeks as a slick pilot, he became a proud member of the "Stingers", the gun team of the Hornets, and was recognized during his tour for his bravery and valor by receiving a direct commission to 1st Lieutenant with numerous other accolades and awards, including the Silver Star. Mic was "Stinger 91". After Vietnam he was assigned to Ft. Knox where he attended the Armor Officers Basic Course. He was further assigned to the 334th Armed Helicopter Company, the Playboys, Raiders, and Dragons after they left Vietnam for CONUS. By the time Mic joined them, they were preparing to be transferred to Germany, and as a captain, he was assigned as the movements officer for the move. He remained with the 334th in a command position for the remainder of his tour, and eventually finished his Army career as an 0-4, Major. During the proceeding years, Mic continued flying helicopters in locations including England, the Middle East, Asia, and South and Central America. He ended his helicopter career flying Sky Cranes in the Pacific Northwest on logging operations. He moved to the fixed wing side of the industry and flew for commuter airlines affiliated with Alaska Airlines. He was hired by Alaska Airlines and had an excellent and rewarding career as a Captain flying Boeing 737's. Mic retired in 2007 and lived peacefully in Elk, WA, often visiting with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, and his beloved flyfishing. He is survived by his former wife Merri, their daughter Mindy O'Connor Gimarelli, grandchildren Nick Gimarelli and Lauren Gimarelli, and three of his closest friends, Jim Richardson, Dick Wingard, and Glenn Herpst. He will be remembered as a consummate pilot, and extraordinary friend to many.
This information was last updated 04/16/2024
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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