This is the story of John's last hours,
sent in to the Update by John's family
on 12/13/06
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Shortly after taking off, which we understand was beautifully done in the high winds, John told Al he had chest pain and was having a heart attack. Al, also a pilot, would have to fly the plane, and from the right side seat. They were cleared to make an emergency landing at Whidbey Naval Air Base. Al said John coached and corrected him all through the landing. (The runway there has obstacles as the Navy practices carrier landing on the field. John has been there before, belonging to the Civil Air Patrol and the Navy’s flying club.) An ambulance met them and whisked John away to the Navy hospital. The doctor planned to transfer him as soon as possible to a good cardiac hospital. The winds had grounded the Airlift helicopter so they flew him out in a Navy Search and Rescue helicopter. He was not having a heart attack, but had torn a hole in his aortic arch and damaged the valves. There was a crew awaiting him to start surgery when he arrived at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was still able to converse with them. He went into a very delicate surgery with a great team. When our family arrived shortly after surgery began, we were told what an impressive landing the helicopter made in such awful weather. Surgery was going well and his team was anticipating a successful outcome. Tragically, when it was time to revive his heart, additional damage from another unforeseen tear, prevented his resuscitation. John died on the operating table after 4 plus hours of surgery, at about 4 in the afternoon. We are sure he loved the adventure of all that. We know he was not ready to leave us, but if he had to go, at least he went out as he had always lived: with a quiet flair for adventure. Our family is devastated and heart-broken. We loved him well. A Memorial Service is planned for 1:00pm Saturday December 16th at the Island Air Hangar. Missing Man Formation at 1:05pm, prompt. A reception will follow at San Juan Island Yacht Club. All are welcome to attend. An obituary will be posted when available. The John Volk Family |
The morning of Monday December 11, John was preparing for his weekly commuter flight with Al Davis to Hillsborough, Oregon. The wind was blowing hard and Al called to cancel John’s flying him south. John talked Al into going anyway. He really wanted to fly and he has gotten so good on his crosswind landings. Al’s plane handles the wind better than John’s, as Al’s is a low winged Trinidad and John’s a high winged Cessna.