Connecticut Air & Space Center Founder Dies

[Cherrybomber13]

Connecticut Air & Space Center Founder has Died
Former Senator George “Doc” Gunther dead at 92
(Stratford, CT) The Connecticut Air & Space Center is very sad to announce that our founder, “Doc” Gunther passed away at 3am this morning, after a long battle with cancer. Doc’s vision after Avco/Lycoming closed was to see a small part of Connecticut Aviation history left intact. While the museum will morn his loss, we will strive to make his dream become out reality.

Doc Gunther was responsible for the F4U Chance Vought US Navy Fighter of World War 2 becoming Connecticut’s State Airplane as well as championing the removal of the Corsair from it’s perch at the Sikorsky Memorial Airport for restoration.
Doc was Connecticut’s longest-serving state legislator. Senator Gunther represented the 21st Connecticut Senate District, comprising all of Shelton, most of Stratford, and parts of Monroe and Seymour, Connecticut, from 1966 to 2006.

Senator George Gunther had one of the longest and strongest reputations for environmentalism in the Connecticut legislature, stemming back to when the movement was known as conservation. While still on the Stratford Town Council, he sponsored the establishment of the first municipal conservation commission in Connecticut; then in his freshman year as state senator, he co-authored the first law to regulate and restrict activities allowed in tidal wetlands. He has been recognized many times by environmentalist and conservation groups for his opposition to pollution and his work to preserve the environment for hunters, fishermen, and the shell fishing industry.

“Doc was a unique chacter. I only knew him for a few short years but I developed an instant respect for him. Doc didn’t pull punches, he was a man of conviction who really cared about preservation. He trusted me with the Corsair Restoration and then the Museum.” Said, Executive Director of the Connecticut Air & Space Center, Andrew King. He added “My only regret is that he will never see the Corsair finished. It meant so much to him to see that beautiful plane restored. When she is finished, I know he will have been proud.”

[The Inspector]

Sad news Drew, sounds like a man with one he ll of a vision and determined drive.

[Warbird Kid]

A sad day indeed for all of us up here. He was a one-of-a-kind guy and will be missed. You'd think he was a sailor with the way he talked!

[The Inspector]

A sad day indeed for all of us up here. He was a one-of-a-kind guy and will be missed. You'd think he was a sailor with the way he talked!

Chris, I've always believed in giving things a direct appraisal, sounds like he did too.