|
Patricia Ann Basler, Co-Founder of
Basler Flight Service and Basler Turbo Conversions, Dies at the Age of 78
|
(May 29, 2007 – Oshkosh,
Wis.) -- With deep sadness, we
would like to inform the aviation community of the death of our dear
friend and co-founder, Patricia Ann (Small) Basler, who succumbed to
cancer on May 23, 2007 after a brave fight. Mrs. Basler passed away at
the age of 78 at her residence in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin surrounded by family
members.
Mrs. Basler co-founded
Basler Flight
Service in Oshkosh with her husband, Warren Basler, in 1957. After
purchasing the small fixed base operation from Steve and Dorothy Wittman,
the Baslers went on to make Basler Flight Service one of the most
well-recognized names in the general aviation industry. |
Patricia Ann Basler |
Quickly, the Baslers grew their operation
from just two employees to include passenger and freight charters, aircraft
maintenance and avionics, and full service fueling operations. Under Mrs.
Basler’s leadership the facility learned to successfully anticipate the
needs the annual EAA AirVenture fly-in, and built a clientele of charter
customers to rival any freight forwarder in the nation.
As freight operators, the Baslers developed
a love for the dependable Douglas DC-3. Astutely sensing a market, they
embarked on the journey to create the BT-67, a turboprop DC-3. With Mr.
Basler traveling internationally to build interest, Mrs. Basler remained in
the office, steadfastly navigating the company’s way through the daunting
expansion. In 1988, the Baslers opened the doors to Basler Turbo
Conversions, a state-of-the-art facility on the southeast end of Wittman
Regional
Airport and welcomed Jack Goodale of Grand Rapids, MI as principal owner in
1996. To date, Basler Turbo Conversions has airplanes operating in nearly a
dozen countries worldwide.
In 1997, after 49 years of marriage, Mr.
Basler died unexpectedly. Mrs. Basler continued with the company until her
decision to retire in 2002.
After nearly 50 years of service, 24 hours
a day and seven days a week, Mrs. Basler said goodbye to her ‘employees’ and
embraced the role of being their friend. She enjoyed her golden years
immensely. True to her hard-working nature she did not sit still, but
remained busy with an active social calendar, travel, and service to her
community.
At the time of her retirement, the company
employed 75 people, many of whom had accumulated over a decade of service to
her and the company. Her many years of dedication to her customers and
employees will be remembered and appreciated by all who had the honor to
work with her. Her integrity and personal attention to the needs of others
were personality traits that made her a successful businesswoman and a good
friend.
Mrs. Basler’s family is establishing a
memorial to honor her memory, and those who would like more information can
contact Basler Turbo Conversions, LLC at 920-236-7820.
--end— |
