Obituary of William Roy Eligh

William Roy Eligh, 87, of Cortland, N.Y. passed away on Sunday October 22, 2023. He was born on June 25, 1936, the son of the late Roy and Florence Eligh. William was a loving husband, uncle, great uncle, brother, and friend. He graduated from West High School in Rochester prior to attending Eastman School of Music for 6 years, where he played the clarinet. William earned his private pilot license at age 14. He graduated from the Eastern Airlines Apprentice Program as a Flight Engineer. He worked for Empire Aero in Skaneateles, a New York State Piper distributor, as service director. He worked for Sair Aviation as the general manager. William was also the owner and operator of BARDAIR in Cortland. The FAA named him the Designated Airworthiness Representative, inspecting aircraft for import and export. For 25 years, William was the judge for the Town of Scott. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Pilot's Association. In 2012, the FAA awarded him the Charles Taylor Award for 50 years of contributing to the safety of aviation. William is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Susan Bush Eligh; his brother Jack (Nancy) Eligh; his nephews Carl Eligh, Glen Eligh, Michael Bush, and Mark Bush; his niece Janet Eligh; his grandnephew Andrew Bush; and his grandnieces Lauren Bush Sullivan, Madison Bush, Lydia Eligh, and Jordan Eligh. Calling hours will be held on Friday October 27, 2023 from 4-6PM at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A funeral service will be held on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 11AM, at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Glenwood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Native American Heritage Association, P.O. Box 512 Rapid City, S.D. 57709 or Cortland Noon Rotary DAF, PO Box 5248 Cortland, N.Y. 13045