Gone West: EAA Director Emeritus Dick Taylor

October 8, 2015 - We were saddened this week upon learning of the death of longtime EAA board member Dick Taylor, who died on Sunday. Taylor was a member of the EAA Aviation Foundation board from 1991 until 2004, when that board merged with the EAA board of directors. He then served on the EAA board until 2008 and was named a director emeritus in 2009.

Taylor had a long, successful career at Boeing as an engineer, test pilot, and executive. He was a test pilot on the B-47 Stratojet and the KB-29, but was perhaps best known for his civil aviation accomplishments. Those included demonstrating the reliability of long-range intercontinental use of twin-engine airliners.

His awards included the FAA’s Distinguished Service Award, the Elder Statesman of Aviation Award from the National Aeronautics Association, and the Philip J. Klass Lifetime Achievement Laureate Award from Aviation Week magazine.

At press time, tentative plans were for a memorial service at the Museum of Flight in Seattle in early November. Our condolences go to the Taylor family.