The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association issued the following news release:
J. Lloyd Huck, the retired chairman of the pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co., Inc., a strong proponent of general aviation and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, passed away Dec. 4, 2012 in State College, Penn. He was 90 years old.
"All of us at AOPA and the AOPA Foundation were saddened to learn of the death of J. Lloyd Huck, the retired chairman of Merck & Co., Inc. and lifelong supporter of general aviation," said AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller. "He was a thoughtful and dedicated advocate for GA who was deeply concerned about growing the pilot population and addressing the challenges facing the flight training community. He loved flying and wanted to be sure future generations would have the same opportunity to enjoy that unique freedom."
Mr. Huck began his flying career in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he first flew the B-17 before becoming an instructor and pilot on B-29 bombers. Even after his service ended, Mr. Huck never lost his love of aviation. He continued to fly until shortly before his 90th birthday, when he donated the proceeds from the sale of his last aircraft, an American Champion Champ, to the AOPA Foundation. He had previously donated another of his personal aircraft, which became the AOPA 2009 Let's Go Flying Sweepstakes airplane.
"Lloyd was a great friend and passionate aviator who valued GA and wanted to give others the chance to experience it, too," said AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg. "His commitment and generosity made a real difference for pilots. He will be greatly missed."
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