Cheerful soul. Veterans Air DC-3 pilot. My friend.
John Schaus left us on July 11.
In June 2016 John Schaus was stunned to read about his 1946 employer in the paper. And went out of his way to find a contact number. Imagine my reaction. The man on the phone said, “I used to fly for your Dad.” I am so proud to have known John and call him friend. He embellished the unfolding Veterans Air history and enriched my life.
I will miss those cheerful phone calls…
RING. RING. HELLO.
Hi, Gaye Lyn. It’s John Schaus. How ya do’in. Been thinking ’bout you and decided I should call.
And then we’d be off! John’s storytelling delighted me during every phone call and while we sat face-to-face in his New Jersey home in August 2016. Always cheerful, always energetic, with an enviable memory. Even if he’d told the story before, undoubtedly John added a vivid new detail or connected the story to a different one. I could not capture all he told me, but many of his stories are on this website. The three shown here will give you a sneak peak.
Veterans Air DC-3 pilot John Schaus
When a Reading Air Show announcer asked for a “volunteer” C-47 pilot to help crew a fly-by, of course, Veterans Air DC-3 pilot John Schaus didn’t hesitate! Don’t miss the punch line of his story!
Schaus finds Veterans Air again after 70 years
He said “…I am not selling anything. Don’t hang up!” I had to laugh. That’s my line when I contact people about Veterans Air Express for the first time. So I promised I wouldn’t hang up. Glad I didn’t! Here’s the story of my first contact with John Schaus, DC-3 pilot for Dad’s company in 1946.
John Schaus goes back to Ramsey High School
Imagine being 95 years old and going back to High School. John Schaus did! Invited to address the students about “where I went and what I did in WWII.” But the rest of the story is even better!! John has a special connection to Ramsey High School in New Jersey – and the Board of Education recognized that connection with a very special honor. Come read what and why.
John’s memorial will honor his favorite things!
My heart goes out to his sweet wife Grace Schaus and John’s family. May his Spirit and goodness ease your loss.
Grace and I shared a knowing and loving laugh yesterday when she revealed the August 10 Memorial plan. “We will honor John with his two favorite activities – eating and talking.” I’ll be there in Spirit. And I, too, will celebrate John’s vigorous and eventful life.
God-speed, Kind Sir.
Indeed, Al. Starting with your Father, Jack, the men and women I’ve found who were involved in my Dad’s dream have been extraordinary. I am exceptionally blessed to have located them and the families of those who had passed before the research began. The families’ stories and pride attest to their Fathers’ same sense of adventure. Thank you very much for your comments and appreciation.
RIP John Schaus. The men (and women) of Veterans Air, such as John, were extraordinary people. Part of the Greatest Generation, they had that special sense of adventure that led them to create and operate their fledgling airline. We are eternally grateful to you, Gaye, for “finding” them and sharing their stories with us.