Karl August Wickman

Karl August Wickman, a second generation American, was born on October 1st, 1938 in Reno Nevada to Ellen Emelia Wickman (Umbright) and Emil Valentine Wickman. Off very Swedish blood, he was a go-getter early in life. He owned and operated a muffler shop in Redlands, CA, where he met his future wife Sharon LouAnne Parkes. He worked on her care, then they married in 1961. In Yucaipa , CA, they raised two children; Kurt Alan Wickman and Diana Jean Wickman, and a bunch of horses, dogs, cats, and one goldfish named Fred. It was a wonderful world of living for them all. There was even a swimming pool- Thank You Mom and Dad!
Karl was drafted into the Army in 1961 where he flew fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, mainly the Huey, in Nha Trang Vietnam with the 54th Signal Battalion. He survived Vietnam by the skin of his teeth and then went on to fly for the Forest Service in California and most notable , the movie and TV industry from the 70's into the 90's. His stunt pilot work was EPIC! Noteworthy movies to his credit were Capricorn One, Blue Thunder, Jaws, Fandango, Point Break, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Rambo, Uncommon Valor, and The Blues Brothers. He was the last living helo stunt pilot of this era.
After his extensive movie and TV Career he "retired" briefly until his wife threatened great bodily harm if he didn't find another job. He wisely took her advice and flew for Mercy Air Ambulance in Southern California, retiring for good in 2003. Throughout his 40 year career as an aviator, his most memorable time was flying for Mercy Air. He stated that it gave him the most satisfaction that he was doing good for people in need.
After retirement he took great joy in golfing, woodworking, and camping. All of which he excelled at (his wife Sherri was a better golfer) He and Sherri chose the PNW to call their forever home after his daughter and daughter-in-law , both retired Coasties, decided to hang their hats in Sequim. There is a saying in the family " We weren't born and raised here, but we got here as soon as we could."
A life well lived!! Karl is preceded in death by his infant brother, Norman Wickman, and his parents. He is survived by his wife Sherri Wickman of Sequim, WA, his son Kurt Wickman and wife Shirley Nelson of San Jose, CA, and his daughter Diana Wickman and her wife JP Persall , of Sequim WA.

You're free now, fly daddy, FLY!!

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