Gone West – Wes Schmid

July 1, 2021 – EAA is saddened by the loss of longtime member Sylvester “Wes” Schmid, who died on June 26, 2021, at the age of 99.

Wes Schmid Tribute – EAA Sport Aviation Homebuilders Hall of Fame - 2012

Wes, EAA 3113, was born in Oshkosh in 1921, was a member of EAA since 1956, and served as the association’s board of directors as secretary for more than 30 years. He was involved in the preparation of Experimenter and the redesign of Sport Aviation magazine in 1958. He also prepared EAA’s advertising programs and developed a variety of special publications such as data books, how-to manuals, brochures, and other educational and promotional materials. In 1959, EAA Founder Paul Poberezny asked Wes to become forums chairman for our annual fly-in and convention, a position he held for 50 years. In that time, the forums presence grew from a single tent at Rockford to nearly a dozen permanent buildings in use at Oshkosh today.

Wes also served on the board of EAA’s Antiques and Classics Division (now the Vintage Aircraft Association), and was inducted into EAA’s Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 2012. He co-wrote the book, The Golden Age of Air Racing, considered the “bible” for pre-World War II air racing fans, and owned a Meyer Little Toot and constructed a scratchbuilt Steen Skybolt with a partner.