Kase
Dekker, in Memorium
1930-2012

    
In February, after a brief combination of health issues, our "Flying
Dutchman," Kase Dekker, took his final flight. Kase has been a member of
the AAHS Board of Directors for a couple decades. He is survived by his
wife Willie, his daughter Corinne, and his son John. Kase was a Dutchman.
We found, after he died, that his given name was Cornelis. Kase grew up in
German-occupied Holland. He shared memories of having German troops
quartered in his family’s home and what it was like to be on the
receiving end of OPERATION CHOWHOUND, the Allied food-drop mercy flights
into occupied Holland at the end of WWII.
     Kase worked for KLM in Holland before coming to
the United States were he began working for American Airlines.  Kase
was an entrepreneur. He established and operated a travel agency. For a
period of time, he also operated a business that marketed airliner display
models.
     Kase loved all aspects of commercial aviation and
influenced the Society in this area through his volunteer efforts. 
Over the years, he filled a number of roles at AAHS headquarters. Most
recently he has been in charge of the photo collection. The organization
of the photo collection has advanced significantly under Kase’s
stewardship and he was a major contributor in efforts to update the photo
catalog. Prior to this he had coordinated book reviews.  Kase
impacted the editorial content of the Journal and FLIGHTLINE during
his years on the Board of Directors. As our new president, Jerri Bergen,
has said, "Kase is up to his neck in commercial aviation history."
This passion brought numerous articles and pieces of art to the Journal
through Kase’s contacts and effort. 
     The Society will miss his pragmatism and
contributions and wish his family well.