Once in a great while, we get an opportunity to meet up with someone uniquely special. Someone whose presence has such an impact that it changes the course of our life forever. A person who is full of life and a spirit of adventure. Someone who's laughing is contagious and who invites you to the party. If you met this person, even for a brief moment, their words can have a huge impact. Kids are the best at detecting the real-deal with their innate ability to listen, imagine, and self-actualize without imposing restrictions the rest of us suffer.

As children, we are often told by adults "good things come in small packages." This time they got it right. While Anne's physical stature was slightly higher than the kids who flocked around, her presence was with the giants…. the giants of industry, music, education, and aviation. Even the most accomplished of us want the kindness, imagination, and indomitable spirit Anne displayed.

Prior to catching the flying bug, Anne was mom to Julie and Kate in Sheridan, Wyoming working as an elementary school music teacher and band director. She graduated from Eastern Washington State University with a minor in Math and masters in Music. Anne's next journey was about to take a significant course change.

Recently retired Navy LCDR Al Edmonson walked into her life; they married in 1987 and moved to San Diego. After a few years of working together in real estate, Al took Anne to the Imperial Valley during Winter Training at El Centro for the Blue Angel "Hangar Party" hosted by Brawley crop duster and Honorary Blue Angel Don Lambe. While she may have been impressed meeting the 1988 Blue Angel Team, it was easy going, calm yet confident Donny and his air tractor that won her interest that day. Climbing up and sitting on the console of his plane as they took off to jump hay stacks in the open and flat Imperial Valley farmland. Donny showed Anne the joy of being airborne. Her passion for flying was born.

Soon after that first flight, Anne joined the Armed Forces Aero Club at Montgomery Field and set out to get her license. With Anne's dedication and encouragement from Wyoming FBO owner Fred Mooney, she became a CFII in 8 months, flying six days a week. Anne would pick Julie up from high school and return to the field offering her two choices on where to study: the briefing room at the FBO or backseat airborne.

In only two years and eleven months' time from her weekend at Imperial Valley, Anne was sitting right seat in a Beech 1900 at Mesa Airlines. Two years after joining Mesa, Anne upgraded to Northwest Airlines flying DC-9's. She went on to fly the 747, A330, 757 and retired as a 767 Captain for Delta Airlines following the merger with Northwest. She enjoyed flying routes in Asia, South America, and Europe retiring last year with 25 years of service.

Just as she was inspired by a brief evening together with Blue Angel Officers, and a chance ride in a crop duster, she never lost sight of her ability to influence everyone who crossed her path. She took every opportunity to inspire people to just go for it. Anne was not afflicted with the gender stigmas so popular today, downplaying any suggestion of notoriety based on anything other than getting good at what you are doing by following your dreams.

Anne Edmonson died on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the age of 66 doing what she loved...flying. She is survived by her loving husband Al, who was her biggest cheerleader; her daughters Julie and Kate; step-daughters Kim and Teresa; and 9 grandchildren.

Although she would object, Anne will be idolized by everyone who looked up to her and tearfully missed by those fortunate enough to spend time with her. I asked Julie this week what her Mom would say to us today. Without hesitation, she knew her Mom would tell us all "It happened. Now suck it up and figure out what's next."

She left us way too soon.

SheridanMedia.com - May 1, 2017.