

What can I  say about how amazing a father that David was to our Jacob? He feared the responsibility of becoming a father but instinctually knew what to do by the pure love he had for that boy. Jacob was a joy and source of pride for him always. Too many memories to recount but he always held him in his heart in a lifestyle full of goodbyes as a career pilot on his many trips. David always got down on his level so he could talk to him eye to eye and his parenting style was of positivity vs beration. He was the Dad who went barreling into the river to save him after Jacob slipped on a rock and was being swept away by the current fully clothed, wallet, pager, everything without hesitation.  He was the Dad who defended Jacob's pain  when he broke his arm jumping from a low tree branch and saved our burning home from a fire started from an old fuse. He wasn't there for all of the memories because of his job but always when it counted. 
Even in the bumpy years David did the right thing for his family. No human being is perfect but he had a brilliant mind and a good and caring heart and was always a true gentleman. The one thing that he wanted to do since he was a little boy was to fly. His college dorm room always has an RC aircraft in progress. Flying was in his soul. So I know in my heart that that soul has flown to a wonderful place where he is at peace far beyond the clouds and we want him to know that he is loved there always ❤️  

Spike was a good man and had a heart of gold.   Semper Fidelis.  

*A True Marine and the Best Pilot Ever*
David L. “Spike” Roberson loved America deeply and served her proudly as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps—with dignity, honor, and unwavering commitment. He was a man of purpose, setting his sights high and mapping his way forward with determination, no matter how challenging the journey. Spike knew what he wanted and went out and got it. Beyond his strength and discipline, he had a heart just as big—kind, generous, and full of love.

*Biography*
Spike Roberson was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1958, and grew up surrounded by his loving parents, Rupert and Rosemary, and sisters, Gayle and Lynn. 
Growing up in Glen Burnie, Maryland, near the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Spike dreamed of becoming a pilot from a young age. Even as a boy, he had carefully thought through how to make that dream a reality. Determined and focused, he applied for and accepted a Naval ROTC scholarship, beginning his journey at the University of New Mexico.
While in college, Spike made a pivotal decision—he switched from the Navy to the Marine Corps because the Marines guaranteed flight training. When he called his father to share the news, there was a long pause on the other end of the line. His dad finally asked, “Are you sure about this?” Spike didn’t hesitate: “Yes,” he said. He had been committed to flying since childhood, and this was the surest path to the cockpit.
Spike was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps May 1980 and attended Basic School at Quantico Virginia, then he was assigned to Pensacola Florida for flight training. He received his “Wings of Gold” in 1982 and reported to Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter) Tustin, CA for duty with “The Flying Tigers” of HMH-361. During this tour, he flew training missions throughout the Southwest US and deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan. In the Western Pacific, Spike flew missions in Japan, Korea and in the Philippines. In early 1986, Spike returned to Pensacola, FL for duty as a Flight Instructor with Training Squadron 2 (VT-2) and later with Training Wing 5’s Instructor Training Unit (ITU). During his Marine Corps service he flew the T-34C “Turbo Mentor,” the TH-57 “Jet Ranger”, TH-1L “Huey”, and the CH-53A/D “Sea Stallion.” He flew over 1000 hours as a T-34C instructor.  His military achievement included Rifle Expert Badge (4th award), Pistol Expert (3rd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Letter of Appreciation, and he also rated the Cold War Recognition Certificate. Spike received his Honorable Discharged March 1989. 


Spike began his commercial aviation career as a flight engineer on the Boeing 727. Over the years, he mastered an impressive range of aircraft, including the DC-9, A320, B737, B757, B767, B747, and the A350. Throughout his time in the skies, he logged more than 8.5 million miles—equivalent to 35 trips to the Moon or 340 laps around the Earth. Spike was a consummate aviation professional and safely flew nearly 5 million passengers to their destinations during his 34 years in the cockpit.  
But Spike's love for speed didn’t stop in the cockpit. He was a true car enthusiast, especially fond of V8 engines and supercharged machines. His passion extended beyond the garage—he wrote articles for the National Motor Association and was deeply involved with them for many years.
Spike loved to fly fast and drive fast. He lived life the same way—full throttle, with heart, passion, and a spark that burned bright. Spike has Flown West now. We will miss his spirit, enthusiasm, courage, and most of all his friendship. Spike was a light in the world we will never get back now that he is gone, and the world is a far lesser place. 


This photo was taken in Japan and he was directed to move his head for 3 degrees maybe 5 degrees for photo shooting. "Man, Japanese people are so precise!"

Once Marine Always Marine. He is a true patriot.

He loved flying A350 last few years. Flying was his whole life!

Great Lakes National Cemetery

Good ol'e Spike was a fixture on the A-320 and the 747 at Northwest - then Delta. I remember many trips where he was a loyal (just like the good Marine he was ) First Officer. One of our more remarkable trips was an A-320  flying from Detroit to New York LaGuardia. We had a crew meal served on a 20 min climb, 20 minute cruise, then descent and arrival. We were served a crew meal ( beef kabob ) and he was doing his best to expedite the meal consumption. All of a sudden I get an unusual wide eye'd look from him and he wasn't able to talk. Sure enough a piece of the kabob had gotten stuck in his throat and he was rendered non functional as First Officer. Unable to talk, but still breathing we opted to not attempt a Heimlich maneuver since he was stable. We moved him to the jumpsuit and brought a DC-9 First Officer going home up to the right seat while declaring an emergency. We were given priority getting into LGA and had an emergency vehicle readied to take him to the nearest hospital. This was around 11 pm local. After a muscle relaxing medication , several hours later the kabob moved to his stomach and the emergency was over. I remember clearly advising him he had the perfect excuse to call in sick, take the rest of the trip off and get fully paid. Spike was so loyal he adamantly refused - multiple times to take the rest of the trip off ! What an effort as he ended up with a very sore throat for the next 4 days. In Tokyo, Spike was a mellow, fun loving guy to hang around with - never a dull moment. He was a one of a kind Marine, a great part of our aviation brotherhood and an honorable man. Spike will be missed greatly. Semper Fi Sir ! (Always Faithful - the motto of the Great USA Marines  

Spike was a true Marine—resolute, fearless, and unwavering in the face of any challenge, whether in the skies or on the ground. Always rising to the occasion, he embodied the Marine spirit with relentless dedication until every mission was complete. Beyond his strength and passion for aviation, he will be most remembered for his warm heart and deep love for his wife, Meg. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Meg:

I first met you and Spike in OSAKA. Our crew bus came soaring into the KIX hotel from DTW. I will never forget that day seeing a snappy couple, you guys, ready-for-anything globetrotters departing back across the PAC. Lenny introduced us with the greatest accolades of you guys, I knew this was a special intro because Lenny doesn’t lie.

Standing tall and spit polished, Spike seemed like a man on a mission. Although I never got the chance to crew with him it was my loss. It would have been my honor to fly with Spike, sharing stories and interests we called “swapping lies” or “shootin’ the bull.” It is the stuff brotherhoods are made of.

Recalling Spike’s dealing with adversity he was fighter for sure. Ever in the Marine spirit I knew he would be okay going down the Happy Heart retrofitting trail. He and I joined the Lucky Cardiac Club and that event wasn’t going to slow down Spike. As a side note, thank you Meg for keeping us up to date. The “400 Club” was a small special group and we kept tabs on each other. And for helping Spike and keeping us in the loop, you are now an official member!

With that in mind, I look forward to sharing Spike's memorial with you later this month. I regret not sharing more time with Captain Roberson. He was a great aviator just by going through that Airbus school on the Trash Panda, A350. But you have spent your life with him and that’s the greatest treasure of all.

FLY WEST my friend, Vaya Con Dios.

Bill Riley


As were virtually all the Marines I've met in my life, Spike was a most exceptional human being.  I've always wondered to myself if Marines were born that way, or was it the Marine Corp that molds these men to this very high standard of excellence.  I think it is a combination of both, and Spike was the epitome of a Marine officer.  Spike was the kindest gentleman of a man, but you knew that below the surface, one had the feeling that he could turn into a most formidable adversary if someone threatened his family, friends, or America.

I first met Spike when I was a new first officer on the 747-400.  He was very helpful to me with his great knowledge of the airplane, as this was my first "glass" aircraft.  Spike and I flew several Tel Aviv trips out of New York, and it was always a pleasure to fly with him, and have fun on the layovers.  I remember flying a military charter trip to Germany and Kyrgyzstan with Spike.  We operated out of Hahn, Germany, a former cold war air base that had limited facilities for handling a 747, i.e.: no jetways.  Spike immediately jumped into action carrying all of the flight attendant's luggage and shopping bags up the stairs for them.  I gave him some help, and everything was loaded in short order.  Spike was a total gentleman indeed.

A few years later, I was commuting home to Utah on Spike's 737 jumpseat.  I hadn't seen Spike (he was now a 737 captain) in quite a while, and he filled me in on what had been happening in his life.  He told me of his wife Meg, who was absolutely the love of his life.  Meg had packed a lunch for him to take on this flight, and he would light up with joy whenever he spoke of her.  He said she always packed a lunch for him!  As we flew over southern Utah, I pointed out my home below, and Spike was very curious about where I lived for a possible retirement area.  Captain "Spike" Roberson ran one of the best airplanes I had ever seen, he was the consummate professional Captain. He was absolutely one of the finest pilots at the airline.  A few weeks later, Spike and Meg came for a visit to my home in Utah, and Meg was even lovelier than I imagined.  Spike did well by having her in his life.

Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed by many.


David L., better known to all of us who shared cockpit time and layovers with him will always be remembered as the unique, not so ex-marine, "Spke".   Tough on the outside but warm and funny on the inside, he reminded me of an Armadillo.   Tough shell on top but soft belly underneath.   He was a fun, smart and unique personality.   Easy to like and always ready for a new adventue.
     He and I first met when he flew First Officer for me to Manila on the -400.  Meg was his loving companion, with imm and by his side whenever possible.  When she wsnpt on board for the layover, she would be there waiting patiently in theRaddisson lobby for his NRT layover.  We shared life experiences, dinners, tall tales and tequila together and always had fun.  Our family backgrounds had one strong fiber in common, both of our fathes had survived extremely dangerous experiences as B-24 bomber crewmembers in World War II.   We both felt and believed strongly that our ilives were blessed and destiny's fortold to pursue aviation careers and contribute what talents and skills we could to our country and fellow human beings with military and commercial aviation service.   Him a Marine pilot and me in the  Air Force.
Spike's courage and deternimation was exemplified by his unwavering ability to bounce back from hardship.  He demonstrated remarkable resiliance in regaining his FAA medical after life-saving heart surger.   Not many airline pilots ever return to flying after surviving a major surgery such as this .  Let alone, successfully return to the left seat on a new and much different aircraft than he had ever flown before.   
      Yep, "Spi,ke" was special, unique, loyal, dedicated, loving and kind.  But only after you penetrated his shell.  What a guy
!     It was my great pleasure to have worked with and beome his friend.
     All the best to you Meg!   What Great Memories !
     Ronald G. Potter

In Honor of Captain Dave “Spike” Roberson
United States Marine Corps – HMH-361 “Flying Tigers”
Delta Air Lines Captain

Today we honor the life and legacy of Captain Dave “Spike” Roberson, a Marine Corps officer, a skilled aviator, and a true professional who left a lasting mark both in military service and in the skies of civilian aviation.

Captain Roberson proudly served with HMH-361, the Flying Tigers, a squadron known for its strength, precision, and dedication to mission excellence. As a Marine, he exemplified what it meant to lead with integrity, train with purpose, and support his fellow Marines with unwavering commitment. Though his service did not lead him into combat, it was no less honorable — he upheld the proud traditions of the Corps and the legacy of HMH-361 every day he wore the uniform.

Following his time in the Marines, Spike carried his passion for aviation into a distinguished career as a Delta Air Lines captain. Whether flying CH-53Es or commercial jets, his calm demeanor, sharp instincts, and care for others earned the respect of peers and passengers alike.

Captain Dave “Spike” Roberson, you were a Marine, a mentor, a pilot, and a friend. You flew with pride, lived with purpose, and now, may you rest with peace.

You will always be one of us — a Flying Tiger forever.

Spike joined The Flying Tigers after my second pump to Okinawa and he was the newest replacement as we were losing guys to change of station orders. He was still a first lieutenant then and eagerly learning the tactical part of flyinf the CH-53. As I  looked back in my logbooks, we only flew once before I got orders out of the squadro and left California to go back to Quantico. He was in the right place to get back to Pensacola as a flight instructor a year or so later.  We lost touch when Spike got into civilian flying and the airline industry. A brass ring I never got a hold of.
We connected again many years later at a reuion here in Pensacola and kept in touch in the later years of his civilian flying career.  
Our love of guns was always a topic of conversation 
I will miss our chats about guns, flying and fast cars. 

Rest in peace Brother.

Spike was a great friend, pilot and Marine.   He had very professional flying skills and a meticulous work ethic.  He could always be counted on for a laugh or to do something to lift your spirits especially when we were on deployment.  I specifically remember him wanting to buy a corvette after we came back from our first deployment to Okinawa.  He really liked fast cars.  He was always very focused on every detail of his life.  He will be sorely missed.  God Speed Spike.

I got to know Spike, not professionally or through the military, but rather when we lived together while attending continuing education.  Spike showed enormous commitment to duty and personal integrety, but also kindness and perspective toward those who had more challenges in that regard.   I was especially pleased to know Spike, as we shared the same outlook on the issues of the day -- which Spike was eager to discuss -- despite our different backgrounds and life experiences.  I will miss Spike very much.  A great American.

I first met David in the fall of 1976. We were both freshmen, just starting out in the Navy ROTC program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. From the beginning, we clicked.  During the Summer 1979, we both attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) together at Quantico VA. On the rare weekends we actually had free, David would load us into his car and drive us to his hometown of Glen Burnie, Maryland. His mom would be waiting for us with heaping stacks of the most incredible waffles I had ever tasted. Those weekends felt like a piece of home in the middle of all the chaos.

The next spring, in May 1980, David and I were commissioned together—the only two Marine Second Lieutenants in our NROTC graduating class. After graduation, we went off to The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, and then life took us on separate paths for a while. David became a Naval Aviator, earning his wings and flying the massive CH-53 helicopters. He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Southern California. As luck would have it, I was nearby at Camp Pendleton, and we made a habit of catching up on weekends whenever we could.

One visit, however, things took a strange turn.

I was out at Twentynine Palms with my communications detachment, riding in a CH-47 helicopter. Mid-flight, I saw the crew chief suddenly grab a fire extinguisher and start spraying it wildly at the rotors. In the confusion, with the helicopter dropping fast and bouncing hard against the desert floor, I wasn’t sure what was happening. I asked the pilot if he’d managed to get off a distress call. He thought he had—but there was no confirmation. Twentynine Palms is infamous for dead radio zones, and none of my comm guys could raise a signal on any of our radios in the valley. 

We sat there for hours under the baking desert sun, not sure where exactly we were or what would happen next.

Then, off in the distance, I spotted a CH-53 circling overhead. My Tactical Air Control Party radioman was able to make contact, guiding it down for a textbook landing. The ramp lowered, and the crew chief motioned us to climb aboard. None of us wanted to miss a chance to get out of there, so we piled in quickly.

As I stepped onto the aircraft, one of the pilots turned around and waved at me, wearing his flight helmet. I waved back, though I couldn’t tell who he was. He waved again. I waved again, starting to wonder if I was missing something. He waved a third time, and I just shook my head and waved back a little awkwardly.

Then he reached up, flipped up his visor—and there was David, grinning from ear to ear, trying his best not to laugh. 

David Spike Roberson, my Brother. Met him when he checked into HMH-361 after we returned from our Okinawa deployment. He wasn't Spike then, just another FNG. He soon stood out as a copilot that was going to be a huge asset to our unit. Intelligent, focused and intense are the characteristics I soon noticed in him.  I'm not sure when his moniker came to be, but it had something to do with a pet rabbit he named Spike. He had a grasp of the English language that was without peer. Many of us were looking forward to his first book which unfortunately was not to be. If you flew with him you always knew he had triple checked everything. He helped me in my decision to leave the military to pursue the airlines and helped me get into Northwest Airlines in 1999. An avid shooter, he would often drive down to Ky where we would spend the weekends shooting and solving the country's problems. My wife and I fell in love with Meg when he would bring her down, and we were honored to stand with them in Osaka when they married. There is so much more to say about Spike, but I don't have the talent to put it in the proper words as he could have. Friends come and go but Marines are Brothers and are forever. Spike my Brother, I miss you more than you know. Save me a spot next to you on the firing line.

David.... Well actually it was Spike.  I didn't know anyone that didn't call him Spike.  As a Navy Veteran myself I appreciate and respect a good call sign.  It tells a story in its self.  It sticks and is carried proudly when friends that care about you use it, like I said, everyone called him Spike.

I met Spike in 2013 or so.  I was a Chief Pilot for Delta in DTW.  A job where you spent more time visiting and helping pilots than any other task that you were responsible for.  Spike was always a bright spot in a day that he would come and visit.  I would be sitting in my office down the hall and I would often hear Summer's voice fill with joy when Spike would enter through the door.  Spike always brought joy to the room.  I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Spike many times during the time I was in the office and honestly he was always one of my favorite visitors.  
I'm pretty sure I knew Spike before he met Meg but I can't remember for sure, but I do remember the first time he brought Meg down to the office.  Oh the pride and love he radiated when she was at his side.  As nice as Spike was, Meg was even more special and we all knew how much she meant to him.  
I never had the opportunity to fly with Spike, our careers were always too close to one another so that never worked out.  I have heard and read how much he brought to the flight deck and I'm not surprised.  Spike always brought it all to everything he did.
I was sorry to hear we must say goodbye for now to Spike, he will be remembered and missed, by so many.  So many because he cared about so many of us.
God Bless you Spike and may he watch over and protect Meg in your absence. 

Our military and aviation timelines were aligned.  I was just a few months ahead of him at TBS, then at Flight School, then at Northwest/Delta. 

I gave Spike a check ride in the simulator in 1998, as the pilots were ramping-up for the strike.  He was early to the briefing (of course!) and very well prepared (of course!).  His poor sim partner was a civilian-only pilot, and had to endure 45-minutes of Spike and I catching up and reminiscing.  At one point, the kid (he was 6 whole years younger than us) said, "You two should get a room!"
Spike laughed and said, " Careful!  Marines always start stuff like that with a human sacrifice...and you're the only other one here."
In the years since, whenever our paths would cross, I'd ask him, "What time is the human sacrifice?"
As if it was scripted, Spike would look at his watch and say, "1800 Zulu!", and we'd laugh.  
The usual response from those around us was stunned silence or a look of confusion...unless they knew us both, which invariably resulted in them shaking their heads and muttering, "Marines...".

He was a gifted pilot with a palpable love of aviation.  He had a leadership style that brought out the best in those on his crew.   He was a devoted husband and friend, who spoke of others before himself.  He was a border collie of a man: attentive and ready.

He was my brother.

Semper Fi, Spike.


 

Spike was a true professional pilot and a pleasure to work with. His dedication and passion for his work was an inspiration to me and in turn made me a better pilot.  That is a gift I will always treasure, and hope that I will be able to pass his legacy on to future pilots.  His spirit lives on in everyone that he has inspired.  

Harry Fagerquist 

Spike was one of the very best.  Comfortable in his own skin.  Had nothing to prove.  First-Class Gentleman who benefitted everyone he could along the way.  Exemplary Soul.

I first met Dave after checking out on the 747-400. I was a brand new Captain on it but  Dave had been on it for some time.  It was comforting to have an experienced F/O to fly with on those first few transpacific flights. He was a natural pilot and very knowledgeable about the aircraft.  We immediately hit it off as we were both prior military and we were both “gun guys”.  You always knew where Spike stood on an issue and I really liked that because I am the same way. We were certainly on the same side politically, and we both love telling stories and laughing at jokes. I loved flying with him as it always made for a fun trip. He brought his lovely wife Meg up to my place in northern Wisconsin both before my retirement and for my retirement party. Lots of ammunition was expended and hundreds of dollars of fireworks were shot into the air!  One of the hidden talents that Spike possessed was his ability to write. He was an amazing writer and I only discovered this when Spike began having health problems.  I visited him at his home in Ann Arbor when his health was threatening his flying career and encouraged him to write a book. After reading some of his work I was convinced  that writing would be his next career.  Fortunately for Spike he was able to return to the cockpit and of course that was his priority.  He was able to checkout as Captain on the A-350 before retiring and that was no easy task!  I was able to visit him in his final days and I can say that he never gave up. He fought valiantly to the very end and still was able to smile for me as I left him.  A fine aviator, a great patriot and a friend that I will surely never forget. 
Leonard Boltz


Honey, I am the luckiest person to have shared life with you. It’s been a great 20 years. You are the best husband and friend I could ever have. True patriot and Best Pilot ever. You always love your country and served her proudly which I am very proud of. You are the man who makes your dream come true no matter how difficult the paths would be. You accomplished a successful career which lots of people are amazed by. You inspired me to be a pilot as well.  You have a big heart to wrap me up and fill my days with lots of love and laughter. Everyday, you tell me you love me so much dozens of times. Every single text, you never miss to say you love me. You are the love of my life. I don’t know what to do without you. Somehow I still feel like you are on the work trips. It’s just hard to accept this. My life is never going to be the same.I feel very incomplete.  I cannot even use the past tense here. If I do I feel like I put you behind. I miss you everyday and will love you forever. Thank you for all the love you have given me. 

DAVID L ROBERSON

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