John W. Winter of AEA and Avionic Fame Passes

John W. Winter brought Mid-Continent Instrument Company into the modern era in 1980, purchasing the firm and using it as a base for expansion throughout the aviation industry.

He captained the ship for decades, helped along by his experience as an EO aboard the USS Leyte in the waning days of the Korean War. Earlier in his life, Winter spent time as an electrical engineer, and later worked at Narco Avionics and Aerosonic. He led Mid-Continent in its shift from simple instrumentation to the full gamut of panel-mounted gadgetry, using his expertise to sift the good from the bad and help to build on quality in nascent autopilot systems. Later on, Winter left the company in family hands, once they were steady enough to take the helm, and move into a spell in the industry. Winter served on the board of the Aircraft Electronics Association from 1988 to 2000, in addition to being the elected Treasurer from 1994 to 2000. He got the group's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
 
“My father mastered a unique trio of skills, being an exceptionally good mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and astute businessman,” explained his son, current Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics President and CEO, Todd Winter. “He set the bar high for himself and all to follow; supporting the pursuit of education as a means to achieve success. He taught us all not to shy away from obstacles or challenges, to be action oriented, and focus on achieving results. When I became President of the company, he handed me a commemorative plate with a picture of President Harry Truman, and one of his favorite quotes: The buck stops here!”

FMI: www.mcico.com