I’m writing the day after Thanksgiving and word has just reached me about the death of my old friend, Ed Stimpson.
Ed Stimpson
Most recently, Ed served as chair of the board of the Boise Airport. Ed retired to Idaho after his term as U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Ed had been selected to the ICAO Ambassador post by President Clinton and served into the first few years of the Bush Administration. It was no surprise that his service would span two different administrations; Ed was always known as a Pro’s Pro; I don’t think I ever met anyone who was as committed to a strong aviation industry, in all its aspects.
I first met Ed when he was president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). I was executive director of a presidential commission in 1993 and worked with Ed on some recommendations related to the manufacture of general aviation aircraft. He did a fabulous job of working with us on the recommendation, and then getting it passed into law after the report was issued. That was Ed through and through: He knew how to recognize an opportunity and then knew how to get things done.
For this achievement and for so many others, Ed received the Wright Trophy, perhaps the highest individual honor available in the aviation industry.
But Ed’s contribution went so much further than the list of his achievements. Ed cared as much about aviation as anyone I ever met, and he certainly cared about the people who make up the aviation industry as much as anyone I have ever met. The list of those of us to whom Ed contributed time, advice and wisdom is extensive.
I had my most recent conversation with him just 4 weeks ago. He was clearly being worn down by his illness, but was up on recent developments, and asked lots of great questions about where things stand. He also took the time to give me some career advice, advice I plan to take.
Ed was a giver and a doer. He left things better than he found them. He cared about results but even more about people. I don’t know that anyone who ever dealt with Ed didn’t come away with the greatest respect for him.
Ed Stimpson. RIP
