Bill C. Bainbridge III, 71, died January 11, 2021 in Newton, Kansas.
He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 28, 1949, the son of William Bainbridge II and Evelyn (Holland) Bainbridge.
Bill was a pilot and inventor of aircraft engine accessories which led to him starting his own company over 40 years ago, B&C Specialty Products. Bill has three separate products on aircraft now displayed in the National Air & Space Museum in Washington DC. He created products which flew on the historic Voyager flight, which flew non-stop, non-refueled around the world, and also Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne project, the first successful, private space flight.
Bill is survived by his sons, Nathan (Alisha) Bainbridge and William (Diana Castaños) Bainbridge; daughters, Sarah (Mike) Carter and Elizabeth (Peter) Van Kort; 9 grandchildren; brother, Mark Bainbridge; and sisters, Masha Carpenter and Jean Bainbridge. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home and the visitation will be 11 a.m. till service time Friday
Memorial contributions are suggested to EAA Young Eagles, EAA Aviation Foundation in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Bill was a very inventive man and was always ready for a long conversation around his interests. He helped me and my family at a crucial time which we appreciated. Rest In Peace Bill.
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I enjoyed visiting with him during your time at Berean.
Sarah, Nathan, Elizabeth, and William,
You are each in my thoughts and prayers. Losing a parent is always difficult.
I am remembering your family in happier times.
With sympathy and fond memories,
Sherry Clark
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to all the family. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. I grew up across the street from him at LQ and we would shoot baskets together after school. He was a great person and so glad I knew him.
God bless you all, Diana (Barron) Rose
Sorry to hear. I remember we take I believe his VW out on the ice on the lake. Lake Quivira. What crazy things we would do. Had lots of fun. Blessing to you and your family.
I remember Bill from the times he ate at the Breadbasket. He shared many conversations with my father and his stories about his life were amazing.
I had a couple of conversations with your Dad over the years. He was a kind and thoughtful person who had a deep passion for what he did. He helped me a lot with a couple of projects that I was designing and building. He will be missed. Prayers for your family. – Dave Fogarty DPE/ATP/CFI/A&P-IA
I just read of William Bainbridge`s passing. I considered him a friend and a long time sponsor of the Air Capital Eagles Aerobatic Contest at the Newton Airport. He understood the need to support the sport of aerobatics and what what his contribution meant to the aviation community. He will be missed.
Bought equipment for my homebuilt years ago. Always remember calling and talking to Bill with various questions. Also talked with him at Oshkosh about his products. Never met such a nice person who would take the time to help you and answer your questions. Impressive for an owner of a company operating this way. Sorry to hear of his passing over a year ago. He was one of the good guys!
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Some 20 years back, he stayed with us a few days when we had a small ranch near Napa, CA. He brought me an airplane part to test (and play with!). Always a gentleman and warm, intelligent and engaging man. He’s missed.