Bucket list wish granted for two former pilots in their 80s
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IDAHO FALLS — Two former pilots returned to the air Wednesday after decades on the ground.
Malvern Wallace, 82, and Selma VanDercreek, 85, both residents of the Gables of Shelley Assisted Living and Memory Care, were granted a bucket list wish to return to the air from the Bucket Wishes Foundation and Avalon Home Health and Hospice organization.
“I used to be a pilot back in the ’50s, and that’s a generation ago,” Wallace says. “I’ve always loved to fly, so I’m glad for this opportunity.”
Both elderly residents said they have wanted to re-experience flight for a long time.
“(For) about five months we’ve been working on getting our pilot and the planes and everything set up for Malvern and Selma,” Bucket Wishes committee member Jessie Labra says.
Colter Hansen, the pilot, was excited to give the two their flight. He even let Wallace pilot for a bit.
“I think Selma was a little nervous about getting back up in a plane. She flew for a lot of years, her husband was a pilot, and her children are pilots,” Labra says.
With a bit of coaxing for VanDercreek, she and Wallace were sky high. Wallace and VanDercreek were in the air for about 30 minutes.
“It was very nice, and the pilot was very nice,” VanDercreek says.
One ride wasn’t enough for Wallace, so Hansen took him up for a second flight. Wallace requested a flight to overlook a family ranch near the Blackfoot Reservoir.
“It was wonderful, really beautiful,” Wallace says.
Labra says Wallace couldn’t get on the plane fast enough. Both Wallace and VanDercreek were very grateful to have an experience they won’t soon forget.
“One of the things I really need is to get out and have a little bit of fun,” Wallace says.