Carrol L. Chidlaw

Carrol L. Chidlaw has taken his last flight at age 90. While he did not quite reach his goal of flying around the Permian Basin on his 100th birthday, those of us who loved him know his spirit continued to soar long after his body was unable to pilot its own craft. He lived the last seven months of his life at Lamun-Lusk-Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring, Texas, where daily he declared, "Some folks are just here to die. But I'm here to LIVE." And perhaps that is the best way to remember him: as a man who lived everyday of his life looking forward to each new project with excited anticipation.From the young pilot who served in World War II with the Flying Tigers, both maintaining and flying every aircraft then made; to the best private pilot ever known in Texas, able to fly anything with wings; to the middle-aged man who built organs in his home workshop; to the older man who remodeled a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to resemble an airplane cockpit – "Chid" Chidlaw remained an example of independence, determination and focus on his personal priorities.He was born on October 6, 1918 in Houston and passed away on November 19, 2008 in Big Spring."Chid" is survived by his daughter, Carol Ann Chidlaw Bauer of Midland; one grandson, David Carrol Ozbolt of Conroe; two great grandchildren, Cody Ryan Ozbolt and Olivia Grace Ozbolt both of Conroe; one sister, Betty Chidlaw Philibosian of Walsenburg, Colorado and three nieces, Wendy Philibosian Ruuamau, Nicole Philibosian Gentry and Shelley Philibosian Waite.He was preceded in death by his son, James Creel Chidlaw in 2007.The Chidlaw name may be gone, but the Chidlaw soaring spirit lives on! See you next time around, Daddy.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,