July 25, 2019
July 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Ricky, I don’t know why this planet take good people before any body else, and Blakey family please accept my condolence .
In memory of Atlas Air Pilot Captain Ricky Blakely
Tributes
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March 25, 2019
March 25, 2019
For you, Ricky:
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
- John Gillespie Magee Jr.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
- John Gillespie Magee Jr.
March 24, 2019
March 24, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Blakely family.
I feel honored to have met you all. You will forever be a part of my life.
-Tutaonana
I feel honored to have met you all. You will forever be a part of my life.
-Tutaonana
March 21, 2019
March 21, 2019
My rugby brother Ricky. Glad we got to play together at A&M. You were one tough player and a great leader. I am glad we kept up on Facebook. You were the definition of cool. Love ya buddy!
March 11, 2019
March 11, 2019
My heart is so saddened for the family in the tragic loss of Rick. May the Lord give you all His comfort and peace. It was a joy to know him growing up in Africa.
March 8, 2019
March 8, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Blakely family. I am honored to have met you and you will always be in my heart. Captain Blakely was a loved member of the Atlas family and I learned so much about him from our brief time together. You are all amazing and special people.
-Tutaonana-
-Tutaonana-
March 7, 2019
March 7, 2019
On behalf of Atlas Air Asia Pacific office, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the Blakely family. We are all deeply saddened by our loss. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Alvin Tay
March 7, 2019
March 7, 2019
My deepest condolences .Thoughts and prayers.
March 6, 2019
March 6, 2019
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss . . . life is so short and from what I can piece together about Captain Blakely he really lived it to the fullest . . . I'm sure he did everything he could and fought a great battle to the very last.
March 6, 2019
March 6, 2019
You always gave me a big hug and asked how am I doing when we fly 2gether :).
I will miss you dearly Ricky :(. That voice and cool smile of yours I will carry along.
You are in his hands now. My sincerest condolences to all of the Family indeed.
"We will see soon again Ricky, soon my friend".
Peace, Love, Always & 4Ever!
Respectfully, Mary :(!
I will miss you dearly Ricky :(. That voice and cool smile of yours I will carry along.
You are in his hands now. My sincerest condolences to all of the Family indeed.
"We will see soon again Ricky, soon my friend".
Peace, Love, Always & 4Ever!
Respectfully, Mary :(!
March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
It was a pleasure to fly with Capt. Blakely this past December on a “peak season” flight to Mirabel (Montrèal) Canada. The communication was excellent and I looked forward to the opportunity to join with him again on another flight in the future. He will be missed greatly!
March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
I had the absolute pleasure of flying with Ricky at ExpressJet many times. He had such a great way with words, always quick to share a story about his life, injecting humor and wit at every opportunity. With Ricky, a good laugh was always near. His energetic mood would uplift the entire crew, as well as his passengers. It was easy to see that he lived such a rich life and I feel blessed to have shared in a small part of it. I will truly miss you Ricky. My heart goes out to your loved ones, as I know they number in the many.
March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
Our hearts are broken. No words ever seem to express all that we are feeling. Yet, we want you, the entire Blakely family, to know that we love you and pray God's richest blessings of grace, love, comfort, and healing on each of you during this time.
March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Nan & Terry Williams
March 5, 2019
March 5, 2019
We are so sorry to hear this, praying comfort and peace.
March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
To the Blakely family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Sincerely, Joerg Andriof
my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Sincerely, Joerg Andriof
March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Blakely family and friends.
March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I can not imagine the shock and sadness that you are feeling. I hope you have family and friends to support each other, if you need anything please let others help you! Please reach out if you need to talk or cry or yell, may god help you heal.
March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
My sincerest sympathy and prayers go out to Ricky's friends and family. I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing him personally and then hiring him in 2015.
Miami ATC Tower and TRACON representatives came over to the Training Center last Thursday and delivered flowers and Sympathy Cards.
Included in the signatures are the controllers from Saturday, February 23 when 3591 took off for Houston.
We are a very tight-knit industry, and when one experience’s a tragic event, the support is overwhelming.
The originals and a beautiful flower arrangement are in the Miami Training Center Lobby
I have added photos of the cards as well.
Miami ATC Tower and TRACON representatives came over to the Training Center last Thursday and delivered flowers and Sympathy Cards.
Included in the signatures are the controllers from Saturday, February 23 when 3591 took off for Houston.
We are a very tight-knit industry, and when one experience’s a tragic event, the support is overwhelming.
The originals and a beautiful flower arrangement are in the Miami Training Center Lobby
I have added photos of the cards as well.
March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
Rest In Peace Captain Blakely. My thoughts and prayers with his family and loved ones.
Banke
Banke
March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
To the Blakely Family,
It was a shock to hear the unexpected news of Captain Blakely passing.
We extend our deepest sympathies. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
May he rest in peace.
It was a shock to hear the unexpected news of Captain Blakely passing.
We extend our deepest sympathies. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
May he rest in peace.
March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
It is a sad moment for all of us to realise that Captain Blakeley is no more with us. On behalf of my family from Assam, India, I offer sincerely condolences to the Blakeley family. Rest in Peace, Captain.
March 3, 2019
March 3, 2019
Rest in peace Captain
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
Prayers for strength and serenity to the Blakely family for your loss....
I had the pleasure of scheduling your New hire and Captain training. Your smile & lovely personality always showed over the phone. Always a pleasure to deal with you!
I'm deeply saddened and I know you will be missed by so many!!! Rest in peace....
I had the pleasure of scheduling your New hire and Captain training. Your smile & lovely personality always showed over the phone. Always a pleasure to deal with you!
I'm deeply saddened and I know you will be missed by so many!!! Rest in peace....
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
Ricky, my heart was broken, when Jim Davis called me on Saturday night, and said it was you who was on the plane. You were one of my dearest friends in East Africa, and I’ll never forget the laughs we shared, the great times on the sports teams we played on together, drinking chai at Chui Dorm, hanging out at Limuru and just sharing life together at Rift Valley Academy and around the world. I loved you like a brother! You and Hooten were there for me in Abilene, TX at one of my life’s toughest moments.
Your family is on my heart and in my prayers, and you are gone too soon. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit!” (Psalm 34:18) Uncle Vestal, Aunt Carol Jean, Doug and Mandy, as well as Rick’s family that I’ve never had the honor of meeting, thank you for sharing part of this great man’s life with me. Kwaheri na safari nzuri pamoja na Mungu!
Your family is on my heart and in my prayers, and you are gone too soon. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit!” (Psalm 34:18) Uncle Vestal, Aunt Carol Jean, Doug and Mandy, as well as Rick’s family that I’ve never had the honor of meeting, thank you for sharing part of this great man’s life with me. Kwaheri na safari nzuri pamoja na Mungu!
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
Memory eturnal rip captain
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
To the Blakely family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences as our family mourns with you.
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
To the Blakely family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Sincerely, Michael Steen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Sincerely, Michael Steen
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
I remember you in good smile whenever operating through in ICN.
Rest in peace.
Rest in peace.
March 2, 2019
March 2, 2019
On behalf of everyone here at the Atlas family, we are truly heartbroken. You have our sincerest condolences and we hope you find some comfort and strength in knowing that we will never forget.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
I pray the Lord grant the family and friends great fortitude to endure the pain of losing their loved one. Our prayers and thoughts for them as well.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
May Captain Blakey Rest In Peace.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
I cannot express the sadness we feel for your great loss! Praying Gods tender mercies.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
Thanks for your service Captain, may God grant your loved ones Grace and Peace. Rest in peace
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
Our Atlas Air Family is mourning alongside yours. We will forever keep Captain Blakely in our hearts. We are sending prayers of comfort to your family.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
To the Blakely Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and may Captain Blakely rest in peace.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
To the Blakely family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
Captain Blakely was always kind and a gentleman, and always brought a smile when boarding the aircraft and when departing. We will miss seeing his smile here in San Antonio. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
God Bless. SKF Ground Operations crew
God Bless. SKF Ground Operations crew
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
To the Blakely Family - Our hearts go out to you and your family. Ricky was a member of our Atlas family and we grieve alongside you. Forever missed and forever in our hearts.
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
As an Atlas Air Aircraft MX Manager at LAX I get the privilege to meet so many of our awesome crews. I am also a fellow Pilot - but only for General Aviation. The loss of one of our own is so tragic. Myself and the LAX team will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Keep the Blue Side Up, and fly high Captain ~
March 1, 2019
March 1, 2019
To the Blakely family, I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences. We share in your grief at this difficult time. Sincerely, Bill Flynn
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with Captain Blakely and his family. I had the honor and privilege to proudly shake your hand as you completed Captain Leadership. Your picture rests prominently on my desk as a lasting memory.
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Recent Tributes
July 25, 2019
July 25, 2019
Rest In Peace Ricky, I don’t know why this planet take good people before any body else, and Blakey family please accept my condolence .
March 25, 2019
March 25, 2019
For you, Ricky:
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
- John Gillespie Magee Jr.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
- John Gillespie Magee Jr.
March 24, 2019
March 24, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the Blakely family.
I feel honored to have met you all. You will forever be a part of my life.
-Tutaonana
I feel honored to have met you all. You will forever be a part of my life.
-Tutaonana
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Atlas Air 3591 Never Forget
Recent stories
Home Brew
May 12, 2019
I was blessed knowing Rick as a friend here in southern Indiana. Our wives are fellow Yoga Instructors in Madison, Indiana.
Occasionally we would meet up at Rick’s home and have dinner or simply sit and drink some brew and tell stories....... On one such occasion Rick pops up and says he has a fresh batch of beer he had concocted. Rick promised he would share his skills with me his next opportunity - unfortunately the opportunity will not happen this lifetime - so this message is for Rick - “hey Bowana, I will collect on this promise when we meet again”
Your friend - Fernando
April 16, 2019
by Armando Lasa
There is a story about Ricky which I am so very fond of telling. It concerns a five minute encounter between two pilots.
It was beautiful crisp Denver morning and we ( Ricky and I ) had just parked and deplaned the aircraft. As it was customary in our airline, whenever an exchange of aircraft occurred, the relieving First Officer would double up and do the post flight for inbound one. This way both pre and post inspections would be completed and efficiencies gained. Prior to arrival our computer system ACARS would give a print out of everything concerning the next flight. I recall Ricky’s eyes as he reads the name of his counterpart taking our airplane out. He looks at me and says “ He is front East Africa!” .
Now being a language person myself I was surprised how he could state this with such certainty. He then informs me he had grown up there and spoke Swahili, and that this FO’s last name was from that region. To which I responded “ Then you must speak to Thomas in Swahili “. We could barely contain our delight in imagining how the encounter would transpire.
Our hope to see a great unequivocally rare moment seemed to vanished as only we ( flight’s crew) remained on the tarmac. Then out of the building comes out Thomas. Running towards us and apologizing profusely for not being able to meet our aircraft and give the FO said common courtesy. Without a moment’s hesitation Ricky says to him in Swahili “no problem” . Thomas just froze. Never imagining that anyone, least of all another pilot ,would be talking to him in his mother tongue. To see a colleague giving the joy of familiarity and home to another who so missed his land IS a memory that was forever imprinted.
March 1, 2019
All my deepest Sympathy to Ricky Blakely’s family. I will always remember him as a very caring person.Rest in Peace Ricky will miss you .