LAKEPORT — More than 50 friends, family members, former students and colleagues of aviator Bob King gathered at a hangar at Lampson Field Saturday afternoon to celebrate his retirement from aviation.
King, 85, was involved in aviation for more than 67 years, including operating Newhall Aviation Services at Lampson for more than 21 years.
King served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
King obtained degrees from San Jose State University in aeronautics and from the University of Southern California in business administration before he went to work for Lockheed Corporation. In a career that spanned 30 years, from 1956 to 1985, King did a considerable amount of business in Japan and retired as chief engineer. Upon his retirement, he received a letter from then-President Ronald Reagan congratulating him.
He founded Newhall Aviation at Lampson more than 21 years ago, where he taught aviation ground school and flight instruction.
“He tortured many of us,” emcee Tom Lincoln said in jest.
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington presented King with a proclamation from the County Board of Supervisors for King”s efforts in the community and as an advocate for Lampson Field.
Bill Brunetti, a fellow pilot, presented King with a proclamation from Congressman Mike Thompson, who was unable to deliver the proclamation in person. Thompson read the proclamation on the House of Representatives floor, entering it into the Congressional record.
Five or six former colleagues and students also shared memories of King.
King said he enjoyed the ceremony and the 21 years spent with Newhall Aviation.
“It”s been a pleasure,” he said.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14. Follow on Twitter: @KevinNHume.
