Veteran aviation journalist and communications specialist Clifton "Clif" Stroud passed away on July 12. He was 60. Stroud’s career spanned numerous aviation journals, in addition to his work for government, associations and other aviation organizations.
For more than the past decade, he had led his own marketing and communications firm, Aviation Marketing Communications, providing strategic communications planning, media relations consulting and other services. He also was a writer and editor for the FAA on its NextGen initiatives.
A former contractor for the FAA’s Joint Planning and Development Office, Stroud further spent nearly six years as director of communications for the National Air Transportation Association. He had a long background with a variety of publications, serving as managing editor of Professional Pilot and editor of Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Week’s former ATC Market Report newsletter. In addition, he was a contributor to AIN. Stroud also held marketing and communications positions with Atlantic Aviation and Airwork (now Dallas Airmotive).
Born in Baltimore on July 27, 1956, Stroud also was an accomplished church organist and choral director, holding positions at churches in Philadelphia and in the Washington, D.C. area. He performed at the Washington National Cathedral three times and recorded an acclaimed compact disc on the world’s largest pipe organ, a 33,000-pipe instrument in the Convention Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“Clif's passing is a great loss. He was a great client, but an even more wonderful friend,” said aviation photographer Chris Sorensen, who noted Stroud’s sense of humor, always polished appearance and skills as a host. “It was a great shock to [me], accustomed to his pressed slacks, smart-looking blazers, handsome ties and that ever present collar pin, when he bought a shiny black and chrome Yamaha cruiser motorcycle several years ago,” he said. “To have such a great friend, with a sense of humor that seasoned our every conversation, and to have shared really nice experiences in so many different places around the world has been a priceless gift.”
Services are planned for 11 a.m. July 26 at Warrenton United Methodist Church in Virginia.
Editor's Note: This story was updated.
