There were few dry eyes in the large audience at the Falls International Airport Saturday as Thor Einarson, owner of Einarson Flying Services, spoke highly of his family including his father, Francis.
“In the past, my good friend Kevin Nagurski and I have had many discussions about living in the shadows of our fathers. We both have deeply agreed that by far, the blessings have outweighed the curses. I’m truly standing here before you in total honor. Dad, I’ve truly spent my life standing on the shoulders of a giant and I thank you.”
Thor spoke those powerful words at a dedication ceremony naming the airport’s terminal and field the Francis Einarson Terminal and Einarson Field, an honor to which Thor said his family was “deeply humbled by.”
The decision to name the terminal and airfield after the Einarson family came from decisions by officials of the Falls City Council and the Koochiching County Board — the two entities that jointly own the airport.
Francis, along with his brother Jim Einarson, purchased the International Falls airport operations in 1948 — Thor took the reins of the business in 1994.
Over the years, Francis has taught hundreds of people to fly or improved their flying skills, including County Commissioner Wade Pavleck who spoke at the ceremony.
“To this day, I carry some of the things he (Francis) taught all of us,” Pavleck said of the man who helped him learn to fly. “Francis never said ‘goodbye,’ he always said ‘keep air under your wings.’”
Pavleck shared a few stories of his experiences with Francis — some of which he is convinced gave Francis his gray hair.
“This (dedication) is well-deserved and should be have been done a long time ago,” Pavleck said. “I can tell you there is not a finer gentleman in this world than Francis Einarson.”
To add to Pavleck’s remarks of the family, Bob Anderson, chairman of the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission said, “Our airport and members of the Einarson family, are cornerstones of this community here in International Falls and Koochiching County.”
Anderson noted the key role the airport has played in the economic growth of the International Falls area.
“We the citizens, our community, and our airport, have benefited greatly from the Einarson family involvement,” Anderson said.
City and county officials agreed with Anderson’s way of thinking when they decided to adopt resolutions in support of naming the terminal and airfield to recognize the contributions the Einarson family has played in bringing in and maintaining aviation in International Falls.
“The planning committee got together and said it would be wonderful to do something for Francis besides the dedication,” Falls Mayor Shawn Mason said. “We all thought that if Ron Fagen came up here and did some flyovers, that would be simply perfect.”
Fagen, president of Fagen, Inc., the largest green energy design-builder in the United States, said his company flies all over the country and all over the world, and he has always been impressed with the professionalism and warm welcome he has received from the Einarson family.
“They are the best FBO (fixed-base operator) service in this country,” he said. “They (Einarson family) are great people.”
Fagen said he looks forward to the next time he talks on his radio about Einarson Field.
After hearing words spoken of his family, Thor thanked his mother and four siblings.
“Mom, I thank you. You took care of us, you fed us and you made us go to church, and for that I am eternally grateful,” he said.
Thor mentioned his older brother and how he loved him for always making Thor feel like he was contributing — even if he wasn’t.
He also noted his three sisters and how fortunate he is to have them.
Thor grew a little more emotional when speaking of his wife, Karina.
“I love you and thank you for standing by my side and working with me,” he said. “She has to work with me everyday and then she has to go home and live with me, can you imagine that?”
As he moved on to speaking of his father, Thor referred to Francis as his “constant teacher.”
“Over the years, if I’ve learned one thing about my dad it is that stupidity drives him crazy and intelligence makes him thrilled,” he said with a laugh.
Thor thanked Francis for paving the road for his role in the airport’s success and how much Francis has touched the lives of others through his teachings and wisdom.
With a quick wink, Thor summed up that Francis, who was noted as the guest of honor of Saturday’s dedication was a man who loved learning. “He enjoys interaction with people and that’s pretty cool,” he said.
As a standing ovation welcomed Francis to the stage, he first said, “I can’t emphasize how fortunate I am to be in the company of my wife (Joyce) for over 60 years. I want her to stand so the rest of you folks get a look at the real prize.”
Francis went on to reminisce purchasing his first airplane for $1,500, having a baby born during one of his flights to make it one of “the coolest experiences” he’s had while flying, and the many people he has met and become friends with as a result of his role with the airport.
“I owe a thanks to a lot of folks,” he said. “There is a story with everybody. My success has definitely hinged on having Jim as a partner and I am really sincerely glad for everybody. I owe everybody a favor and I’m sorry if I don’t remember when you talk about some greatly cool incidents.”
