Note: I was frequently going through my grandfather’s (Lyle Daniel Van Volkenburg) old photos and searching google for the names. I came across this obituary of Jack Weir. He and my grandfather served together in the same unit in India. My grandfather had the above photo of him in his belongings. I am amazed Mr. Weir had such a long life. I am sad that I did not get to meet him and ask him about my grandfather.
1920 – 2022
Arthur “Jack” Weir, of Vacaville, CA passed away peacefully on August 27, 2022. He was 101. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Jack managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible.
Jack was born in Springfield, MO to Arthur J. W. Weir, Sr., and Ruth E. Weir. He attended high school in Mason City, IA and became a very accomplished French Horn player, winning many awards including at the National level. He attended Iowa State College for Industrial Economics and enrolled in the ROTC Program.
In February 1943 as a senior, he was drafted into the army during WWII and was able to graduate college after completing Officer Candidate Training. He eventually transferred to the Army Air Corps. He received his pilot’s wings November 22, 1944.
In the China Burma India theater, he flew P-38s doing photo recon and was then assigned to China to fly C-47s over the infamous “Hump” which was known for its perilous weather at extreme altitudes. He later separated from the Army Air Corps in May 1946.
Mr. Weir continued his love of aviation, flying for several companies and the California Air National Guard, which he joined in 1949. In 1951, during the Korean War, he was called back to active duty in the Air Force, flying rescue missions among other assignments.
Jack met the love of his life, Robbie Clenney, in 1952 and they were married May 8, 1954. They were able to travel and see many sights as Jack was stationed at several different locations. Their son, David was born in October 1955, and Robert was born in October 1956.
Jack moved on to Dover AFB and then to England. They returned to the Bay Area, being stationed at Travis Air Force Base until his retirement from the Air Force in 1971 after 25 years of service.
Jack and Robbie made many lifelong friends and enjoyed their Church life. Singing in the choir brought him great joy well into his 90s. He also loved his civic projects with the Vacaville Rotary. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering around the house, caring for his garden and landscaping.
He and Robbie continued to travel across the country and internationally. They often visited family and friends during these adventures.He was a kind and loving husband to his wife and an amazing father and grandfather. His was a life well lived and he will be greatly missed.
Jack leaves behind his sons, David, and Robert Weir. He also leaves grandchildren, Katy and Kala Weir; and great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Jaxon. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Robbie.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 24 at Grace Episcopal Church, 1405 Kentucky St., Fairfield, CA 94533.
Jack Weir will be honored for his military service on September 27 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California 95620 at 9:45 a.m.
Flowers can be sent to Grace Episcopal Church, 1405 Kentucky St., Fairfield CA 94533.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vacaville Rotary Endowment, c/o 190 S. Orchard Avenue Suite B123, Vacaville, CA 95688.
Published by The Reporter on Sep. 11, 2022.
Arthur Weir Obituary (1920 – 2022) – Vacaville, Ca, CA – The Reporter (legacy.com)