EAA Mourns Death of Board Member David Lau

January 2, 2020 - Longtime EAA board member and supporter David Lau, who served on the EAA and EAA Aviation Foundation boards of directors for more than 20 years and supported many of EAA's major programs and initiatives, died on December 28 in Watertown, Wisconsin. He was 89.

Dave, EAA Lifetime 138418, became an EAA member in the mid-1960s after a chance meeting with founder Paul Poberezny on the south side of Milwaukee. That meeting led to a lifelong connection and a lifetime of service to EAA as a foundation trustee, EAA corporate board member, and a donor.

"Nearly every major EAA program over the past 50 years advanced because of Dave's leadership," said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and chairman of the board. "Whether it was Young Eagles, the EAA Aviation Museum, Compass Hill, or others, Dave was among the first to support the effort through his time and resources. EAA and aviation are better because of Dave's involvement, and he will be missed."

Dave was first named to the EAA Aviation Foundation board in 1997, then continued with the EAA board when the foundation and EAA boards merged in 2004. He was also a member of EAA's President's Circle, which includes donors to the organization from throughout the country.

Dave learned to fly in a J-3 Cub through the GI Bill after his military service with the U.S. Air Force. He also through the years owned a North American T-6 Texan, and for many years flew a Beechcraft Bonanza and a Daher TBM for corporate and leisure travel.

Visitation and memorial services will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 3-4, in Watertown, Wisconsin.