Var Green

Var M. Green passed away on November 2, 2010 at his home, surrounded by many of his loved ones. Var was born in Pima, AZ to Reece Green and Geneva Mattice Green, February 5, 1921. Var left Pima shortly after graduating from Gila Academy (now EAC). He wanted to fly and worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corp. until WWII broke out. He entered Navy flight school in 1942. He passed all his flight tests and was in his final PBY training when he was grounded for an appendectomy - which he believed saved his life. Because of complications and gangrene, he wasn't able to leave the hospital to join his squadron leaving for the South Pacific. Many did not return. His assignment became searching for Nazi U-boats operating along the Atlantic Coast. When the war was over, Var wanted to return to school but all schools were crowded and he was offered a job flying cargo in Asia. He worked with General Chennault (Flying Tigers) for many years, transporting cargo that also included refugees from Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, and China. While in Saigon, he met Sophie Gerolimatos and married October 31, 1947. They had one son and one grandson. He became the Vice President of three air transport companies. His business required much travel and he and his family lived in many countries such as Tokyo, HongKong, Taiwan, France, Spain, and North Yemen. Var retired because of Sophie's health problems and came back to America after her death in 1991. In 1993, Var married Dortha Hundley Kimball (wife of deceased Gordon Curtis Kimball).They had been high school sweethearts in Pima back in 1938. What a wonderful celebration! Grandad, as Var was known to his new family, became father and grandfather to all of Dortha's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Var is survived by his son, Don Var Green, and grandson Malcolm Ashley Green of France, his brother, Max and his wife Nathalene of Safford, his sister, Louise Lytle of Overton, NV, his step-children, Judy Kimball Huffaker, Jill Kimball Bigler, Jan Kimball Hunt, Joseph and Jim Kimball and 28 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the 20th Street LDS Chapel with viewing one hour prior. Concluding services will be in the Pima Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.