The Helicopter Association International (HAI) has announced, with great sadness, the passing of William B. (Rusty) Rowe, former President and Chairman of HAI, on April 8, 2006, at the Mississippi Veterans Home in Oxford, Mississippi, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Rowe was born on December 20, 1924 in Vivian, Mississippi. After graduating from Vivian High School, he served as a Seabee in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946, then he married his childhood sweetheart, Bobbie Joyce Shaffett Rowe. The couple was married for 53 years, until Mrs. Rowe’s passing in January of 1999.

Mr. Rowe worked for the Standard Oil Company. In 1947, during his off time, he received his pilot’s license. After flying crop dusters for several years, Mr. Rowe and Otto Campbell began Campbell Air Service Inc. in Vivian. After his partner was killed in a tragic accident, Mr. Rowe became President and sole owner of the company.

In the late 70’s, Mr. Rowe became an independent oil producer in the Vivian area until his retirement in 2000. He was a lifelong member of the Vivian United Methodist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge #314 of Vivian, a member of the Scottish rite and a Shriner in Shreveport.

Mr. Rowe was also a member of the HAI and served as its President in 1974, Chairman of the Board in 1975 and 1976, and subsequently became a lifetime member of the HAI Board of Directors.

He is survived by his son, William B. Rowe, Jr., and wife, Ann, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, his daughter, Pamela Rowe Mataya, and husband, Bob, of Nixa, Missouri, one sister, LaRessa Rowe Stell of Austin, Texas, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two nephews.

HAI noted that, "Mr. Rowe’s devotion to the industry, the rotorcraft community, and to HAI, will be greatly missed. We have all been enriched by his numerous contributions."

FMI: www.rotor.com