Obituaries

Brian L. Webster, 48

Colonel Brian L.  Webster departed this world on June 21, 2010 after a valiant battle with kidney cancer.

Brian was born in Minneapolis, MN.  At age 16, Brian won the Grand Champion of the National Model Airplane Championships of 1970.  He graduated in 1979 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from The University of Tennessee.   Brian’s dream was to be a pilot and he joined the Air Force in 1980 where he flew F-15 fighters.  He served six years in the Air Force and continued his military career in the Air National Guard flying F-16s, for a total of 27 years.  He served as Squadron Commander of the 119th Fighter Group in 2001 and played a key role in protecting US airspace post 9/11.  His Guard career culminated with the distinguished Legion of Merit Award for outstanding service as the Wing Commander of the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.  He retired from military service in June 2007.  As a traditional guardsman, he also flew 23 years for American Airlines and was a 767 International Captain. Brian’s passions were Civil War and World War II history, college football (Tennessee Volunteers and Penn State) and vegetable gardening.  Brian’s legacy is all those that he helped during his life, and the positive and compassionate impact he had on all those that crossed his path. He was humble, quick to laugh and saw the good in everyone.  He leaves behind many friends that will feel the void for a long time.  

He was preceded in death by his mother, Molly Webster.  He is survived by his wife, Teresa (Hockenberry)  Webster,  Lancaster, PA,  daughter Jennifer (Andrew) Poston, Chattahoochee, FL; his  father, Lee Webster, Franklin TN,  sisters Susan (John) Thompson,  Tryon, NC, Pamela (Walter) Wallace, Franklin, TN  and Trish (Skip) Woolwine, Nashville, TN.

Friends are invited to attend services for Brian from the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 10:30AM. Interment, with full military honors, will be at 130PM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA. Friends will be received following the interment services at the Mountville VFW, 48 E. Main St., Mountville, PA 17554 beginning at 3PM. Memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s memory to Meals On Wheels of Lancaster, 1085-B Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602 or to the Kidney Cancer Association, Box 3516, Oak Brook, IL 60522 www.kidneycancer.org. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.

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We were surprised to hear of Spyder’s passing.  It’s hard knowing and serving with someone at the 177th Fighter Wing for over 25 years not to be touched by his death.  He will be missed by us.

Our condolences to all the family of Brian (AKA Spyder).
Art and Joan Searfoss

Please accept my deepest condolences. Brian’s stories, personality and general presence always brought something special to an event.  I greatly looked forward to seeing him when we would all get together.  He will be sorely missed.

John Catalfumo

The family of David Schultz Airshows LLC wishes to express our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Spyder.   Brian was one of the most well respected members of the military that I have ever had the privilege of knowing.     I will always have fond memories of the honesty and integrity that Brian brought to the New Jersey Air National Guard and his steadfast support of the Atlantic City Airshow.   You will be missed.   We hope that you forever see the Big ORANGE "T" in the Blues Skies Brian.

David Schultz, President
David Schultz Airshows LLC

You all have my sympathies on your loss Brian will be dearly missed

Del Black

Beverly and I were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Brian’s untimely passing. We both recall our former classmate and friend with sweet fondness for his outgoing nature, and true sense of fairness. I particularly will forever remember the countless hours we spent building, flying, and competing in numerous regional and national model aviation events in our younger years. God bless you, Brian. Keep catching those thermals.

Norman and Beverly Vetter
Manchester, TN

He was, and still is, for those who knew him, a Warrior, Commander, Comrade in Arms, and most importantly a Friend.  I think Brian is one of the few men I have known that I have no problem associating the word "Love" with.  He was there when I was down and helped me laugh at myself when I really needed to.  I can’t tell you how much I will miss that. 

Terry, Brian will always be with us in mind and spirit.  I will see him in your smile as I know how much you meant to him. In a moment like this, when the mourning begins to slow, he would probably fill our glasses and in his attempt to ease the pain, start the chorus of one of his ever famous fighter pilot songs. He was, and is, a man amongst men.

Larry J Dalton, Lt Colonel
USAF(ret.)

My most sincerest sympathies.  Brian was a good man.  I consider it a privilege  to have known him.

S. Zelman

Trish — all of us at F&C are thinking of you and your whole family today as you say goodbye to your amazing brother. Take care and remember we’re here to help as you need us.

Trudy and Whit Clark

Words cannot express the sorrow I am feeling at the loss of my friend.  He was a true friend in every sense of the word.  The wisdom and humor he shared was at no cost, yet priceless beyond value.  His generosity was deep and genuine and seemed endless.  He was a great teacher of what is important and what is not, and how to tell the difference between the two.  You always knew when he was in the room simply by his laughter and the warmth he brought with him.  He was gifted with a charisma and good humor that made him easy to like, and made him easier to miss when he wasn’t around.  Thank you Brian, for all you have done me, both up to now and in the ways I won’t realize till years down the road.  The room will now be emptier, the jokes less funny, the drinks less cheerful.  I will miss you my friend…you are my hero!

We will still hear him flying over us,

Lois and Bucky

I will carry on your teachings, close to my heart. The world is a better place because of you.

Love you with all my heart,
Karol
Atlantic City, NJ

Linda & I were surprised and deeply saddened to hear that Spyder had passed away.  I had the true privilege of working closely with him while I was at the 177th from 1997 to 2001.  I fondly remember Spyder as a man of deep conviction and fierce passion who always inspired those around him to perform to a much higher standard.  May we all lift a toast to the memory of a true fighter pilot.

Col (ret) Gary Corbett

Brian was a great guy to be around.  He always wanted to know how things were going and how the kids were doing.  Each of the kids have their own memories of Brian in camp and on the field.  He left us way too early and we will miss him…and his jokes, too.  Our deepest sympathies to his family.

The Rodell Family.

Brian made an indelible impression on me.  Every year I looked forward to seeing him at Fort Indiantown Gap and came to admire his leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication. He was a role model, and his legacy will surely continue for a long time to come.  I offer my deepest condolences.  I will miss him.

Long live his memory,
Tom Hauser

I am very sorry to hear of Brian’s passing, though I am glad he is no longer suffering.  Brian was a good man with a deep love for family and friends.  He will be deeply missed and forever remember.

Jennifer Pullano

Brian was a special man, a dear and revered friend and a true leader in so many ways.  I will forever be thankful for having known, worked and learned from him.  Thanks to many things he put into motion during his life, his memory will be enduring and will have great positive effects on the many organizations he supported in his unique ways.

I salute him in every sense of the word.
Larry Mihlon

Col Webster "Spyder" was a true inspiration and wonderful leader.  I’ve know him for the last 18 years and he was always a positive and good hearted person.  He has touched the lives of so many people and his spirit will live on in those he knew and loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow.

God bless.
Dreama Heath
177th Fighter Wing

I am so sad to hear that Brian passed away.  He was a great man. 

Sincerely,
Dale D. Davison

Brian was a real stand up guy, a great leader and a cherished friend. His passing is a true loss to the reenacting community and the world. You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Salute
Dan Landers

It was an honour and a privilege to have known Brian, when I heard the news I was devastated, Reflecting on many happy times when I visited him, I remember it was he that introduced me to the USA which I’m truly grateful for.

God bless you Brian , may you fly with the angels

Andrew Tatlock
former Royal Navy

Please accept my deepest condolences. This is one of those realities which is so difficult to accept. I can’t say that I was ever so close to Brian but he was a good friend of the family. He also could very well be responsible for me having the aviation job that I have thanks to his reference. He was friendly, always the life of the party anytime I attended a re-enactment, and more open than most. If I know Brian, he’s still living it up. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to cross paths in life with him. Words are not enough. Take care Brian and I’ll see you in the sky.

Brian was a terrific man and absolutely loved history.  I have been involved in World War II re-enactments with him for the last few years.  He was very passionate about the hobby, his friends and his life.  The hobby has lost a great leader, his family has lost a great husband and father and I lost a friend. 

Rusty Dicks
4th ID Military Police Platoon
Reenacted

I met Brian for the first time on Sunday, June 6 at the WWII show at Reading. In the brief time I chatted with him, the qualities described in his obituary were readily apparent. I feel privileged to have known him, if even for a few minutes. My prayers are with his family and friend. 

Mike Resser
American Military Medical Impressions

The world lost a great man Monday.  His passing will be felt literally around the world. He was a fine gentleman, an ardent patriot, and a trusted friend.  You are an inspiration to those of us your friendship touched.     
 Thank-you for so much, we will miss you. 

Bill Kible, Doug Slagel, John Duncan 
(the Ohio guys)

I was shocked to hear the passing of Spyder. A man so filled with life and energy and a dear friend.
A great commander and fighter for what was right! He will be missed by many and remembered by all who met him.
God bless the family. My sincere condolences.

Jerry Fox
(Retired Command Post Superintendent 177FW.)

Brian and I grew up together in Manchester, Tennessee, played football together in Jr High, and were close friends through graduation.  I then left Manchester to serve in the Air Force for 30 years, but didn’t connect with Brian again until after my retirement.  I’m crushed to hear of his death.  Brian was a close friend, an honest man, and a true patriot.  I salute his service to his nation, and his friendship to me through our formative years.

Robert (Rusty) Bryce
CMSgt, USAF, Retired

Dear All,
Jay and I had planned to visit Woody this summer and meet my brother’s dearest best friend– I met him twice and spoke on several occasions by phone in the past long years of Spyder’s and Woody’s friendship, and hoped to know Spyder and Terry and family and friends, as Brian is as special to my brother as my brother is to me!  I see him joyfully living on and working miracles, he will watch over and guide everyone, though he may seem to be gone, his presence is immense now more so than in Earthly life.  To the family, under difficult and tragic circumstances, a true pleasure and joy to meet you, and Terry, thank you for being there for my baby brother that I witnessed you address as "Woodrow".  Bless Brian and all those he loves.

Sincerely yours,
Nancy Woodell McCracken
Jonathan Burke Woodell’s Sister

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