George and I finished advanced multi engine pilot training Dec. 15, 1950 and were stationed at Westover AFB, Springfield, Ma. We were augmented crews in 1951 flying C-54 to Thule, Greenland with stops at Goose Bay, Labrador and BW-8 (Thunderstorm) Late fall of 1951 after Thule changed from 4500 gravel strip to 11,000 paved runway, I had the privilege of being on Captain Chauncy Pate and George Hof's crew. We were heading southbound from Thule to Westover AFB, Ma. and it was a 15 1/2 flight time. You had to climb up to 11 or 12 thousand feet over the Baffin Islands. Chauncy Pate, 2 navigators and 1 radio operator, 1 flight mechanic and I were on the empty floor on an army blanket in a hot game of "Hearts". George strolled in and joined in the game and we all presumed George had checked out the lone radio operator up front how to use the auto pilot. Rest well my friend. Al Leake
I first met George and Anne while Al and I were with our 4 boys on a motorhome trip and we stopped by their home in Buffalo, N.Y. Anne outdid herself by treating us to a wonderful brisket barbque. We were living in Miami so didn't see much of them over the years but we did keep our Christmas cards and letters going for over 50 years. We met them twice at Air Force reunions; once in Oklahoma and once in Seattle. Our last visit with them was 11 years ago when we went to Rochester, N.Y. to help celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The world has lost two very special people, but now they rest together in the arms of our Loving Savior. God bless your two wonderful parents. Dawn Leake
