David James Lockerby

David J. Lockerby passed away on January 20, 2021, at Benefis Peace Hospice from the ravages of mesothelioma.He was born March 16, 1941, in Kilarney, Manitoba, Canada to John and Fern Lockerby.Growing up in the small Canadian community of Neelin, he learned his work ethic through farm life and excelled at sports such as curling, hockey, and baseball.After graduating from high school, he followed some family members to New Mexico where he obtained his U.S. citizenship.He began working and continued playing baseball locally.A professional scout spotted him pitching and he signed with the Albuquerque Dukes of New Mexico, a AAA farm team for the San Francisco Giants.Two years later, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force which launched a 20-year career around the world and included a tour in Vietnam. While in the military, Dave obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Colorado State College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado.Upon retirement, he obtained his pilot’s license, eventually achieving the highest-level certificate, Airline Transport Pilot.He was a flight instructor for many young people who ended up becoming commercial airline pilots, and he also flew U.S. Forest Service spotters around western forest fires to direct aerial firefight suppression deliveries. David is survived by his wife, Ursula; son, Bryan (Shannon); and grandchildren, Sophia and Karch (Audrey) Lockerby; brothers and sisters, Dennis Lockerby, Jean (Lou St. Laurent) Amos, Alexis (Bob) Rozander, Allison Lockerby, Paul (Glenna) Lockerby, and Lorrie (Vivieanne) Lockerby. The family extends their thanks and gratitude to the professional care and compassion by the volunteers, staff, and medical team at Benefis Peace Hospice.No services are planned. Dave was a strong advocate for abused animals and helped rescue many during his lifetime.Donations to animal rescue charities or simply a willingness to adopt and permanently care for an abused animal are encouraged.