| | Published March 2nd, 2022
| Oscar Nance Travland, Jr.
| | |  | | July 17, 1937 - Jan. 23, 2022 |
Oscar Nance Travland, Jr. of Palm Desert, California, passed away on Jan. 23 with his wife and daughter by his side. Born in Beeville, Texas on July 17, 1937 to Oscar and Melba Travland, he was one of five children. His parents owned the airport in Beeville, and thus began Oscar's love of aviation (he earned his pilot's license at 17). He graduated from Sul Ross University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to begin his career in the automobile industry. While living in New Mexico, Oscar served in the United States Air Force National Guard.
Oscar returned to Texas as a corporate Learjet pilot. It was in El Paso that Oscar met and married Patricia Busch, and where they started a family. With their three children, they enjoyed weekend sailing in nearby Elephant Butte where Oscar was Commodore of the El Paso Sailing Club. Oscar's passion for sailing continued when they moved to Orinda, California in the early 1970s. Oscar loved sailing in the San Francisco Bay, raced sailboats along the California coast, and was a member and officer at the Metropolitan Yacht Club. While in Northern California, Oscar was a nationally recognized, award-winning Nissan dealer.
Oscar and Patti moved to Irvine, California before ultimately retiring in Palm Desert. During retirement, Oscar loved being a grandpa, playing golf, riding his Harley Davidson with friends, and staying involved with the Bermuda Dunes Airport. In his home's garage, Oscar built a two-passenger single engine airplane from the ground up, which he later piloted. After moving to Sun City Palm Desert, building and flying remote control airplanes with friends and traveling with his family provided much happiness. He cherished annual summer vacations in Hawaii with his family, as well as family reunions in Fort Davis, Texas.
Oscar is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patti Travland, and his three children and their families: son Grant Travland and his wife Rosemma (children Drew and Jake); daughter Tracy McCarthy and her husband John (children Nolan, Kevin, and Dylan); and son Sonny Travland and his wife Lindsay (children Urban, Ledger, McGraw, and Trainor) and Sonny's former wife Alison Smalley (children Henry and Lindsay). Oscar is also survived by his four siblings: Margaret Blackman, Lewis Travland, Larry Travland, and Patricia Hodgens. A private service was held at Rose Mortuary in Rancho Mirage, California. |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA