The co-founder and chairman of a Salt Lake-based aviation company died this week at his Washington, D.C., home.
Henry Jay Groen died Oct. 9, 2006, after a nearly two-year battle with cancer, Groen Brothers Aviation Inc. said Thursday.
Groen and his brother, David, started the company in 1986 to develop modern "autorotative" aircraft. David Groen is the company's president and chief executive officer.
The company recently was awarded a research contract by the U.S. Department of Defense to advance its rotor-wing technology.
"Jay's passing leaves a void within us all, but at the same time furthers our resolve to succeed in this endeavor to celebrate his dedication, devotion and persistence," David Groen said.
Groen, who was born in 1944, served in the U.S. Air Force and spent a year at Yale University learning Chinese so he could be a linguist for his two-year term in Vietnam. He received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Utah and a master's degree in economics from Virginia Tech.
Groen worked for 10 years as an expert on the Chinese economy with the CIA, but left the government to become an entrepreneur. He and his brother were partners in Seagull Recycling and also collaborated on the novel "Huey," about a helicopter pilot's experiences in Vietnam.
GBA developed a gyroplane, the first "autogyro" to use a jet engine, and the Hawk 4 Gyroplane was used for security aerial patrols during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. GBA's American Autogyro division also is developing and selling a smaller kit gyroplane. The Defense contract calls for a GBA-led team to design a proof of concept high-speed, long-range vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in combat search and rescue roles.
Groen is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughters Lisa, Rebecca and Amy; his grandchildren Matthew, Sophia, Luke and Alex; his parents Genevieve and Henry; his sister Jo-Rene; and his brothers Marty, David and Meru.
Memorial services will take place at 2 p.m. today at the Memorial Mortuary Chapel, 5850 S. 900 East, Murray. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Jay Groen's name to CareSource Hospice, 1624 E. 4500 South, Salt Lake City UT 84117.