CW2
Dana R. Shea was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/20/2024
at the age of 76.9 from Stroke Thousand Oaks, CA
Flight Class 68-7 Date of Birth 11/07/1947
Served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam with B/158 AVN 101 ABN in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam LANCER 29
This information was provided by Wife Carolyn/Walt Wise
This
is Carolyn Shea. Dan passed away early morning yesterday, September 20. About a
week ago he had another stroke - a large brain bleed that was not survivable.
The family was able to spend time with him until he was cleared for takeoff and
left us. Thanks for your insight about the VA over the years. Carolyn.
Dana
Robert Shea, the youngest of three boys, was born on November 7, 1947, in
Evanston, Illinois to Maggie and Earl Shea. Dan moved to California in 1964 and
graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1965.
In
1968, he joined the Army and began his illustrious career as a helicopter
pilot, flying for
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B Co 158th Avn Bn
(AH), 101st Airborne in Vietnam. |
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After
a year in Vietnam, Dan flew home to Santa Barbara and married Carolyn Connolly
three days later. After honorably discharging from the Army in 1970, Dan
attended college. In 1972, he took a job as a bush pilot flying helicopters in
Alaska.
In
1975, while living in Anchorage, Dan and Carolyn welcomed their only child Jeff
(named after Dan's late brother). In 1977, they moved to Santa Paula,
California, and Dan began working as a helicopter pilot for the Ventura County
Sheriff's Department. He flew for VCSO for 27 years before retiring as the
Chief Pilot in 2004.
After
retiring, Dan flew helicopters in Tasmania, Australia, and part-time for the
Santa Barbara County Fire Department, before fully retiring in 2008.
Dan
traveled the world with Carolyn and friends, played golf badly, and was an
active participant in his grandchildren's lives.
He
passed away, surrounded by friends and family on September 20, 2024. Dan is
survived by his wife Carolyn; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Jamie; his
grandchildren, Eric and Ally; and his older brother, Tim Shea.
Remembrances
Sep 27
Reggie Kenner, I just received this text from
Carolyn Shea. Thank you for your lovely letter about your experiences with Dan
in Viet Nam and the photo of the two of you.
Dan always enjoyed the mini reunions in Newbury Park, getting together
to reunite, reminisce and tell stories. A celebration of life is in the early
planning stages. A date has been set on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Ventura County Air Unit where Dan worked for 27
years.
Reggie Kenner
Original Lancer crewmen Gene Parks and Terry Willman
were with Dan at Ft Carson and came to Camp Evans with him. Dan and Gene
DEROSed back to Ft Carson as well.
The three of us had visited with Dan and
Carolyn at their home in Newbury Park a few times in the past several years.
Dan had suffered a stroke several years ago and was not at the top of his game
but still doing well and was great fun.
Ken Williams
I worked with Dan at the Ventura County
Sheriff's Department for many years until my transfer to the Los Angeles County
Fire Department. Dan was a close friend and neighbor.
During my career, I've known and worked with
two other Lancers, so it is important for me to get in contact with Dan Lanier
and/ or Gary Yates to advise them of his passing.
Walt Wise: Dan Shea was a Life
member of the VHPA. He was my Chief Pilot in Alaska for Sea Airmotive. He also
flew for the Ventura County sheriff's department for over 25 years. Walt