Please join us in celebrating the loving memory of Walter Noland Attebery who passed away in Lompoc on October 23, 2009 at the age of 87.

He was born on July 29, 1922 in Phillipsburg, Kansas and moved to Portland, Oregon as a young boy where he met his lifelong companion and wife of 66 years, Pauline. In 1941, he was accepted into the Civilian Pilot Training program at Oregon State College where he discovered his love for flying airplanes. Walt enlisted as a U.S. Naval Aviation cadet on March 2, 1942 and thereafter received his 'Wings of Gold' and a commission in the United States Marine Corps. During World War II, his squadron was sent to the South Pacific where he piloted his F4U Corsair in 22 combat missions. He was released from active duty in 1945 and returned to Oregon State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1947. Following graduation, Walt joined the FBI as a Special Agent with assignments in Denver, Detroit, Butte, Los Angeles and finally retiring as Resident Agent in Ventura, California.

Following his retirement from the FBI, Walt started a career in the aviation business serving as a Vice President for ERA Helicopters in 1959 in Oxnard, and five years later started his own company, Condor Helicopters and Aviation. He also served as Chairman of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) in 1964. During this time, Condor expanded into various companies with operations including missile retrieval, fire contracts, offshore support, airborne controlled survey work, and emergency medical transportation.

After selling Condor Helicopters in 1981, Walt and Pauline retired to Sunriver, Oregon until 1984. Flying his airplane, golfing, fishing and entertaining family and friends were his greatest joy.

The helicopter business was in his blood, so in 1984 he started a new business as Arctic Air Service providing helicopter transportation in support of offshore operations located in California and Oregon.

Walt is greatly missed by his loving wife, Pauline, "who was his inspiration since high school". Walt is also the loving father of Brent Attebery and wife, Margo; Jeffery Attebery and wife, Debby; Chris Attebery and wife, Kelly; grandpa of Amy Aguilar, and husband Chris; Phillip Attebery; Delaney Attebery; Kari Handy, and husband Russell; Lindsey Attebery; Alison Narasaki and Nicholas Narasaki; and great-grandpa to Brandon, Nate, Emery, Makena, and Kinsley. Our happiest memories of him are getting together for family BBQ's and holiday celebrations.

A memorial service will be held November 7, 10:30 a.m. at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel, 123 North 'A' Street, Lompoc, California. Directly following the service, there will be a Celebration of Walt's Life at the Village Country Club, Ellery Room, 4300 Clubhouse Rd., Lompoc.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to his favorite charity, the Boys and Girls Club of Lompoc, or the charity of your choice.