Gary H. Garvens, owner and chief executive officer of Engine Components International (ECi), passed away, Thursday, May 31, after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Garvens began working for the company on Sept. 30, 1960. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he brought new and innovative technologies to the piston engine aircraft industry, company officials note. His optimism and strength were evident in his personality and his dedication to the company his father started in 1943.
Under Gary’s leadership, the company experienced domestic and international growth in the general aviation industry. He played a critical role in the everyday leadership of the company, and he invested heavily in his people and trained and mentored them well.
As he wished, the Garvens family is committed to continued growth of Engine Components International, under the leadership of President Ty Stoller.
As a champion of the piston aircraft engine industry, Gary not only worked for the company for over 50 years, but was also a leader of the general aviation industry as a past president of Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and board member of Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA).
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 2 pm at the New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, 373 Howard Street, New Braunfels, Texas, 78130.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary’s memory may be made to:
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Melanoma & Skin Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77030
- Hope Hospice, 611 North Walnut Avenue, New Braunfels, Texas 78130
- EAA, P.O. Box 3816, Oshkosh, Wis, 54903-3816
For more information: ECi.aero
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