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Owen H. Gassaway Jr.

Owen Gassaway Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

OWEN H. GASSAWAY, Jr. Owen Hester Gassaway, Jr., husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and celebrated leader of the Florida Aviation Community passed away on Saturday December 29, 2007. Mr. Gassaway was 83 years old. Born in 1924 in Atlanta, Georgia. Owen's family settled in Kelsey City in Palm Beach County, FL in 1934. He started his long entrepreneurial career at age nine selling magazines in Orlando, and then at age ten he worked as a water boy at downtown West Palm Beach construction sites. By age 13 he was catching and selling fish to local restaurants and later served as a motorcycle messenger delivering dog track results to the local newspaper. At sixteen he had launched himself into his mechanics and maintenance career working in a bicycle repair shop. During this time when he wasn't working you could find young Owen developing his love and knowledge of aviation by flying model airplanes on Morrison Field, now known as Palm Beach International Airport. Upon graduation from Palm Beach High School in 1942 Owen began his long association with Lantana Airport serving as an aircraft mechanic for the airport and for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) stationed there. Enlisting in the Army in 1942 Owen served his country in World War II with General Patton's Third Army as a tank mechanic and driver. He first served with the 565th Heavy Maintenance Tank Company Ordnance. From 1942-1945 he trained in Flora, Mississippi and then worked base shops at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Later at Virginia Beach, Virginia, Owen battle trained & taught amphibious troops methods of preparing equipment for beach landings. He then was transferred to Ft. Dix, New Jersey where he operated a 4th echelon base, maintaining & inspecting equipment for overseas service. Owen met Alice Hilton during a USO dance in Ft. Dix, New Jersey and they were married soon after in Moorestown, New Jersey, June 17, 1943. Overseas, Owen was responsible for the setup of 4th echelon shops in Chaumont, France. He joined Patton's 3rd Army in Luxembourg, as a mechanic and driver, advancing across Germany into eastern section of Pfarrkirchen, Austria. After VE day he prepared to go to Japan via Okinawa, but was diverted to the US in route to the Pacific. Owen was discharged November 1945 at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. After his military service he returned to Florida and Lantana Airport in 1945. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was established shortly after World War II started and became the “Coastal Defense System”, utilizing local private aircraft. Lantana was one of only three sites on the east coast and became a training field during the War. Even today, there is CAP cadet training. Owen's personal involvement has continued to grow the program and develop stronger leadership qualities in our youth. His name is legendary as an educator, motivator and historian in the aviation industry. Over the next 60 plus years, the name Owen H. Gassaway became synonymous with Lantana Airport and aviation history nationwide. Lantana Airport was home to “Lantana Flying Service” under the leadership of Owen who earned pilot ratings in many aircraft. In 1946, Owen earned his airframe and power license. In 1948, he was designated an aircraft maintenance inspector. He later established Florida Airmotive, Inc. which was recognized as one of the finest General Aviation Service and Supply companies in America. He concentrated on aircraft maintenance, airport administration, and charter flying to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Cuba. The company was the largest “on-demand” charter service in Florida from 1972-1989. For 18 years, Owen's company was the largest distributor of BeechCraft airplanes in the nation. He was a great pioneer and an innovator in aviation. Owen has served as a director on several boards and commissions during his career. He served as a director of the local “Florida Aero Club” and has personally sponsored and held their largest fund raiser each year. Owen established the Scout “Aviation Explorers Post” at Lantana, which has been responsible for giving over 10,000 young Eagle's their first taste of flying. He recently donated a Stinson airplane to the “New England Air Museum” in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the recipient of numerous awards including: in 1996 the prestigious Federal Aviation Administration's “Charles Taylor Award”, presented for 50 years of continuous service in aircraft maintenance; also in 1996 the dedication of Lantana Airport Terminal as the “Owen H Gassaway Aviation Center”, and recipient of the 2002 “Distinguished Aviator Leadership Award” presented by General Chuck Yeager. He has been the subject of many books, articles and movies over the years. He was an original pioneer and treasure in aviation and earned the respect of an industry. Owen Gassaway had a strong sense of perseverance, energy and a huge vision. He was a husband, father, grandfather, businessman, builder, pilot, mechanic, civic business leader, designer, innovator, educator, negotiator, world traveler, leader, philanthropist, and good friend. Owen loved to share his insight of the past and the future. If you had the time, he would share life experiences, and always spun some humor along the way. Owen, for 63 years, was husband to Alice; father to Owen H Gassaway III of Boynton Beach, Susan “Becky” Heller of Lantana, FL and Debbie T Gassaway-Hayward of Brattleboro, VT; grandfather to Cory and Brent Heller, Peter-Owen Hayward, and Rob and Jim McMillon; great grandfather to Libby Jo Heller, Gabriel and Gavin Owen McMillon. Owen was also a father figure, mentor and motivator to many who worked with him or were influenced by his support, including participants in the young aviators program of the Civil Air Patrol, local youth organizations and numerous community organizations. The family will receive friends at a memorial gathering, Friday, January 4, 2008 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Mizell-Faville-Zern funeral home, 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL. 561-833-4061. To celebrate his life and to recognize his contributions, a memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church, 2101 6th Avenue South, Lake Worth, FL. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Owen H. Gassaway Jr., and sent C/O Florida Airmotive, Inc., 2633 Lantana Road, Suite 13, Lantana, Fl. 33462, to any of the following: Boynton Aerospace Science Academy program, (Boynton Beach High School), or PBCC (Palm Beach Community College) Foundation, where scholarships have been established in Owen H. Gassaway's name. You can also choose any charity of your choice supporting youth and aviation. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post on Jan. 1, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Owen Gassaway

Sponsored by Owen's devoted family.

64 Entries

Dave Palmer

September 4, 2008

Dear Alice and family,
My sincers condolances to all of you Owen gave my mom her fist job in Florida when she got out of the Army and my first job when I was in High School. I was glad to be able to visit you both two years ago. He was a friend a mentor and one of the finest men I ever met and darn good Pilot

Dave Palmer (Ocean Springs, MS)

Glenn Galloway

July 30, 2008

I first met Owen in 1974 and, as a young, fledgling aircraft accident investigator, Owen took me under his wing and taught me how not to make a fool out of myself. Oh, I can remember driving down from Miami after work and there would be Owen, waiting to "hold court" with me for another tutorial.
I fondly rememder those flights we made to Providenciales in his beloved Baron,N421RB, and retrivieving aircraft from Salt Cay in his DC-3.
I know I'm a better person for knowing Owen (my other father) and I'll be looking for him when my turn comes to "go west".

Marie Price (Selva)

May 19, 2008

My dear Alice & Family:
I was saddened to read of the death of Owen. My condolences are with you during your time of grief, but too are happy memories revisited upon learning of Owen's passing. So many of us spent such wonderful times with him learning, sharing, just having a cup of coffee. You are forever blessed by the wonderful things he brought to his friends, employees, and simple acquaintances. My heartfelt sorrow is with you.

Nancy (Bennett) Cleary

May 7, 2008

To the family of Owen Gassaway,
I grew up hearing many stories told by my father, Morris Bennett, about flying the model airplanes at Morrison Field and other stories of Owen Gassaway. He and my father are still "rehashing" those good ole' days.
With our sympathy for your loss,
Shane and Nancy (Bennett) Cleary

Jeffrey Eugene

April 16, 2008

my condolences goes out to the family. may you find comfort from GOD'S word the bible as its promises us: we wil be able to see our loved one again. JOHN 5:28,29

Mark Smith

April 9, 2008

To Becky and family,
As a neighbor, a classmate and a friend, my thoughts are with you at this time of your loss. I know I have not seen any of you in many years, but memories still linger. I remember when your dad set a helicopter down in the vacant lot next door. That I will never forget.
You will be in my prayers.

Portrait of the young flight instructor as a much older man.

Bill Webb

March 7, 2008

Dear Alice, Owen, Becky, Debbie and all those I never met,

I just learned from a friend that Owen had "slipped the surly bonds of Earth" for the last time. I was totally dismayed that I hadn't heard about it in time to be part of the farewell festivities.

Everyone has said all the obvious things, so I'll just add that Owen was -- in addition to being one of the two or three finest pilots I ever flew with -- a consummate gentleman as well.

Alice will recall the morning that I took out two of the lights on runway 9 (and nearly a line of parked aircraft) with old Apache 4854P while hauling Frank Settle and another mechanic to Pahokee to salvage a Musketeer someone had put in the sugar cane. One of those "I Learned About Flying From That" moments. Despite the expense of a new prop blade and the down time on a company workhorse, all Owen ever said to me about it was, "Did you learn anything?"

Since I quit flying my memories of Owen have become no less vivid. Always larger than life, he is one of the most memorable of many remarkable people I have known. I will never forget him and, even though I hadn't seen him for years, I have suddenly discovered that I miss him terribly.

Valerie Costelloe

February 28, 2008

Dear Alice and Family,
Learning to fly was wonderful but hanging out at the FBO and listening to Owen and his friends talk about their flying experiences was priceless. He offered me many opportunities other new pilots could never have. One of the best was being a flight attendent on the tourist runs to West End. The expressions on the faces of tourists when they saw those DC3's pull up will be with me always. My love of DC3's is because of him.
Thanks for sharing him with so many of us who learned to love flying at Lantana. I smile whenever I hear "Lantana traffic this is Cessna 173LimaGulf" playing in my head as I drive by the airport on my way home.
Sincerely,

Joe Tiritilli

February 15, 2008

Earning my CFI in 1986, Owen invited me to "Polish the stool " in his office in hope of recruiting flight students...Always made everyone feel welcome...

Catherine King

February 3, 2008

Alice and Family,
I have so many memories of Owen and my father Bart King at the North Palm Beach Airstrip ( before North County Aviation ). He was instrumental in both of my parents becoming single engine pilots and our entire families involvement in the Civil Air Patrol, Group #5. He was like a second father during those times along with John D McArthur.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Mr. Gassaway, JUST FLY!

John Williams

January 23, 2008

Alice and family, Like alot of my peers I was given my first chance and many happy memories flying for Owen at Florida Airmotive. I'll always have fond memories of my 4 years there, also I saw Owen out at the field last year and must say it was great to see him.My condolences to all of you.

Donald Samis

January 23, 2008

Owen hired me, a retired teacher who knew nothing about private aircraft. I worked at Florida Airmotive for 2 years behind the counter, from 1986 to 1988 and met lots of people, some of whom were well-known. No one knew or remembered more about flying than Owen. He was "the source." The bar-b-q's at the airport by Owen's lawyer were also most memorable. Alice, Mona and I extend my deepest sympathy to you and yours.

Vicky Garcia

January 15, 2008

To the GASSAWAY Family:
I met Mom Alice and Dad Owen on the spring of 2002
I called them Mom and Dad …just like my own!
I was a new addition to the Gassaway-Hayward family in Brattleboro
I remember his grand welcome hug so loving and kind
His words of wisdom-encouraged me to follow my dreams
He sowed the seed of kindness and reached out to me
I was a recipient of his generosity
For that I honor his life, his purpose… his giving,
I thank God for knowing the man- I called Daddy Owen!

For Mom Alice …
My prayers are with you and your children
To stand tall amidst the loss
His memories inspires us all
To be strong for each passing day
With renewed hope and courage
Because his love lingers on
Through you, his family, friends and all-

To Owen, Becky and Debbie…
His loving memory remain in your hearts
The life he lived left you great pride and honor
A loving and unselfish man
A great DAD- a great loss!

He will be surely missed on this earth!
But he is –at peace to be with his Maker!Psalms 23

Peter Hayward

January 9, 2008

Tribute to Owen

When I last saw you
You made me laugh
With mischief in your eyes
And a story on your lips

When last I saw you
You made me think
About something you said.

When last I saw you
You inspired me
By your support and belief.

When last I saw you
You demonstrated how to serve
Your community near and wide

When last I saw you
You were helping a young person
Learn something new.

When last I saw you
You showed me how to love
Family and friends.

Now where I go you are there…

I see you on the edge of my vision
Walking with lively step.

I see you in every person you touched
Especially each family member near me here.

I see you in the places we shared
Even the new ones where I go now.

I hear you in the echo
of the stories and laughter of your friends.

I hear you in passing footfalls nearby

I hear you whispering advice in my ear (like be strong)

I hear you in the roar of the engine
And the shout of the wind.

I feel you are still here
That you will never be far
You remain alive in each of us
Deep inside me – here (hand over my heart)

Peter W Hayward (husband of Debbie Gassaway)
Saturday January 5, 2007

Peter-Owen Hayward

January 9, 2008

You got me into airplanes
You showed me how to drive a golf cart,
You told the best stories,
You taught me how to fish,
You have done an uncountable number of
things for me;
I will never forget how much you impacted my life.

Your loving Grandson

Peter-Owen

Larry Larkin

January 8, 2008

Our prayers and thoughts are with Alice and family at this time. I had the privilege of knowing Owen for almost 40 years. What a great guy.
Larry & Joan Larkin

Sandra Brock

January 7, 2008

Alice and her family...
How lucky you were to be his family, whom he loved over all else. How lucky WE were to be a part of his extended love, the pilots and friends at his beloved 'Lantana Airport'. There isn't one of us whom he hasn't helped in one way or another. We will miss his knowledge and helpfulness, his humor, and that friendly wave as he drove by in his truck looking out for all of us. He has soared with eagles...He will now fly with angels..

Gene Redmond

January 6, 2008

Dear Alice, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. It is with deep sorrow to hear of Owen's passing and your loss.
I so enjoyed having had the opportunity to work for Owen and you.

Terry Bradlow

January 5, 2008

Alice, my sincerest sympathy to you and your family at this time. Owen was a great man that did a lot for many people. It was you and Owen that encouraged me to learn to fly. Back in the 1980's it was Owens flight school that I learned and got my ticket.He was truely an honorable and great man to be proud of. My prayers go out to you in your time of grief. God Bless you all

Jabee Downes ( Murray)

January 5, 2008

My sympathy to the family at this time of loss. I remember the day my mother ( Jane A Murray) took her solo flight at Lantana. Owen stood there with my father ( Bill Murray) and I, while we watched her take off and land. So many of my better child hood memories were at Lantana Airport between the airplane flights and the CAP.
Both my parents and brother are now deceased and along with Owen they soar higher than ever with angels wings. Blessings to the family knowing this man has touched many lives!

John Heemsath

January 4, 2008

Soar with the Angels, Owen. SUA-QB

Stan & Hope Hilker

January 4, 2008

I have known Owen since 1943 when he was Wes Jackson's bicycle mechanic. I received my flight instruction from Wes Jackson at the new Lantana airport. Owen was the aircraft mechanic at that time. Later, upon Wes Jackson's death, he became the head of the operation. Through the years Owen sold me three airplanes (which he also maintained). He became known as Mr. Lantana Airport! He will be sorely missed by all and the aviation community in particular.
Our sympathies are extended to Alice and the family.

Jerry thompson

January 4, 2008

To the Gassaway family.

My thoughts and prayers are with Alice and the Gassaway family who along with Owen made me feel a part of their extended family.

Alex and Bettyann McHenry

January 4, 2008

With our heartfelt love and sympathy,

Just fly!!!

Michael Duke

January 4, 2008

Ted Knight

January 4, 2008

Owen was a wonderful friend to my father, Vic Knight, who died in 2000. He was probably Dad's biggest fan, and loved hearing his big band play at the annual breakfast at the airport. He was so proud of Dad for taking flying lessons and soloing. He became my friend as well, and I'll miss him.

John Heemsath

January 4, 2008

Owen Gassaway. What a Man of Aviation. I met Owen while on cross-country flights from Ft. Rucker with US Army fixed wing student pilots during 1965.He always had a tie down for our Beaver or Otter and a loaner car at no charge for me to visit my folks in Stuart on a quick overnight trip.
Over the years, I visited LNA when I could and Owen and I visited and talked about all the great things he was doing at Lantana for the Aviation Community. Zack Mosley,Smilin'Jack writer,
was a good friend of Owen's and mine and we would always enjoy talking about Owen and Zack's adventures in Aviation om years past.
I am most greatful that I had time to spend with this man,while at the airport and occasionally in one of his great airplanes in flight.Our hearts and prayers go out to Alice and family.God Bless.
John and Macey Heemsath Palm City FL

Sally Cook Rosevear

January 4, 2008

"LittleOwen" as we, the "Cook" girls in B'ham called our cousin. We have wonderful memories of you. Your father and our mother loved to kid each other. Jane, the oldest Cook girl and Little Owen were of the same age. Ruth, lives in CA, Bonnie in AL, and Sally in NJ. Once
again we have lovely memories of our times in B'ham.

The Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce

January 4, 2008

We were very sad to hear the news of Mr. Gassaway's passing. He has been a long time member of the Greater Lantana Chamber of Commerce and has been respected by all in Lantana. He will truly be missed. We send our deepest sympathy for all of Mr. Gassaway's Family. You are in our prayers.

WWII CAP Stinson on Coastal Patrol from CP Base 3, Lantana Airport

Drew Steketee

January 4, 2008

Owen's contributions to the CAP Historical Foundation's national efforts, and his promotion of CAP/Coastal Patrol heritage locally, was immeasurable. He was an inspiration and a friend. Why didn't I meet him 30 years earlier! Now, his Coastal Patrol Stinson "flies" in the New England Air Museum with his DC-3. His spirit still flies with us in our cause.

Drew Steketee
CAP Historical Foundation
www.caphistory.org
Ashburn, Virginia

Richard Burrer

January 3, 2008

I've known Owen since 1950 as a 16 year old smitten by aviation. His reputation was already blosoming as a mechanical wizard. I received my private pilots license on July 24, 1952 at age 17. Wesley Jackson gave me the exam and I passed. Owen gave me my first logbook free. I was the only student in Palm Beach High School with a private pilots license. During '52 & '53 I worked various jobs at the beloved Lantana Airport. I moved to So. Cal. after college but returned for H.S. Reunions. Needless to say, visiting Owen and the Lantana Airport was like visiting "Mecca." My last trip was in Oct. 2006 and I visited with Owen for over a half hour reminiscing about days gone by and old timers. I brought my old logbook and he recognized many old names with a chuckle. I departed with a glow only possible by virtue of visiting with an aviation legend and a great human being. How fortunate I was back then and now to have had that last wonderful visit. Owens name is inexticably woven into the history of the Lantana Airport as it should be. My heart felt sympathy to Alice and his family. Sincerely, Richard Burrer

Steve & Mary Marlowe

January 3, 2008

What a great friend and mentor Owen has been to so many of us, and how fortunate I count myself for having known Owen over the past 20 odd years. Whether offering encouragement to young aviators, CAP fliers, local airport friends (or the occasional loan of a part off one of his planes in my case), Owen inspired us with his zest for life and love of aviation, friends and family.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Owen’s family as we say goodbye to someone who means so much to so many of us.

Sharon Leibovitz-Gomez

January 3, 2008

My husband, son, and I met Mr. Gassaway in October at the Lantana airport, while my son was canvassing local businesses for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Mr. Gassaway was truly amazing, taking the time to bring us into his office and speak with my son and us for what seemed like hours. He had such a gift to radiate his charisma, excitement, and love of people and aviation onto others! He told our son about the Young Eagles program, about the aviation program at Boynton High, gave us literature, and then took us on a tour of the hangar and the Young Eagles plane. His love of aviation and the program permeated through to our son and we left excited about the program and hoping to involve our Boy Scout troop in it after New Year's (after my son's Service project was completed). We left the Lantana airport and noticed the sign noting that the building was named after Owen Gassaway! We were so excited that we had met Mr. Gassaway and learned some of his history from him and felt so special having been acquainted with this wonderful, caring, and loving individual. He made a big impression on us and we are deeply sorry for the loss of this wonderful man and all that he has accomplished in the world. He will be really be missed by many, many people. Thank you for letting us be part of those privileged to having met / known him!

Kacy Todirita

January 3, 2008

I hardly knew Owen, but as only truly great people do, he improved the lives of many others profoundly with his inspiring hard work and honest dedication to his business. He was a good friend and associate of my late grandfather, Al Clewis, and for his enthusiasm and commitment to helping others to fly, my family and I are very grateful. May his soul be protected and guided on this flight to the big airport in the sky. Our condolences go out to his family and all whose lives he touched.

George G. Matthews

January 3, 2008

When first I got a pilots license, Owen was the first that let me solo a Baron and then a Beech 18. Scared me silly, but he taught me well.

Sid Eibl von Rospeunt

January 2, 2008

I have known Owen for nearly twenty years. I considered it a great honor to know such a wonderful man, aviator and the uncontested "King of LNA" Owen will be truly missed by all who's lives he touched!
My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife and family.

John Wagner

January 2, 2008

Alice my Heart goes out to you and your family. Owen and I had a lot of good time's and I'll never forget them.

Bob Showalter

January 2, 2008

Owen's name will be forever a big part of the history of general aviation. I first met Owen in the late 50's with my Dad and was privledged to work with him over the years on industry issues. No better promoter of the business ever existed! God Rest His Soul, I'll miss him.

Bob Showalter, Showalter Flying Service, Orlando

Pete Hubschmitt

January 2, 2008

Owen was my first boss. I was the "sanitation engineer" during the summer of 57'. Later I graduated to line crew. He was a tough but extremely fair boss. He taught me work ethic and much much more. The Gassaway family are special people and great friends. He was an "icon" of the general aviation industry. If he stepped on you toes it was because there was no way around you.

Jeffie Bullwinkel Clatterbuck

January 2, 2008

To my dearest family and friends, some things I’d like to say….
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and said, “I welcome you.”

It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And formost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you, in the middle of the might.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too…
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
Then you can say to God at night…..”My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go….from body to be free,
Remember you’re not going…you’re flying here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Dear Gassaway family,I was just informed about your dad passing away,
Please know you are all in my prayers and thoughts during this sad time. I have childhood memories of being up in the DC3..Mr. Gassaway has always came to mind whenever I saw the DC3 aircraft. Although I have not seen the family in many years you all had a special place in my heart. I wish you all well.

dick miller

January 2, 2008

owen always was good to me and even though i am not there, i have him in my prayers and thoughts. he would help anyone that wanted advice and guidance and i cannot believe he is gone. i wish alice and family to be strong, for owen is in a better place. GOD bless .............

Skydance Air Tours

Jerry & Anne Molter

January 2, 2008

Our hearts go out to Alice, Owen III, the rest of the Gassoway family, and to the LNA "family" as well. Owen will be missed!

Owen gave us encouragement, support, advice and so many services during our business venture at LNA. His cheerful manner and helpfulness were a blessing to us all.

jim brown

January 2, 2008

Owen was a great friend and associate for 30 years. I am so glad we had a long telephone talk a few weeks ago. I loved Owen and will miss him. My sympathy to Alice and Owen's family.

Jay & Gail Nichols

January 2, 2008

We were saddened to hear of Owen's passing. He was a great aviation historian. We can't tell you the number of times we listened to the many stories he had to tell and be able to share his wealth of information. We will miss him.

January 2, 2008

Mr. Gassaway has reached out and touched the face of God.

Fly!

Paul Pefley

January 1, 2008

Owen was one of the most important influences in my life. I know first hand that Owen's life was about Hard work, Character, Deliver on Promise, Understanding, and No Nonesense. I as my family will truly miss his major influence on my life, Aviation, and Palm Beach County. There is truly not another person that has endured 40 years of PBC politics and not been a victim. Honesty always prevails.
God Bless you Owen, and may the Lord take you into his arms for the next Mission.

Sharon Mullarkey

January 1, 2008

Our deepest sympathies to Owen's family. We always enjoyed seeing Owen at LNA. He had so many pins on his hat, now knowing what a credit he is to the Florida Community.

Bill Earle

January 1, 2008

I join Alice and the rest of the family in your grief. Owen was a strong father-figure to me during my teenage years, which I so desperately needed, always patiently helping and guiding me. He spent many hours with me, instilling strong work ethics and introducing me to aviation for which I will be forever grateful.

Eric Sager

January 1, 2008

Thoughts and prayers go out to Alice and the entire Gassaway Family. He will be remembered as a friend and mentor to many, including myself whom he helped on many occassions with regard to the airplanes themselves as well as often-our careers. Always was wonderful to see and speak with him. Lantana, as we call it, won't be the same without him and he will be sorely missed by all.

Charlie Morgenstein

January 1, 2008

In your time of mourning, I know that your entire family will be comforted by the knowledge that Owen leaves a wonderful Legacy that encompasses the entire development of aviation in South Florida. After knowing him for the last 20 years, I had the opportunity to introduce my new wife to him just a month ago.

He took the time to show her all the memorabilia in his trophy cases at the FBO. She got the sense that she was talking to someone who was more than just another old "airport rat", but to a guy who really was a part of the history of the growth of South Florida, and of aviation in particular.

There are far too few of Owen's ilk still left in this world to continue to imbue our youth with the wonders of private flight, and to fight against those who would unfairly restrict the ability of aviators to enjoy the majesty of a quiet morning's flight along the beach, or the satisfaction of helping others by using an aircraft to speed the delivery of medical care or disaster relief.

Owen assisted the Boca Raton Pilot's Association Scholarship Fund when Boca Aviation stopped doing flight training at the Boca Raton Airport. Owen stepped in and offered his 172 and fuel at deep discounts (mostly free) in order to allow the outstanding high-school kids who had been awarded scholarships to keep on learning to fly. I don't know if we ever thanked him enough for his generosity.

I will miss Owen very much, but I will sense his presence each time I visit Lantana Airport, where the very "feel" of the whole place is a reflection of his love of the simple joy of aviating.

May God bring you comfort in these difficult days.

Patti Weeks Hannah

January 1, 2008

The entire Charles Weeks family sends our love and prayers to the Gassaway family. Owen was always such a special friend to my Dad for over 60 years, he will be greatly missed.

Marty Rich Trowsdal

January 1, 2008

Owen Gassaway was for decades a friend of my father's (Willard Rich.) He was my father's most respected aviation authority, and Dad thought the world of him. I am so sorry for your loss.

Clarence Giroux

January 1, 2008

We extend our condolences to the family, he will be missed. Owen leaves this world a better place through his efforts.

Diane & Randy Boyd

January 1, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers to the family at this time of loss.

Harry Morris

January 1, 2008

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Owen Gassaway Sr. He was a true friend who did many favors for me over the years. I feel sure that God has placed Owen in a very special place in Heaven because of his unselfish generosity in helping so many of us, over so many years of his life.

The aviation community can never be the same without him, but for sure, it has been rewarded and blessed by the grace of his presence for the past 60 years.

It was my privilege to have known Owen, and I will surely miss his presence for ever more.

My condolences go out to the family of Owen Gassaway Sr. May the Grace of God be with you.

Harry G. Morris
aviator

Roy Tappenden

January 1, 2008

Owen will always remain in the thoughts of the former Guinness Learjet crew members.

Carlos Cavanagh

January 1, 2008

Owen was truly a part of South Florida history. He was a tireless promoter of the Lantana Airport and the reason that it's so active today. He gave the place character.

Back in 1994 he was instrumental in bring my company from Maryland to the airport, were we grew into a major supplier of helicopter windows and windshields for the US Army and employ 35.

Owen was a mentor to us and we will miss him.

Hilton Mendez

January 1, 2008

Owen was a true enthusiast
of aviation. Rest in Peace.

Michael Collegio

January 1, 2008

Owen will be Truly Missed

Matthew

January 1, 2008

Uncle Owen is a kind man. I am happy I got the chance to meet him and know him again this last year.

December 31, 2007

God's Promise over the DC-3

Richard Snook

December 31, 2007

Owen was a great promoter of aviation. He helped and inspired Missionary Flights International over the years with our DC-3 operation. As a former DC-3 operator, he had high respect for the aircraft and those who flew them. Thanks Owen for your encouragement over the years.

Brandon Scott Lewis

December 31, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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