Delford M. Smith | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Oregon businessman Del Smith | |
| Born | Michael King February 25, 1930 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Died | November 7, 2014 (aged 84) Dundee, Oregon, U.S. |
| Education | University of Washington |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founding Evergreen International Aviation and Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum |
| Awards | Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy (1999) |
Delford Michael Smith (born Michael King; February 25, 1930 – November 7, 2014) was an American aviator and businessman from the state of Oregon. He was orphaned at birth and then adopted at a young age. Smith graduated from the University of Washington, and then served in the United States Air Force. Smith founded Evergreen Helicopters in 1960. This was the first of seven interrelated companies founded by Smith. All his companies were headquartered in McMinnville, Oregon. Later, Smith created the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, home of the Spruce Goose.