The founder of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Paul Poberezny, passed away Aug. 22 at Evergreen Retirement Village in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, after a battle with cancer. He was 91.
“We deeply appreciate all the support shown to Paul and Audrey over the past five months,” the Poberezny family said in a released statement. “As Paul often said, he considers himself a millionaire because through aviation he made a million friends. He leaves an unmatched legacy in aviation and can be best remembered by all the people who discovered aviation through his inspiration to create EAA. We also thank you for respecting our family’s privacy during this time.”
Only private family services are scheduled at this time. Memorials in honor of Paul’s life and legacy can be made to any of the following:
- EAA Aviation Foundation: P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903
- Evergreen Foundation Inc.: 1130 North Westfield St., Oshkosh, WI 54902
- American Cancer Society, Northeast Wisconsin: 790 Marvelle Lane, Green Bay, WI 54304
For more information: EAA.org
It is the knowledge that in the support and growth of Aviation, that no person has planted more seeds of” love of flying ” in the hearts of man around the world, than has Paul Poberezny. From the need of men and the advance of machine during times of conflict to the distant single Eaa member giving a ride to that kid hanging around the airport. From small beginnings to hard effort of expanding and protection of the” freedom of flying” We
know that on, Pauls Wings we all have been lifted. By experiment , good maintance and the Guiding Hand Above we owe the debt to keep those Wings above the surly bonds of earth.
I too am sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, he had a great ability to bring people together for the simple cause of affordable flight. Mr. Poberezy’s legacy will not truly be in all experimental aircraft but rather in the lowest cost machines that have allowed generations to experience the simple joy of flight. God Speed “Red One”, you will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Paul Poberezny passing. What a humble, nice, just plain good guy.