The Passing of former DAL CEO
 

Word has reached us that Delta’s much loved and highly respected
former CEO Dave Garrett has passed away. Born July 6, 1922 David
Clyde Garrett Jr. was nearly 90 years of age at the time of his
passing June 2, 2012. Dave Garrett served his country well and was a
WWII veteran. He hired on with Delta July 1946 and was Chairman of
the Board and CEO at the time of his retirement. Dave was a man
committed to his country, his community, his family and his airline.
Even after retirement Mr. Garrett maintained his love for Delta Air
Lines and remained involved as a member of the Delta Golden Wings and
the Delta Pioneers. Yes, Mr. Garrett loved Delta Air Lines, but what
always shined through was his love for the Delta rank-and-file never
forgetting that the employees are what made Delta a true family and a
great airline. It is that mutual love and respect that will always
be so fondly remembered of Mr. Garrett. We thank and will always
remember Dave Garrett for his fine leadership and his many
contributions to our airline.
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Delta's last, IMHO, excellent CEO. A true gentleman, who even through negotiations, was respected by all. He was the last of the "Delta Family" CEOs. No way could I include Ron Allen in that. It was under Garrett that the employees "bought" the B767 for the company. However, his biggest mistake and perhaps part of his legacy, was promoting Ron Allen as his replacement over Hollis Harris. But maybe it was forced upon him by the board.

Wouldn't it be great if more CEOs were made of the stuff as he. RIP, sir.

A fine gentleman. RIP. Fair Winds.

I was hired under Mr. Garrett and you are right, one of the last of the 'breed'. Over the years since I have often wondered why Ron Allen wasn't more like Dave Garrett, since Ron was born and raised at Delta.

I've come to believe the reason is, Mr. Garrett was in the military and served in WW2, he had a different way of workign with people. He put his people first. He would often show up for a flight, unnannounced, sit in coach, and see how our 'product' was being delivered.

RA showed up with 6 serveants, extra gate agents to help clean first class and make sure his flight got out on time, and he ever served anyone, but himself. The word I heard when talking to people who worked directly under Ron was, "You tell him what he wants to hear, or you're fired!"

And I agree the one mistake I saw by Mr. Garrett was putting Ron in charge intead of Hollis Harris. But as you said, that might not have been his decision.

Just for clarification, the RA to whom you refer is Nella Nor, and NOT Richard Anderson. The current RA is much closer to Mr Garrett than Allen ever hoped to be. (comment not intended to stir debate)

He was slightly before my time, but everything I have ever read or heard about Mr Garrett says to me that he was a first class gentleman, and the kind of CEO that is sorely needed in America today. Delta and the airline industry as a whole is a little weaker in his passing.

You know, TSquare, pigs do fly. I am complete, unreserved agreement with your post. Where is that Hell Has Frozen Over sign?

He was a good man.

Agreed all around, t.

RIP Mr. Garrett.

Go back and read my second sentence, where I spelled it out; Ron Allen.

That's the only RA I was referring to.

The new guy would have to be RA2, or "just call me Richard." I guess I should have said Mo'Ron...?

Sorry......

De' Nadda.

But I don't think the new guy, RA2, ever shows up at the airport, does he? I've yet to hear anyone say, "I just had Richard on my flight and he came up to the cockpit and said..."

Over the years I've had most other CEOs stop by to say Hi. Leo, Gerrry, even Mo'Ron once gave me a ride to the employee paking lot up in Beantown, when he and his boys were up there a long time ago. He didn't talk much, but he did let me ride with him.

Has anyone seen Richard at the airport, or had him on a flight?

Or does he only fly on the GV at Delta Air Elite?

No, I did. Very nice, sits in Coach unless on a long international flights (supposedly), and he talked to every flight attendant personally besides me and the Captain. I also saw him once previously get off a plane in DCA and he saw me in my uniform waiting for my chance to get on the plane, and he came over and introduced himself with a smile and shook my hand, and all of the gate agents too, and thanked us for working for Delta.