OSHKOSH, WIS. – Legendary golfer and pilot, Arnold Palmer, 87, passed away September 25, 2016, leaving many friends in the aviation community. Among them EAA chairman/CEO Jack Pelton, who knew Pelton as a customer of Cessna Aircraft when Pelton was CEO of that company.
“So sad to hear today we lost a golf legend, one of the greatest gentleman I have ever known, and an advocate for general aviation. Arnold Palmer was a supporter of EAA. More importantly for me he was the hero and role model for all the things our country was founded on. Thank you Arnie.”
Also noting Palmer’s friendship and contributions to general aviation is AOPA President/CEO Mark Baker, who stated: “We all know what a tremendous golfer Arnold Palmer was, but he was also immensely respected as an aviator. He understood the value of general aviation and was a vocal advocate for personal and business flying. As a longtime supporter of AOPA, and a charter member of the AOPA Foundation President’s Council, he took a leading role in promoting the safety and utility of general aviation. I count myself lucky to have known him. He will be deeply missed by the GA community.”