Henry Curtis Ivy – Colonel, United States Marine Corps

Henry “Hank” Curtis Ivy of Green Valley Arizona passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2008, from complications related to a recent battle with cancer. Son of DeRugely and Henry Ivy Sr., Henry was born on August 25th 1933 in West Point, Mississippi.

Henry grew up on the family farm, with his two sisters, Mary Curtis and Joan DeRugely. He spent his youth running barefoot, playing and fishing and hunting with his beloved hound dogs whom he also loved to recall sneaking into his bed at night!. His world expanded as an adult, as Hank’s career and travels took him throughout the United States and many parts of the World.

A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in June, 1955. An exceptional and avid pilot, he flew the supersonic fighter jet, the F-4 Phantom over 4000 flight hours. Between the years of 1966 and 1973 he completed three tours of duty in Vietnam, flying more than 450 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal, but it was love for his squadron, not medals that drove him to volunteer for return tours. Also while in the Marine Corps Hank earned his Masters Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and served as Plans Officer and Assistant Secretary of the General Staff at the Headquarters of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He retired from Pt. Mugu Naval Air Base in 1979. For the Colonel, this time spent “flying a desk” paled in comparison to flying jets. He just loved being a Marine aviator.

Hank had a “need for speed” born out of an aviator’s affinity for the sound of that supersonic F-4 Phantom fighter jet. There were various sports cars over the years and a Harley Davidson. Most recently he was intent on advancing the odometer to 200,000 miles on his newly purchased, and immaculately restored, 1997 XK8 Jag. Hank loved to play golf, go “all in” when playing Texas Hold ’em and could beat anyone at gin rummy. No one could tell a joke like Hank, and his hearty, infectious laugh would fill your heart. Hank loved his family dearly. Husband, father and grandfather, Hank Ivy is survived by his devoted wife of twenty years, Lynda Ivy his sister Joan Ivy, children Maggie Ivy and husband Bill Aragona, Mollie Nugent and husband Steve, Mark Ivy, Matt Ivy and stepdaughter Dawnel Sherman and first wife Marcia Price; Grandchildren Curtis Nugent, Dylan Ivy, Jake Ivy, Nicole Sherman and Anthony Sherman. He also loved his many dogs; from his favorite childhood pup Mac the bulldog, to Sancho Panza his loyal Westy Terrier.

Hank was a philosophical soul, always examining the world through his own lens. Although a true Patriot, he was also one to question and challenge the injustices he perceived of our government and society. A voracious reader and seeker of knowledge, he had a special interest in politics and enjoyed a lively discussion or debate.

Family and friends will honor Colonel Henry C. Ivy, his life and service to his country, at a military ceremony with full honors to be held on July 30, 2008 at 3pm at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. Memorials in honor of Henry C. Ivy may be made to support the Volunteer Office at the Tucson Veterans Hospital 3601 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson 85723. Semper Fi Daddy.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard