Mon, Jul 11, 2005
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.
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