Boeing Innovator Accidentally Drowns

The chief designer of several popular Boeing jetliners has died.  The "Seattle Times" reports the body of 85-year-old John "Jack" Steiner was found floating in Lake Washington near his home.  The King County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death as an accidental drowning.

Steiner designed the Boeing 727 tri-jet and was co-designer of the 737 twin-jet, the two most popular commercial airliners in aviation history. He was also instrumental in the design of the 707 and 747.

"He is recognized as being one of the best airplane designers of history," said Michael Lombardi, Boeing's corporate historian. "That goes beyond his career at Boeing."

Steiner's daughter, Christine Schwager, believes the innovations aerospace during the mid-20th century caught her father's attention. "He had an active, creative, curious mind," Schwager said. "He liked being involved in important designs. He liked being the head of things, being at the cutting edge of what was going on."

Steiner also is survived by sons John E., of Lake Stevens, and George, of Seattle; sister Betty Christensen, of Bellevue; and five grandchildren. His wife, Dorothy, died in January.

FMI: www.boeing.com