EAA Founder Paul Poberezny Passes at Age 91

[Hal Bryan]

EAA Founder Paul Poberezny passed away this morning (August 22) at Evergreen Retirement Village in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, after a battle with cancer. He was 91.

The Poberezny family has expressed the following: “We deeply appreciate all the support shown to Paul and Audrey over the past five months. 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

3203

[FloridaJohn]

Rest In Peace, Paul. Thanks for all the help. :)

[I_FLY_LOW]

Wow.
RIP, Mr. Paul.

[Dave S]

See you again someday, amigo!

[gpinnell]

See you again someday, amigo!

There will not be another like him anytime soon. RIP Paul.

[TedK]

Mythology has it that if you create an aviator, you are guaranteed access to heaven. If they give Colonel Paul a room in heaven for every one that is an aviator because of EAA, they might have to build an extension onto heaven.

You made a heck of a difference. What a legacy!

Fair winds and following seas, Colonel !

Tk

[Wiltzius]

Thank you Paul for everything you have done for EAA and the aviation community. Now I cant wait to see what you and Steve Wittman can come up with to fly around in up there. Tail winds to you always Paul.

[gdskoog]

Greatness is as greatness does. Thank you for your service, thank you for our club, thank you for your humility. God speed, sir.

[Tom Steber]

Thank you Paul for all you did. Prayers for the family now. My only one-on-one time with Paul was back in the late 80's or early 90's. I was volunteering at the Weeks hanger working on the C-47 that now sits out in front of the museum. It was getting close to noon and suddenly a wonderful smell began to fill the air. Here was Paul with KFC for all of us. What a surprise to have a special lunch guest that day. Rest in peace sir.

[gbrasch]

There will never be another one like him....

[PaulDow]

There are few people in aviation who have made such an impact. Paul’s accomplishments are very inspirational.

My greatest memory of Paul was during the evening fireside chat at a chapter leader workshop a few years ago. It was during the turbulent period of the search for the EAA President. It was a very intense session where Paul really let his feelings out; showing his care for the organization and members. I think at that time while he accepted there was gong to be significant change, he wanted to see that the original purpose of EAA was going to continue where the people’s relationships mattered. The conflicts during the search for the President appeared to be a very difficult time for him. I'm glad that he was able to see that what he started is now on a good path.

[pacerpilot]

My deepest sympathy to the Poberezny family. We've lost our founder and friend, but gained another guardian angel. I was thinking about selling my Pober Junior Ace (Jake Jaks actually)-but I think I'll hold on to it now.

[RickFE]

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2458/4092611723_37fa9a65b7_z.jpg

To EAA, it's members he will always be a friend...a friend that just doesn't come around much anymore except in our thoughts, prayers and hopefully we can each honor his legacy a little each day by passing along what he gave all of us so much of.

:(

[spongebobiwan]

The world is a little bit sadder of a place tonight, but few men (or women) have obtained such a legacy as this man has. I will miss him and his wonderful inspiration.

[Kurt Flunkn]

I remember seeing Paul fly the P-51 at Oshkosh '86 and being so impressed that the founder and president of EAA was flying in the airshow and putting on a fine display. Here was a guy who could truly walk the talk! A few years later, around '96, I had flown in to Oshkosh (not during the show) and saw him again at the Pioneer Airport. He drove up in an old Cadillac and when people started recognizing him, Paul took the time to speak a few words with each person (including me). He always seemed to have a presence in Red 1 around Oshkosh. Then I didn't see Paul for several years and was delighted to see him in Red 1 at Oshkosh 2011. Pulling up to one of the exhibit buildings, he took the time to share a few words with anyone who approached. Paul was truly a one of a kind.

Gone West.... wishing you tailwinds and smooth air

[Lyle Peterson]

Paul and Red One were ever present at all the EAA conventions, now known as AirVenture. He always had time to stop and chat and was especially attentive to children, adults with disabilities, but never turned down an opportunity to chat. He wouldn't cut short the conversation. His physical presence will be very much missed but his presence will still be felt in all aspects of EAA. Audrey followed Paul's lead in being willing to chat. She is also very warm and personable.

My sincere and deepest condolences to Audrey, Tom and Sharon, Bonnie and Chuck, Audra and Lesley. Charlotte "Charley" Hoy will not have the opportunity to know well her great-grandfather. In time she will know what a wonderful person he was.

[BeagleOne]

Very sad news, but a wonderful long life, very well-lived. What a legacy he leaves. RIP, Paul.

Hal, please let us know if/when a public memorial service will be held when you have that information. Thanks in advance.

[Sirota]

God Speed Paul. If a man's life is measured by the lives he touched, you are a giant.

[flibmeister]

I was fortunate to have quite a bit of personal interaction with Paul over the years, but one of my favorite stories to tell about him is one I saw from afar:

I was a controller at OSH in the old tower, taking a break and looking out the window, and saw Red 1 coming down the road. Suddenly Paul stops, slowly backs up, stops, gets out and walks 50 feet or so into the flight line. Stoops over, picks up a small piece of litter, carries it over to a trash can and throws it away, then gets back in Red 1 and continues on his way.

In his wake, I watched as a rather large number of people, who'd seen the same thing I had, continued their strolls through the flight line. Every one of them stopped to pick up every piece of litter in sight.

I was a young man then, and learned a powerful lesson about leading by example.

[Victor Bravo]

I would like to pass this suggestion uphill to EAA HQ. Mr. Bryan and/or any other staffers here, can you get this to the proper place, or even directly to Mr. Pelton?

I would like to suggest that EAA print up small stickers, with a version of the original EAA logo, that simply says "Thank you Paul" and nothing more. These stickers should be distributed free of charge. Every owner or pilot of a homebuilt airplane (any airplane for that matter) should have the ability to put one or two of these stickers on the tail, as a lasting tribute.

This idea is just one small tribute, added to the many other tributes that will surely come. But it's a tribute EVERY pilot can participate in, anywhere in the world. I think it would be poignant, classy, and appropriate. I didn't know Paul very well, but I met him several times, and I think he would be honored by having this simple and humble thanks on thousands of airplanes all over the world.

We can't all go to a funeral, we can't all send flowers, and we can't all contribute money to a foundation. But we can all say thanks to Paul every time we fly, at a very very small cost of time, money, and effort.

If the rank and file EAA membership thinks my idea is a good one, please join me in spreading the word and suggesting it to EAA HQ.

I volunteer to help design this sticker, although there are certainly much better graphics experts than myself. I believe that using the original EAA logo is important because it best honors the Founder and his original idea better than any subsequent logos IMHO.

Bill Berle
EAA Chapter 40
Los Angeles

[Bob Meder]

I would like to pass this suggestion uphill to EAA HQ. Mr. Bryan and/or any other staffers here, can you get this to the proper place, or even directly to Mr. Pelton?

I would like to suggest that EAA print up small stickers, with a version of the original EAA logo, that simply says "Thank you Paul" and nothing more. These stickers should be distributed free of charge. Every owner or pilot of a homebuilt airplane (any airplane for that matter) should have the ability to put one or two of these stickers on the tail, as a lasting tribute.

This idea is just one small tribute, added to the many other tributes that will surely come. But it's a tribute EVERY pilot can participate in, anywhere in the world. I think it would be poignant, classy, and appropriate. I didn't know Paul very well, but I met him several times, and I think he would be honored by having this simple and humble thanks on thousands of airplanes all over the world.

We can't all go to a funeral, we can't all send flowers, and we can't all contribute money to a foundation. But we can all say thanks to Paul every time we fly, at a very very small cost of time, money, and effort.

If the rank and file EAA membership thinks my idea is a good one, please join me in spreading the word and suggesting it to EAA HQ.

I volunteer to help design this sticker, although there are certainly much better graphics experts than myself. I believe that using the original EAA logo is important because it best honors the Founder and his original idea better than any subsequent logos IMHO.

Bill Berle
EAA Chapter 40
Los Angeles

Hal, I think this is a wonderful idea.

[Zack Baughman]

Just passed the suggestion along to Jack Pelton. I think it's a great idea. We'll have to wait and see what happens.

Zack

[BeagleOne]

I think it's a great idea too! Thank You, Paul.

[Paul Chandler]

The sticker idea is wonderful way to remember Paul. Hopefully it would be available to overseas members as well?

[Victor Bravo]

Thank you all for your positive response, and thank you Zack for putting my humble idea in front of Mr. Pelton. Since EAA has had an impact all over the world, yes I had envisioned that these stickers should be made available everywhere, through every chapter worldwide.

I looked up the "retail" printing cost of a 2x3 "outdoor" sticker with UV resistant coating, and it was something like $680 for 10,000 of them, or under 7 cents apiece (www.uprinting.com (http://www.uprinting.com)) . I'm guessing that this could be cut in half with a larger order, and even customized (die-cut) to the actual shape of the old EAA logo with the little airplane at the bottom.

It seems to me that a couple of thousand dollars total would buy 50,000 or more of these stickers. Perhaps one of our EAA members might even be in the printing business, and do it on a pro bono basis. But even at full retail price, I think it is a very small cost.

[I_FLY_LOW]

Hal, I think this is a wonderful idea.

+1.
I'd like one, should it come to pass.

[rw2]

Thank you all for your positive response, and thank you Zack for putting my humble idea in front of Mr. Pelton. Since EAA has had an impact all over the world, yes I had envisioned that these stickers should be made available everywhere, through every chapter worldwide.

This is a great idea!

[EMBLEMHUNTER]

Never had the opportunity to meet him personally, but know via the forum etc that he was a good man and well liked by many, RIP Paul ............................

[Joe P]

I would suggest further to make them available to all. Not all of us fly but we may have been inspired by Paul to love the romance and spirit of aviation and actively support the spirit of individual freedom that EAA represents.

[pacerpilot]

[QUOTE=Victor Bravo;34546]I would like to pass this suggestion uphill to EAA HQ. Mr. Bryan and/or any other staffers here, can you get this to the proper place, or even.....


Bill, I think this is an excellent idea! In fact, even as broke as I am I'd be willing to pay a few bucks for a sticker if need be. However, I think I'll take a different turn on your idea. I own/fly Jake Jaks Pober Junior Ace (the design that got it all going), which Paul had input and influence in building and actually flew. It has a nice "Pober Junior Ace" script on the fuselage, I think I'll add the "Thanks Paul" to it. Again, great idea! 3205

[Victor Bravo]

Thank you for your support, but the important thing is... no money.

This is something that EAA can easily do, it's dirt cheap. EAA has a budget to send out promotional items like Young Eagles pamphlets and buttons. We're talking a few cents, plus the cost of sending a box of stickers to each chapter.

It would send precisely the wrong message if they even charged a nickel.

One of the complaints many EAA members have had over the last ten or fifteen years is the organization's increased focus on making money. There have been some serious problems in Oshkosh because of this very fact, if I recall.

[Bob Meder]

Thank you for your support, but the important thing is... no money.

This is something that EAA can easily do, it's dirt cheap. EAA has a budget to send out promotional items like Young Eagles pamphlets and buttons. We're talking a few cents, plus the cost of sending a box of stickers to each chapter.

It would send precisely the wrong message if they even charged a nickel.

One of the complaints many EAA members have had over the last ten or fifteen years is the organization's increased focus on making money. There have been some serious problems in Oshkosh because of this very fact, if I recall.

We at NAFI just arranged with a company in Milwaukee to do our "stickers" as those clingy things that go on the inside of windows without using adhesive. They look really nice.

Zack, I can let you know who they are, although you may be using them already.

[Mayhemxpc]

I think the "Thanks Paul" sticker is a great idea. My wife (giving credit where credit is due) asks if "Thanks Paul" can't be the theme for AirVenture 2014?

[Pete Groves]

I was very lucky in 2002 to be one of the pilots who flew a B747-200 into Oshkosh and it was displayed at Aeroshell Square for the week.
One evening after the show had ended we had Paul and Audrey up in the cockpit, Paul was sitting in the LHS and I noticed as he got up to leave he was a little teary eyed.
I asked Audrey what he was upset about, and she said he had been looking out of the window, and said he could remember mowing the grass many years ago exactly where the 747 was now sitting, and he said it made him realize just how far EAA had come.
It was quite an amazing moment.

Blue Skies Paul, your vision has charted the course of an incredible number of people, me included, well done!

[Victor Bravo]

I think the "Thanks Paul" sticker is a great idea. My wife (giving credit where credit is due) asks if "Thanks Paul" can't be the theme for AirVenture 2014?

JACKPOT !

All in favor of the official theme of Airventure 2014 being a simple three words "Thank you Paul" (with stickers galore), send it uphill to HQ today !

(Thanks to your wife Mayhem)

[Mayhemxpc]

That would be "Mrs Mayhem" (actually, Debbie Mayer, also noteworthy for being the person who found my current airplane for me.) I can't remember her EAA# right now.

Hal, You started this thread...who do we sent the message to?

-- Chris Mayer

[Hal Bryan]

By posting about it here, you *are* sending the message, which is great!

That said, feel free to email the Feedback alias (feedback@eaa.org) as well.

[avinuts]

My personal tribute to the memory of Paul. Thank you!!



3209Blue skies and fair winds... Mike& family.

[Jim Hann]

I think the "Thanks Paul" sticker is a great idea. My wife (giving credit where credit is due) asks if "Thanks Paul" can't be the theme for AirVenture 2014?
I like this idea a LOT!
:thumbsup: (For Paul!)

[Jim Rosenow]

I think the "Thanks Paul" sticker is a great idea. My wife (giving credit where credit is due) asks if "Thanks Paul" can't be the theme for AirVenture 2014?

SUPER idea!!!!! I can't think of a better incentive to get me there!!

[BeagleOne]

I LOVE the idea of the "Thank You, Paul" stickers AND making the 2014 theme the same. As someone who lives near Oshkosh I am hoping there will be some kind of public memorial this fall, maybe at the Eagle Hangar. Next year at the fly-in I'd love to see a Theater in the Woods evening devoted to Paul, and a presentation at Warbirds in Review on the planes he flew in the military, and of course a P-51 missing man formation during the airshow(s).

No doubt Mr. Pelton and Co. will come up with appropriate remembrances!

[Bob Meder]

Hal, feel free to tell Mr. Pelton I feel the same way. I think it'd be a great theme for 2014.

[gdskoog]

I think Victor Bravo's idea is first rate. However, the desire to say Thank You ends with spending even a nickel? I don't understand what the "wrong" is in the message. I, for one have no problem spending $3.00 for a "Thank you, Paul" sticker if I know the balance would go towards an aviation scholarship endowment in Paul and Audrey's name. I think their efforts over the past 60 years has earned $3.00 of my dollars.

Regards,
Duane Skoog
President, #1374


Thank you for your support, but the important thing is... no money.

This is something that EAA can easily do, it's dirt cheap. EAA has a budget to send out promotional items like Young Eagles pamphlets and buttons. We're talking a few cents, plus the cost of sending a box of stickers to each chapter.

It would send precisely the wrong message if they even charged a nickel.

One of the complaints many EAA members have had over the last ten or fifteen years is the organization's increased focus on making money. There have been some serious problems in Oshkosh because of this very fact, if I recall.

[Victor Bravo]

My reason for suggesting that the stickers are free is that there have been a large number of EAA members who have expressed disappointment with the organization's increasing focus on profit over the last several years. In fairness there are two valid sides to that argument, and believe me we all WANT and NEED EAA to be a financially strong organization.

I learned that the differences of opinion between various EAA leaders (on the subject of squeezing every dime out of everyone wherever possible) created some corporate and personal problems a few years ago. Apparently Paul came down on the side of the average EAA member and their average financial means... and some came down on the side of corporate sponsorships, huge corporate pavilions, and the Disney philosophy of bankrupting the average attendee by the time they left for home.

(I had a strong opinion on this last subject, and wrote a "paint-peeler" of a feedback letter to the Convention Office, including the comment that "how they managed to find a truly crappy Bratwurst... in Wisconsin for God's sake... and charge $75.00 for it is beyond me..." but that's a separate matter and I do NOT want that argument to muddy this discussion)

My feeling is that even though most of us would spend a few bucks on a sticker to honor what Paul had contributed to our lives, the concept that honoring Paul would give EAA the idea to put a price tag on it rubs me the wrong way. And if it rubbed me the wrong way, then perhaps other EAA members (who already had feelings about pricing and costs and corporate focus) might also be rubbed the wrong way.

So it's not that my loyalty or thanks to Paul has a financial limit, it's that EAA should hold Paul Poberezny's memory and legacy above and outside of any cost or profitability requirements or opportunities.

Perhaps some of the old-time EAA members here who knew Paul well could offer an opinion on how Paul would have felt about this question?

I'll fly the stickers on my airplane and my toolbox proudly, whether I spend money on buying the sticker or not. The difference will be how it makes me feel about today's EAA.

[CarlOrton]

How about making the stickers free, but allowing a return donation to a very targeted purpose - one that would be held near and dear to Paul's heart? I believe that even if 100% of the members didn't donate, that those of us who would, would result in covering the cost many times over, plus benefitting a purpose of which Paul would be proud.

Wouldn't even have to be something like YE or youth education - could be something that Paul believed was needed for the average Joe. How about Camp Scholler or Vintage Camping improvements? (even though I've never camped, I believe that represents a lot of the real roots of the organization).

[Victor Bravo]

So what's the word from HQ on this idea? I think we've shown that there is strong support for the idea, and I think myself and others have made a strong case that EAA should consider this a clear example of core-level member service. Several days ago it was posted by Zack that he put this in front of Mr. Pelton (Thanks again Zack).

I think that the fact nobody has opposed the idea, for any reason, speaks loudly. These internet forums always have all sides of any argument represented, for and against anything. To have an idea pass in front of a forum... a pilot forum for goodness sake... and have every post come down in support of the basic idea, is a rare thing IMHO.

Bill Berle
Chapter 40
Los Angeles

[CarlOrton]

Here's another thought: Every year on renewal, National typically tosses a new EAA decal in the envelope. Include the "Thanks, Paul!" decals as well; no separate mailing required, all members receive one, etc.

[RV8505]

I think Victor Bravo's idea is first rate. However, the desire to say Thank You ends with spending even a nickel? I don't understand what the "wrong" is in the message. I, for one have no problem spending $3.00 for a "Thank you, Paul" sticker if I know the balance would go towards an aviation scholarship endowment in Paul and Audrey's name. I think their efforts over the past 60 years has earned $3.00 of my dollars.

Regards,
Duane Skoog
President, #1374

Nice Chapter Duane! You guys do alot of good stuff! Glad to see you on here.

[pacerpilot]

I just got back from the airport after a flight in my Pober Junior Ace. A beautiful evening in East Texas-no wind, warm and clear. I Thought of Paul as my pooch and I climbed out over the trees. I can't think of anything better to say other than THANKS PAUL!!!

[BeagleOne]

Aw, pacerpilot, that's sweet! What kind of dog do you have?

[timjuhl]

A tribute to Paul is certainly warranted and something all EAA'ers and lovers of aviation can buy into. I had brief contacts with Paul over the 37 years I've been coming to Oshkosh - the most memorable was in the early 80's when a nasty storm came thru the grounds bringing damaging winds and torrential rains. After things had quieted down I found myself out splashing around camp Scholler at 3 AM just to see how bad it was. It wasn't too long before I met a guy driving an old Caddy who stopped and asked me if I was OK and if I had a dry place to sleep that night. He was out gathering up strays that had been flooded out and taking them to a temporary shelter in a hangar on the north end of the field. That good samaritan was Paul Poberezny.... to Paul, the people came first, a lesson EAA should take from him.

[Victor Bravo]

Hal and other EAA staffers... any news on the Thanks Paul stickers idea?

[Hal Bryan]

Hey Victor - Sorry for the delay, but I wanted to wait until I had the chance to get with a couple of people personally. Anyway, everybody, up yo and including Jack, loves the idea, and we're going to look at dome design ideas ASAP.

[Victor Bravo]

Hal thank you and all the other EAA staffers for taking this idea "uphill". I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say that we're thrilled.

Please please please pass along this equally important part of the idea too, if you would be kind enough... Because this was not an internal idea that originally came out a meeting at HQ, there will be a strong push from people in the PR, advertising, and communications offices to step in and take over the design process (referred to as "NIH" in the aerospace business).

Although I can understand this, I feel very strongly about the design of the sticker, because it offers an opportunity for EAA to honor its past, at a very appropriate moment, without interfering too much with the existing EAA branding.

Again, with all sincere apologies to EAA communications or graphics staff, I feel very strongly in favor of the sticker being based on the old original EAA logo with the little Volksplane (or RV) at the bottom, and having only two words, "Thanks, Paul" and no other text.

My two primary reasons for this are as follows:

1) This is not a time for a branding opportunity. Tell the marketing people to get back in their cage and be quiet. The words "experimental aircraft association" on the sticker would diminish the primary focus, which is to honor Paul personally.

2) The fact that it is based on an original EAA logo, which is much more associated with Paul than the newer "jet" logo, sends a strong message that EAA is still about small, simple, fun airplanes. That is a worthwhile branding exercise.

[Hal Bryan]

That's very fair feedback, Victor, and I can certainly agree with you that, if there is a logo of any kind, it simply must be the original "meatball." As for editing that logo to remove the name of the organization that Paul founded...we'll just agree to disagree there. I understand your reasoning, but that's not how I'd vote. Rest assured that I'll pass your feedback along.

[Mayhemxpc]

My copy of Sport Aviation finally arrived. Very pleased to see that EAA management has taken up the idea posted above with regard to memorializing Paul throughout AirVenture. Now, about those stickers...

Chris Mayer
N424AF

[Floatsflyer]

My copy of Sport Aviation finally arrived. Very pleased to see that EAA management has taken up the idea posted above with regard to memorializing Paul throughout AirVenture. Now, about those stickers...

Chris Mayer
N424AF Don't have mine yet. You get mail delivered on Saturdays??!!