Peter Galvin Anderson, the former long-time president of Galvin Flying Services, has died. Anderson, the nephew of Galvin Flying Services founder Jim Galvin, had spent more than five decades in the aviation services business.

Born and raised in the Seattle area, he first went to work for his uncle shortly after he turned 16 in 1969, washing the Galvin fleet on weekends and during the summer. After graduating from high school, he joined the family business full time.

He became president of the Seattle-area FBO in 1980 and in the mid-1980s acquired the operation alongside his family. Anderson’s primary goal was to carry on the values of his uncle as he ran the business, according to the company. “Jim’s core values were apparent in the passion he always presented. He instilled in me to always be honest in our dealings. To always be at the forefront of industry trends. To love, respect, and listen to our teammates. And to provide the best customer service possible,” Anderson had said.

Anderson sold the business in 2007 to Quantem FBO Services of Manchester, New Hampshire. The business was later then sold to Landmark Aviation in 2014 and Anderson then departed the business. But in 2015 Skip Moshner bought the flight-training end of the business and Anderson returned.

“Peter left an indelible mark on our community as a mentor and ambassador for light, general aviation. He will be sincerely missed,” Moshner said. “I remain committed to his vision and excited for Galvin Flying to be the foundation and the authority for light, general aviation across our community.

Over the years, Anderson became involved in the future of aviation, as well as highlighting its past in the community, through his contributions of The Museum of Flight and Youth in Aviation. He also was a founding board member of Raisbeck Aviation High School.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Sarah, two children, and grandchildren.