Farewell Deanna
It is with a sad heart that I share that AMT’s former associate publisher Deanna Haraldson passed away on Saturday, April 28 after a seven-year battle with cancer. She was 39.
Deanna was passionate about the aircraft maintenance industry and commited to the customers she worked with. As associate publisher, she helped manage the business aspect of AMT. She was a mentor, and helped teach me the publishing business. She helped make my transition from aircraft inspector to magazine editor a little easier. Her drive and professionalism were a significant part of our AMT team.
When Deanna’s cancer (which had been remission) came back in 2002, she left the magazine in order to seek treatment and spend more time concentrating on the things that mattered most — her friends and family. She also became more involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an annual fundraiser to help fund cancer research.
It was Deanna’s constant cheerful spirit that everyone who ever met her remembers. Even when dealing with the intense physical and emotional challenges she faced during her seven-year cancer battle, Deanna always maintained a positive attitude. And though we will miss her, I know that she is in a better place.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Deanna surely had an effervescent and bright spirit! She left an indelible impression on us all. Her passing should be a wake up call for those of us remaining. Life is like a vapor that appears for a short while then is gone. The question we should all ask is – “what are we doing now that has lasting worth and value?” Those are the eternal things that last and are truly meaningful. The rest is just filler.
I had the opportunity to meet and work with Deanna as part of AMT Magazine and FAA partnership for safety. Deanna was always willing to help where needed and was enthusiastic and dedicated to the endeavors that supported our mission. She always had a smile and filled the room with sunshine when ever she was present. She will truly be missed.
Bye, girlfriend… nag us if you see something that we should but don’t, okay?
A few years ago as a the newly appointed Program Manager for Maintenance Training at SimuFlite and trying to figure out how to get the word out about our product someone suggested I call AMT. Soon Kathy and Deanna were standing in my office extolling the virtues of advertising with AMT. Deanna’s bright smile, bubbly persona, big eyes, and her can do attitude made it a no brainer deal. Our paths crossed many times after that day and each time was a hoot as they say here in Texas! Even after she fell ill it was hard to tell she was in a battle for her life… many in the Biz Av community will miss you.
Eric, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are fortunate to have had such a spirited, loving woman in your life. Deanna always made me smile! Her memory will live on. Jeff Leverence
Sorry to hear about the loss of Deanna. You are a good man to remember her in this way.
I knew Deanna when she was a business major at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, and read about her passing away in the alumni newsletter. She was one of those genuinely special people who brought joy and light into the lives of those around her, and our thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.