Dan Chauvet passed away at his home in Watsonville on April 21, 2016. He was 80. He was born in Pacific Grove, California on August 31, 1935. He attended Pacific Grove High School, then graduated from Oregon State University.
Dan learned to fly in the Oregon State Flying Club and became a licensed pilot in 1958. In 1963 he met Sarah Marie Doherty in Pendleton, Oregon and they were married in 1964. In 1967, Dan and Sarah moved to Boise, Idaho when Dan began his aviation career. They returned to Pacific Grove in 1969 when Dan took a job with Golden West Airlines.
Dan, Sarah and their three children moved to Watsonville in 1971 when Dan went to work flying for Granite Construction Company. He became Granite’s Chief Pilot in 1986, where he remained until he retired in 1996.
Dan was diagnosed with distal muscular dystrophy in 1988, which eventually ended his flying career. He worked as a flight instructor throughout his time with Granite and continued to instruct and fly until 2005.
Dan was a former president of the Watsonville Pilot’s Association. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, California Pilot’s Association, Monterey Bay Ninety-Nines 49 1/2, and the Quiet Birdmen. He also served on the County Disabilities Commission.
His research and advocacy has been instrumental in the Watsonville Pilots Association and the City of Watsonville working together to address airport land use planning and the long-term fiscal viability of Watsonville Airport.
In October 2015, Dan received the FAA’s Master Pilot’s Award for over 50 years involvement in aviation with a demonstrated commitment to safety.
Dan leaves his wife of 51 years, Sarah Marie, in Watsonville, his sons Maurice in Los Angeles and Gerald in Washington State, daughter Eileen in San Francisco, many cousins and extended family members, and a tremendous community of friends. Dan also leaves the children of Dan and Sarah’s hearts: Gina Gallino Cole, Robert Steven Yeager, and Stuart Bayne.
A memorial mass and reception will be held on May 14, 2016 at 11a.m. at Holy Eucharist Catholic Community, 527 Corralitos Rd, Corralitos, CA 95076. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
Original article can be found here: http://www.register-pajaronian.com
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