We are sad to report the passing of Bill Boeing, Jr, son of William Edward Boeing, founder of the Boeing Company, on January 8, aged 92. Boeing chairman and CEO Jim McNerney has released the following statement regarding the loss:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Boeing, Jr. Bill’s impact on the social and economic development of the Puget Sound has greatly benefited generations in the community.
“We are especially grateful for his efforts to preserve our largest home community’s history of aerospace innovation by helping secure and renew the legendary Red Barn, our first factory, a special place that he visited as a boy. Then, as a leading light in the creation and expansion of the Museum of Flight, he helped showcase our heritage and inspire generations to join in and further advance the science and business of aerospace.
“As a successful businessman and a model for citizenship, Bill positively shaped the region around Seattle, not least through his family support for the Seattle Children’s Hospital, and all the while sharing his passion for education and history wherever he could.
“Bill continued his family’s great heritage with grace, energy and goodwill. As we cherish his memory, we will also continue to see his works through the institutions he left us and the people who were helped and inspired by his leadership.”