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Harold E. Botsford, Jr., a longtime resident of Northern New Jersey, both West Milford and Ringwood, died Sunday, February 27, 2005 at the Greenwood Lake Airport. Hal was the youngest child born to Harold E. and Ludwina A. Botsford on December 13, 1925 in Ithaca, NY. He is survived by three siblings, Edna, Glenn, and Gertrude; and also by his four children, Steven, Laurel, Brian with wife, Ann, and Alison. He was Grandpa Hal to five grandkids, Stephanie, Colin, Peter, Bryce, and Evan. His wife of 21 years, Beverly, preceded him in death, as well as his sisters, Eleanore and Jeanne. Hal Botsford was a born pilot; up in the air from the age of 16 years until his dying day at 79 he flew or talked about flying, influencing many to follow their similar dreams. This remarkable man ferried mail and supplies in the Alaskan bush, logged airline time in the United States, accumulated 26,808 prop and corporate jet hours in the skies throughout 6 continents and visited 145 countries around the world; you could say that Experience was his middle name. Hal Botsford lived for flight, pursuing it to the end. Flying was just one love in Hal's life. He lived like he had to get it all in. Travel, athletics, friends, and family; somehow they all linked together for this man on the active go. He wished to be an eagle, so that he could soar and soar. He will be truly missed, he is truly loved, and his absence now makes him wished for again. We love you, Hal. A Celebration Memorial Service will be held at the Discovery Flight Training and Maintenance at Greenwood Lake Airport, 126 Airport Road, West Milford, NJ for Hal on Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Friends of Hal and those of you who knew of him are welcome to attend. Arrangements by Cremation Society of New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the "Hal Botsford Gift of Wings Fund" for student pilots will be open for donations.
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