“May you be a good enough pilot that your last landing is in your own bed”

Dick Bevington slipped the surly bonds of earth on Monday, March 2, 2026, at home and in bed, in Longmont, Colorado. People on the streets, in local coffee shops, and at the Longmont Airport, often remarked, “Is that Dick Bevington? He's a legend!” His reputation as an exceptional and remarkable pilot extended well beyond the corners of Longmont.

Dick Bevington was born on March 28, 1940. His lifelong passion for planes began as a young child in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Among his earliest memories were his parents, Richard “Buss” and Mildred “Buddy” Bevington, building a cockpit on sawhorses for him to play in, and his first airplane ride with his Uncle Edward “Bub” Haffey at the Beaver County Airport. From that moment on, his eyes were looking skyward.

As the biggest kid in his class, Dick excelled at athletics. He played several sports at Beaver High School, most notably serving as the Tight End on the Beaver Football Team. After high school, he went to Muskingum College in Ohio on a football scholarship. Lucky for his students, Dick walked away from a semi-pro football path to follow his heart into the sky. He enlisted as an officer in the United States Air Force and later retired from the Illinois National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel.

In addition to his military service, Dick flew for United Airlines from 1969 to 2000. His career included piloting the B707, B720, B737, B747, B757, and B767 LR Jet. For the next 2 plus decades, he continued to dedicate his life to aviation and retired as Chief Flight Instructor at Elite Aviation. Many of his students remain close and valued friends to this day.

Dick was known for being cheap. He could often be seen driving around town in a beat-up car. Despite its appearance, the back seat was always filled with top-of-the-line fly fishing gear, ham radio equipment, and tools from Harbor Freight—showing Dick’s love and commitment to his hobbies. He was an avid runner and cyclist, having completed many marathons and triathlons. He was a member of the International Aerobatics Club, competing and judging throughout the country.

The love of Dick’s life and fishing partner, Mary Camille (married ‘till death did them part), bought her one-way ticket in 2023. Dick thought of her every day since she’s been gone, loving her memory and their time together.

Dick will sorely be missed by his son, Dan Bevington of Alpine, Arizona; daughter and son-in-law, Amy Bevington and Terry Teipner of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; daughter, Julie Bevington of Longmont, Colorado; and son and daughter-in-law, Matt Bevington and Lea Bevington of Littleton, Colorado and the apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Robert Johnson of Jacksonville, Florida; Grace Link of Belfast, Ireland, and Phoebe Link of Madison, Wisconsin.

Captain Bevington: Smooth skies and clear direct