Obituary of Kris R. Southwick

Kris Robert Southwick, 60, of Sewickley, PA, passed away Friday morning March 29, 2013 at his residence. Kris was born on July 13, 1952 at Corry, PA, a son of Alton and Elizabeth Bradford Southwick. Kris was a graduate of the Titusville High School, class of 1970 where he played football and wrestled. He was a graduate of Grove City College, class of 1974 where he received his B.S. Degree in Biology. He was then commissioned in the US Air Force as a 2nd Lt. to pursue a life-long ambition to fly. He served in the US Air Force for 10 years as an Instructor Aircraft Commander on the C-141 A/B Starlifter rising to the rank of Captain. Kris was hired by US Airways after his honorable discharge from the US Air Force and flew as Captain on the Boeing 727, Boeing 737, and the Airbus 319/320/321 series of aircraft. He had accumulated over 20,200 hours of incident/accident free flying time. Kris had numerous interests and hobbies that included archaeology, anthropology, natural science, history and wildlife photography. He enjoyed the outdoors which included skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, white-water kayaking, riding his motorcycle and was an avid skydiver. He is survived by his father Alton Southwick of Centerville; a sister, Renee Southwick and her husband Lloyd “Butch” Whitson of Ashfield, MA; a sister-in-law, Karlyn Southwick of Stafford, VA; nephews, Kris K. Southwick and wife Alicia of Warrenton, VA and Zachary C. Southwick of Bluffton, SC; great nephew and niece, Clayton and Emory Southwick; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Southwick and brother, Curt Southwick. As per his request, no visitation will be observed and a private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Cancer Society 320 Bilmar Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205.