On a stormy, late-November night in 1980, Bob Loo piloted his small plane from the Stambaugh airport with my young wife, our family physician, and the anesthetist from Iron County General Hospital on board. 

There was no room for me on the plane. I was fearful and anxious as I watched the ambulance arrive and my wife assisted to the plane. Within minutes the plane taxied to the runway, accelerated to takeoff, and disappeared into the rain and darkness. 

I followed the plane’s flight by car with prayers of deep concern as companions. 

My wife was experiencing complications of a late-term pregnancy and was being transported to Marquette General Hospital.  Following those anxious hours came weeks of watchful care. On January 3, 1981, our daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born healthy and incredibly beautiful. Mary is now 23 years old, married, and an expectant mother-to-be. 

The memory of the air ambulance flight that November night will always be with me. I will forever hold enormous gratitude to Bob Loo and the attending medical staff. The skill and courage they inspired were God-sent. They provided hope and confidence at a time when I was overcome by feelings of helplessness. 

I am in awe to wonder how many medical emergencies Bob Loo assisted to answer during his years in Stambaugh. One, for certain, remains very close to my heart.

Timothy Peruzzi
Superintendent
West Iron County Public Schools