On the morning of July 4, 2012, Jason "Chick" Bridge passed in his home town of Sun Valley, Idaho. He was 73.
Chick was born in Nashua, N.H., the second son of Mike and Althea Bridge. Both he and his brother, Winston, were raised in the nearby city of Keene where his parents were teachers. Chick's parents and brother preceded him in death.
Chick is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, and three children, Tracy, Ty and Lyman and their mother, Susan. Besides Tracy and husband Mike, in Greenland, N.H., and younger son Lyman and wife Jamie in Bellevue, Idaho, and older son Ty and Chick's daughter in-law, Julie, living in Novato, Calif., he leaves four grandchildren, John Jason, Lilianna, Parker and Jason Alex. As well as, from Sonoma County, his brother-in-law Bill Madson and sister-in-law Yvonne and their children, Max and Allie.
As a young man, Chick was an outstanding two-sport athlete, baseball and basketball in high school and, later, at the University of New Hampshire where he was a starting pitcher. While at the university he was also a cadet in Air Force ROTC, and at graduation was commissioned in the Air Force. He selected active duty in May 1962 to fulfill his long-harbored ambition to become a pilot. Lt. Bridge flew the Sikorsky CH-3C "Jolly Green" helicopter in Vietnam and Southeast Asia; he was a true hero, rescuing downed crew members behind enemy lines. In 1968, after more than six years of active duty and service in the Air National Guard, Major Bridge retired from the Air Force; his collection of awards included the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Chick then went on to enjoy a 30-year career flying as captain for American Airlines.
He loved to spend his time with his family and friends. Chick continued to live life to the fullest; it was a life well-lived. He touched many lives and he could always light up a room with his smile and a well-timed joke.
A private celebration of Chick's life was held July 7 with family and friends, where many wonderful stories were shared about Chick's antics; there was much laughter and fond memories honoring the life of a great man, one of the best.
The family asks that donations in his name be given to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley.
Online condolences and shared memories are welcome at www.woodriverchapel.com.
