John Steiner

John E. "Jack" Steiner, 85, died at his home in Medina on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2003. Mr. Steiner, born in Seattle in 1917, was a long-time resident of King County. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1940, and received his Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT in 1941. While at the University of Washington, he met the love of his life Dorothy Olson, and they were married in 1942. He joined The Boeing Company in 1941 and was active in the technology development, design, and/or program management of almost all Boeing airplanes from World War II until the mid 1980's. He was a significant part of the Golden Age of Boeing. His many honors, both in the U.S. and abroad, include "Summa Laude Dignatus", University of Washington's highest award; Wright Brothers' Memorial Lectureship; Elmer A. Sperry Award; Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Trophy; Sir Charles E. Kingsford-Smith Memorial Medal; and several international awards from Sweden, Great Britain and other countries. A Professorship at the UW in the field of Advanced Technology was named for him. Aviation Week selected him "Man of the Year" for 1964, and again for 1972. He became a member of the National Academy of Engineering (USA), was elected to the board of the National Aeronautics Association, was a member of the Transportation Research Board, and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. When Jack retired from Boeing as Corporate Vice President, Product Development in 1987, he assumed Chairmanship of the Aeronautical Policy Review Committee of the Office of the President of the United States, until 1990. After his retirement, Jack and Dorothy traveled extensively on their 53-foot Spencer ketch the "Taku Flicka" that Jack finished and outfitted for Northwest cruising. He and Dorothy were avid fishermen and spent many hours boating, fishing, and enjoying life on and near the water. Mr. Steiner is survived by his sons George Steiner and John Steiner, his daughter Christine Schwager, and his sister Betty Christensen. He is also survived by grandchildren Joanna Steiner, Jeremy Steiner, Nicholas Steiner, Karen Schwager, and Daniel Schwager. Dorothy Steiner, Jack's wife of 60 years, died in January of this year. Mr. Steiner's memorial service will be held at the Bellevue First United Methodist Church, 1934 108th Avenue NE, on Monday, August 4, at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances should be sent to the ARCS Seattle Chapter; PMB 429; 4603 University Village Place NE; Seattle, WA 98105. Remembrances will be used to fund a graduate student fellowship in the UW School of Engineering in honor of John E. Steiner.