Thor Solberg Jr., who spent years battling to preserve the family-run and privately owned Solberg Airport in Readington, New Jersey, died on December 16. He was 74.

“Words can't express how incredibly sad we are to say goodbye to Thor Solberg Jr.,” said a notification from the airport. “He devoted his life to Solberg Airport and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.”

Solberg spent his life at the airport that his father, aviation pioneer Thor Solberg Sr., founded in 1939. He also served as a captain with United Airlines, accumulating 11 jet type ratings. 

A strong advocate for business and general aviation issues, he became actively involved with National Air Transportation Association. Joining in 1992, Solberg served on several committees, including as chairman of the Flight Training Committee, and held a term as chairman of the association.

This groundwork in advocacy came into play when he was forced to fight off an attempted eminent domain seizure of property by Readington Township. The municipality had attempted to “condemn” and take over 624 acres surrounding the 102 acres that make up the actual airport property. Solberg prevailed in the courts and, as recently as early this year, Solberg Aviation won a judgment surrounding recovery of legal fees. Solberg owned and operated the airport with his siblings, Lorraine Solberg and Suzy Solberg Nagle.

Services will be held at the Readington Reformed Church on December 21, but a celebration of life will be held in January.