Archie Donahue

Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:04 pm

All, I just got off the phone with Mary Donahue. She told me that Archie had died peacefully in his sleep, Mary and Mary Jo were with him. It was unexpected, but peaceful. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 Friday at St. Anthony's church in Harlingen. 209 South Tenth St.
I have known Archie for close to 25 years and he was a great friend and mentor. Of all the great war hero's I've had the honor to meet, Archie had to be the most down to earth and friend to everyone. Those of you who have met him know what I mean, those of you who didn't get the chance, have also lost a great friend you just hadn't met.

Blue Skies Archie

Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:37 pm

I never met Archie, but Marlene and Rick Sharpe always alot of good things to say about him. Another one of the great ones gone west. Its too bad the Corsair can't be there for a flyover.

Give 'em hell up there Archie!

Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:38 pm

Wow, what a week...

I remember riding on a bus with him before our interview. He had a hat on that said, "Marine Ace" What an understatement.

A great guy, gracious with his time, and his stories.

Thank you Archie.
Blue skies.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:45 pm

Sad times for the warbird community indeed.

My condolences to his family.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:58 pm

I'm so sorry to hear this - Archie was a great mentor of mine and gave me my first fighter check ride to fly the old CAF FM-2 Wildcat. He was a true gentleman and one of the best pilots I have ever flown with. He will be missed. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Randy

Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:11 pm

Thats sad to hear. :cry:

Archie was a great man! He was also one of the first Ace's that I met down in Harlingen during the good ol days.

God Bless you Archie!!

:f4u:

Last edited by Elroy13 on Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:14 pm

Sad times indeed. I spoke with Col. Donahue briefly as he signed a
book for me at Corsairs over Connecticut in 2005.
That same day Mr. Beck flew in a Corsair for the event.

May they rest in peace.

Bill

Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:35 pm

So sad to hear. Our prayers are with Mary and the rest of the family. I will never forget Archie offering to personally give me a checkride when the CAF had my paper work all FUBAR. Like a dummy I never went down to Harligen for that ride........would really look good in my log book.
Tailwinds Colonel.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:47 pm

I meet him through Jack Hart many years back. My thoughts and prayers go to the Donahue family.

Lynn Allen

Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:08 pm

Sad to hear another one of the greats has flown off into the sunset. My thoughts are with his family and freinds.

Not to hijack the thread, but did Rick Sharpe fly Hellcats, Mr. Harris? I met a former Hellcat pilot and his wife with that last name at the Air Zoo. Really great guy, with some great stories.

SN

Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:15 pm

When I first came into warbirds in 1984 Archie was one of the CAF people I met. Some of the old guys were not that accepting of new people, but Archie was. I wasn't able to train with him, but he did sign off my rating in the CAF aircraft. Another one of the real guys who is gone.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:30 pm

Steve Nelson wrote:Not to hijack the thread, but did Rick Sharpe fly Hellcats, Mr. Harris? SN

I called Rick to tell him about Archie. We shared a few memories, he talked about how Archie had checked him out in the Hellcat at age 24. That was the same way I met him. I was having trouble getting a check out at about the same age. Archie filled out the paper work and said go ahead. Archie would stand up for you and make you feel needed and appreciated when others would just turn thier nose.

Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:51 pm

Thank you, Archie, for being a great guy and for your service to your country. We will miss you.
Godspeed.
Jerry

Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:22 am

Very sad indeed, but relieving to know that he went peacefully.

I had a chance to meet this individual, only two years ago. All i can say is that I'll never forget him.

And neither will the rest of us...

Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:29 am

I have not seen Archie in many years, & had hoped to meet up with him again some day. I met Archie back in the early 80's when I believe he was the CAF Operations Officer. He always had time to listen & help with problems back when I was Maint Officer for the Cajun Wing. I can truely say Archie was one of the finest men I have ever met. I am very proud to say I knew him & had dealings with him. I was there when Rick Sharpe got Archie back in a Corsair. If I can ever learn how I will post the pics. (if I can find them) I don't know which one of them were smiling the biggest, it was a special deal for Rick & Archie. Just by being around Archie you would never know that he was a famous fighter pilot. Just a humble great all around guy. No friends we will never know the likes of men like that again. Godspeed Archie.
:f4u:

Robbie