Alec Farquhar Littler, second lieutenant, United States Air Force, died in a training jet crash May 1, 2008, at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Born April 9, 1985, in Glenwood Springs, Alec spent his childhood in Brisbane, Australia, and returned to Glenwood with his family to attend high school. He was a student body officer, mock trial participant, and member of the cross-country team, and he loved his high school experience.

He was selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy, but chose instead to enter the Air Force through the AFROTC program at CU-Boulder. After four years of leadership in Air Force ROTC, Alec achieved his dream of acceptance into the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program. As a member of this elite group, Alec challenged himself and his flight mates to be the best.

Alec was a pilot, a mentor and a friend with a warm heart and a wry sense of humor. His commitment to those he loved was unwavering.

Though his life was cut short, his passion took him from this world in the fulfillment of his greatest desire.

He will be forever missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his parents, Bob and Penny Littler; sister Carlyn; and brother Pearce.

A public memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at the Glenwood Springs Community Center Ice Arena, followed by an open house celebration of Alec's life at the Littler-Farquhar home, 1306 Walz Ave., Glenwood Springs.

Donations for the family of his deceased instructor pilot, Maj. Brand Funk, will be accepted on Alec's behalf at the memorial service.