John was born in New Orleans to Henry and Alberta Haskell. His sister Claire was five years old when John came into the world. His mom, dad and sister have all passed away.

He went to primary and middle school in Glendale, IL before moving to Oklahoma where he completed high school. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1977 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

John M. Haskell Lt Col (Ret), proudly served his nation for 28 years. He entered the active duty Air Force when he reported to Undergraduate Pilot Training in December 1978. While on active duty John was assigned to Frankfurt Germany, Yokota Airbase, Japan and Lake City, FL.

After John's active duty commitment he found a home in the Delaware Air National Guard.

For the next 22 years John served with the DE ANG in the capacity of Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot. He started his career in the DE ANG as a maintenance pilot and after a brief period of time was transferred into the 142 Airlift Squadron. John was a pilot's, pilot. He had a consummate knowledge of the aircraft and always maintained a steady calm. On at least two occasions John safely brought his crew and aircraft back when calamity could have been the outcome.

John could always be counted on to help in whatever way he could. As John rose through the ranks, from Flight Commander to Chief Pilot he always had the best interests of the Airman at heart. From aircraft maintainers to flight crews, every airman knew they could count on John Haskell for the sound reason during a storm. John is a veteran of Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and numerous other deployments around the world. LTC(ret) John M. Haskell epitomized the USAF's core values of Integrity, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all we do.

John has flown for United Airlines the past sixteen years. He flew 737's and more recently was a first officer on the 757/767 aircraft. His last flight was in March 2009. His last trip was to places he loved -
Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco. After that flight, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

John not only loved flying but had a passion for biking. He had some great times in the last few years riding through Sonoma Valley; from Portland to Seattle with his good friend Anti; and in the fall of 2008, through the panhandle of Idaho. He cared deeply about environmental issues and worried constantly about global warming. He didn't just talk the talk on the environment, he lived it. He installed solar panels, hung his clothes to dry, and rode his bike in the cold, in the rain, and in the heat to keep from driving. He also supported environmental groups with monetary donations.

He was dedicated to quietly doing good works. He contributed to several charities sponsoring children in the United States and abroad. He also gave to MS research, the American Red Cross, Heifer International, Feed America and several others. He often carried food in his pockets that he would give out if he encountered anyone on the streets who was down on their luck.

For the past year, John's many friends have shown unwavering love, concern and dedication. They've come and called day and night to visit, to recall good times and to lend helping hands. They have made this most trying of times a little more bearable. A special thank you goes out to all of you.

On January 16, 2010 John married Jan, his friend for 18 years. When he married Jan, her family became his and he leaves her, stepsons Mark, Jason and Jeremy Hebert; grandchildren Kaitlyn, Zachary, Scarlett and Miller; sister-in-law Barbara Moore and Hazel Judah. He also leaves his Aunt Claire Duquette and several cousins. He will be missed everyday and loved forever.

The family will receive friends from 12-1pm on Friday, April 9, 2010 at Colonial Funeral Home, Leesburg, VA with services beginning at 1pm. Mr. Haskell will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on July 8, 2010 at 3pm.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Research at the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Steward Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's
hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet doves in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at
night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.