Renowned airshow performer Greg Poe died suddenly after an apparent heart attack on Sunday, July 24. He was 57.
Poe, a Boise, Idaho, native, had been performing professionally as an airshow pilot for over 20 years, and is considered one of the best aerobatic performers in the world. He acquired over 10,000 flight hours in over 100 types of aircraft in his career. He is survived by his daughter, Kelsey, girlfriend Terri, and brothers Russ and Rick Poe.
In addition to his company, Greg Poe Airshows, Inc., Poe was the founder and principal of the Ryan J. Poe Foundation, named for his son who was lost to drug addiction in 2002. From that loss came Poe’s Elevate Your Life program, through which Poe visited and spoke to thousands of middle and high school age children with the message of “Aim for the Sky,” encouraging them to follow their dreams and not let the world distract them from their goals.
Officials at Poe’s corporate sponsor, Fagen, Inc. has expressed their deepest sympathy and support for the team during this difficult time. Fagen has sponsored Poe and his Ethanol-powered aircraft since 2006.
In a recent interview, Poe said he “wants to be remembered as a pilot, an entertainer and someone who gives back to the community.”
Greg Poe Airshows, Inc. issued a statement that it intends to continue operations in both the air show arena and the Ryan J. Poe Foundation, and will be making decisions toward achieving that goal in the near future.
Service arrangements are in process, and will be released on GregPoe.com and on Facebook at Greg Poe Airshows.
Those wishing to make contributions to Greg’s memory can make a donation to the Ryan J. Poe Foundation, 518 Dishman Place, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605. Tributes can also be made by credit card via phone at 208-455-0700.
