Richard “Rich” Ray Wilbur, aged 73, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just days shy of his 74th birthday following a courageous four-year battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, Rich fought with the same determination and quiet strength that defined his entire life, never losing his spirit.
Born on September 9, 1952 in the Territory of Alaska almost seven years before statehood, Rich grew up on Merrill Field and in the Airport Heights neighborhood of Anchorage. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially dirt bikes, his unicycle, and he learned how to snow ski, water ski and fish at a young age. Under the tutelage of his father and other aviation mentors, he developed a passion for working on both cars and airplanes. By the age of 12, he had learned to weld and had logged his first flight lesson. He graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1970 during which time his first vehicle was a Willys Jeep; he was active in the Order of DeMolay and was elected to Master Councilor; and he got his private pilot license on his 17th birthday. After a season of commercial fishing, he headed south to Inglewood, California to study aviation maintenance at Northrop Institute of Technology. Once he returned to Anchorage, he continued to pursue his flight ratings for fixed-wing, helicopter, seaplane and ATP (airline transport pilot). He worked for his parent’s FBO on Merrill Field, Wilbur’s Flight Operations which included a state accredited flight school, charters, the Cessna, Piper and Maule dealerships and an airline for a time; and later Peninsula Airways where he was Director of Training. He proudly spent 42 years exploring and living in the rugged beauty of Alaska before relocating to the “lower 48” in 1994, eventually calling Colorado his home. He was based with airlines in Colorado, Texas, Belgium and New York.
Rich was an avid reader, especially science fiction; he loved music and going to concerts, but his greatest passion in life was aviation. He had a great interest in vintage aviation and was a member of the EAA Chapter 72 (Experimental Aircraft Association), both the American and National Waco Clubs, the Ox5 Aviation Pioneers Club where he served as a governor and president for a few years. Over his lifetime in the aviation industry, he wore many titles including A&P mechanic, flight instructor, bush pilot, Chief Pilot, Director of Training, Director of Operations, Check Airman, Captain and IA – Inspection Authorization. Rich flew for commercial airlines including MarkAir, Western Pacific, Express One International and JetBlue Airways where he ultimately dedicated 14 years flying the line before “officially” retiring. Additionally, he flew a couple more years with JetBlue as a ferry/delivery pilot and was able to take Jeanne on some of his trips. His career ultimately ended at the FAA, with the Atlanta CMO in Denver as an Airline Safety Inspector. Even in retirement, Rich could not stay away from the clouds, continuing to fly and work on airplane projects as often as he could, especially his 1926 Waco-9 biplane. However, the most fun project he ever tackled was the “airplane train” he and friend Harold built for the grandkids. He was always ready to go flying with his good friends, doing annuals, giving them biennials and proficiency checks. Flying to Oshkosh was among the most memorable trips he ever took. Most recently, Rich was honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the FAA’s highest honor, recognizing his exceptional safety record with more than 50 years of dedication to aviation.
Above all, Rich was the ultimate family man. He was the amazing husband (and flight instructor) of Jeanne Wilbur. They were married on March 3, 1979 in Anchorage and shared over 47 years of beautiful marriage. He was a devoted father to his children, Mark (Heidi) Wilbur of Denver, and Lindsay (Erik) Martin of Colorado Springs, CO. His absolute favorite title was “Papa” and he was adored beyond measure by his precious four grandchildren: Cody, Ryan, Grayson Ray, and Bailey.
Rich was the son of Joseph “Joe” Wilbur and Frances Deatherage; and he was also raised from a young age by his beloved stepmom Anne Wilbur. He is survived by his siblings: Steve (Jan) Wilbur of Gilbert, AZ, Anna (Byron) Roys of Big Lake, AK, Meg Benson of Eagle River, AK, Paul (Lorie) LaPage of Sequim, WA, and Mike (Dee) Maynard of Elgin, AZ, his stepmom Anne Wilbur and stepfather Seenu Sarma of Queen Valley, AZ and Anchorage, AK as well as many extended family members and great friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances; his father, Joe; his brothers, Ken, Bruce and his half-brother, Neal.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Shrine of Remembrance Chapel in Colorado Springs, CO with a Celebration of Life reception following immediately at the EAA Hangar at Meadow Lake Airport in Peyton, Colorado. Additionally, Rich’s family plans to gather together in Anchorage next year in June to celebrate his everlasting memory under the midnight sun of Summer Solstice. In memory of Rich, donations may be made through EAA72.org to help support the next generation of aviators.