Family, friends, and the aviation community in Albuquerque are preparing to gather this weekend to honor the life of Lee Truitt, the local UPS pilot who tragically died in a plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky earlier this month. What was originally a brief announcement has grown into an outpouring of support, with many preparing to celebrate a man remembered not only for his skill in the cockpit but for his devotion to his family, community, and fellow aviators.
The memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 22, at Cutter Flying Service, located at the Albuquerque International Sunport. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., and those close to Truitt anticipate a substantial turnout from across New Mexico and beyond. Colleagues, students, and longtime friends are expected to attend to pay their respects and share stories of Truitt’s life both in and out of aviation.
While the formal service will only last a few hours, preparations have been underway all week as those closest to Truitt work to ensure that the gathering reflects the impact he made during his 45 years. Photos, flight memorabilia, and mementos from his aviation career will be on display, along with messages sent by coworkers from UPS hubs around the country.
Truitt’s death came as a shock to many who knew him. The crash in Louisville, home to one of UPS’s largest air operations centers, left pilots and ground crews mourning the loss of a respected peer. Although the National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, the Albuquerque community has chosen to focus on celebrating Truitt’s legacy and the many lives he touched.
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According to family friends, Truitt’s commitment to flying began at a young age. Growing up fascinated by aircraft and mechanics, he pursued aviation with determination and passion. Over the years, he flew for various carriers and cargo companies before joining UPS, where he developed a reputation as a dependable, accomplished pilot and mentor. Several younger pilots have already shared that Truitt played a major role in guiding their careers and instilling the confidence needed to succeed in commercial aviation.
Outside of work, Truitt was known for his warmth, sense of humor, and dedication to his family. He leaves behind his wife and three children, whom friends describe as the center of his world. Those close to him recall countless weekends spent at youth games, school events, and family outings—moments he made sure to prioritize despite the demanding schedules that come with a career in aviation.
“Lee always found a way to put family first,” one longtime friend said earlier this week. “Even with flights, training, and long hours, he never missed a chance to be there for his kids. That’s what people will remember most.”
Cutter Flying Service, the chosen venue for the memorial, carries significance for many in Albuquerque’s aviation circle. The company has long been a home base for pilots, flight instructors, and aviation staff who share a sense of camaraderie rarely found in other professions. Hosting the celebration at this location allows fellow aviators to grieve together in a place that symbolizes both the love of flight and the strong bonds that form within the aviation community.
Organizers of the service said they want the event to reflect not only the sorrow shared by family and friends but also the gratitude they feel for having known Truitt. Speakers will include family members, UPS colleagues, and representatives from local aviation groups. Many are expected to share personal stories that highlight Truitt’s kindness, leadership, and generosity.
The memorial will also serve as an opportunity for Albuquerque residents to support Truitt’s family as they navigate this difficult time. Neighbors and friends have already organized meal trains, childcare support, and donations to help the family through the coming months. Several aviation nonprofits have also reached out to offer resources and financial assistance.
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While the investigation into the crash continues, those attending Saturday’s gathering say they hope the focus will remain on honoring Truitt’s legacy rather than the tragedy itself. In a time when unexpected loss can shake a community, his family says the overwhelming support has brought comfort and strength.
Local pilots, some of whom trained alongside Truitt decades ago, plan to conduct an informal flyover near the Sunport following the service, weather permitting. The gesture is intended as a tribute to one of their own, symbolizing both farewell and the enduring connection between pilots.
As Saturday approaches, the community continues to share condolences and memories online, with many describing Truitt as a remarkable father, husband, and friend whose influence will endure long after the grief has passed.
In the days ahead, his family hopes the focus will be on celebrating his life, supporting one another, and recognizing the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him. For those gathering at Cutter Flying Service this weekend, the memorial will be a moment to reflect, remember, and honor a pilot whose final flight ended far too soon, but whose legacy will continue to soar through the people he touched.
