Alan Charles Strickfaden

Alan (Al) Charles Strickfaden was born on January 26, 1933, one of four boys born to modest and loving parents in Detroit, Michigan.

Raised in the Depression-era, he put himself through University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Detroit by running a paper route and working at the post office after school. He eventually earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering before heading west to begin his career in the burgeoning Southern California aerospace industry.

In California he met Joan Stubbs and married in the Catholic tradition. After a brief return to Michigan, the couple settled back in California.

A Career in the Skies

Al’s distinguished career was a map of the American aerospace era. He worked as a flight test engineer with Douglas Aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, Convair Astronautics at Vandenberg (focusing on missile systems), and North American Aviation as a wind tunnel test engineer. He later transitioned to the newly created Federal Aviation Agency, later renamed the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served as a manager for the aircraft modification division.

In 1981, Al accepted an assignment to the International Civil Aviation Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to assist the Argentinian civil aviation authority in upgrading their safety systems to U.S. standards. He and his family lived abroad for two years before he returned to the FAA. After another 10 yrs Al accepted another managerial role with the FAA in Anchorage, Alaska. After this 3 yr posting Al retired in 1994.

Family and Legacy

In Southern California, Al and Joan raised five children: Charlie, Chris, Steve, Julie, and Mike. They eventually welcomed seven grandchildren into their lives.

A lifelong pilot, Al’s retirement was anything but quiet. He and Joan moved to Battle Ground, Washington in the 1990s, to the “Parkside” flying community—where they were surrounded by fellow pilots and dear friends.

In retirement Al built and flew his own planes throughout the Northwest, experiencing a sense of bliss only a true pilot can appreciate. While in "retirement," he also maintained a vibrant aircraft modification consulting business, serving clients across the West Coast.

The Final Flight

Al flew his last airplane flight at the age of 90. Recognizing the limitations of his health, he famously quipped, “There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots.” Known for not suffering fools and always telling it like it was, Al lived a full and rich life on his own terms and without apology. He was generous with his love, time, energy, and resources for all who knew him.

Survival and Remembrance

Al is survived by his bride of 65 years, Joan, who was at his side as he passed peacefully. He is also survived by his children: Charlie (Heidi), Chris (Tricia), Steve, Julie (Paul), and Mike (Yuki); and his seven grandchildren: Josh, Hana, Birk, Evan, Megan, Shelby, and Camden. Living in Battle Ground, and traveling throughout the Northwest was a blessing they shared with the entire family.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of these organizations:

Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, sacredheartbg.org

Experimental Aircraft Association, eaa.org/eaa/youth