Big Sky Country

Clarence R. "Sig" Ugrin, a former chairman of the Montana Aeronautics Board, has died in Darnestown, Maryland. Family members said Ugrin, 78, died Wednesday of complications from pneumonia and Parkinson's disease.

The son of Croation immigrants, Ugrin was born in Black Eagle and served as a Navy flight engineer in a PBY (patrol flying-boat) squadron during World War II. He started Billings Aero Repair with partner Matt Zupan after his return, and later opened a similar aviation repair business in Miles City. He served as the airport manager for more than 35 years.

Former Gov. Ted Schwinden appointed him to the Montana Aeronautics Board in 1981, and in 1990 he was appointed to serve as its chairman for two terms. In 2000, Ugrin received the Charles Taylor Award from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Charles Taylor Award is presented to individuals that have at least 50 years or more of aviation maintenance experience. The award is named after the Wright brothers' mechanic who designed and built the first engine for the Wright Flyer.

Sig held an Aircraft and Power Plant Mechanic license with an Inspector's endorsement. He also held a commercial flying license, with instrument, multiengine, flight instructor, multi-engine flight instructor, and instrument flight instructor ratings. He logged over 25,000 flight hours throughout his career.

He leaves behind a son and daughter, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral will take place Monday in Miles City.

FMI: http://governor.mt.gov/