It was announced today by Boeing that William E. Boeing Jr, the son of the company founder, William E Boeing Snr, has died at the age of 92.

Boeing Chairman and CEO, Jim McNerney paid tribute today and said, “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.”

Seattle-born Boeing had his first aviation experience at five years old, riding in one of the Boeing 40 series aircraft, an early mail plane. He had a career in construction and built a hangar space at Boeing field, which became the home of Aero9 Copters, his helicopter company that he operated for nine years before moving into the broadcasting industry and keeping several radio stations for a number of years.

A long-term trustee of Museum of Flight in Seattle, William arranged for the Red Barn, the main building then used for the construction of the first Boeing aircraft, to be moved to the Museum, where it stands today.

Continuing, Mr McNerney said, “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. 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.”