Larry Diffley Memorial Aviation Scholarship Fund Established at Northwest Minnesota Foundation

BEMIDJI, MN – May 30, 2014 – The children of Larry Diffley have established an endowed scholarship fund at Northwest Minnesota Foundation to help aspiring pilots in the local area.

The scholarship was established to honor Larry Diffley's passion for quality aviation training and helping others who intend to become a professional pilot. The fund will provide annual scholarships to qualified applicants who plan to advance their flight training at Bemidji Aviation. "The scholarships will be a big boost to the aviation community by providing funds to flight students who are pursuing their dream of becoming a professional pilot," said Mark Shough, president of Bemidji Aviation.

Larry Diffley grew up on a small farm in Becida, MN, near Bemidji. In his early years, he lived with his parents and siblings in a tarpaper house lacking modern-day amenities. Diffley graduated from Bemidji High School, worked on the family farm, attended Bemidji State College and then joined the National Guard. He moved to Los Angeles, became a UPS driver, learned to fly and met future business partner Shough. While living in Los Angeles, Diffley married Mimi Stevens of Edina.

In 1970 Diffley purchased Bemidji Aviation with Shough. Diffley became the main pilot while Shough, himself a pilot, assumed more of a mechanic's role. The pair grew the company from two employees and three airplanes, to over 50 employees and 37 airplanes offering a multitude of flying services. They also created and operated Bemidji Airlines providing service throughout Minnesota between 1981 and 1991.

Diffley was a legend in Minnesota's aviation community. His flying skills were extraordinary, and his business acumen top notch. "He was a significant player in this market for aviation, a phenomenal pilot and a great instructor," said Tom Letson, a first officer for Delta Air Lines who flew for Diffley early in his career.

So it was a shock to family and friends when Diffley, president of Bemidji Aviation, died in an airplane crash on December 4, 2012 while doing an aerial pipeline survey near Manhattan, IL. At the time of his death, he had accumulated over 28,000 hours of flight time. His son Tony Diffley said, "My dad was born to work and loved to fly. He once said, 'In a lot of respects, I never worked a day in my life.'"

Applications for the scholarship are being accepted through June 20th. The application is available from Tracie Walter at Bemidji Aviation (218-751-1889, e-mail traciew@bemidjiaviation.com), or Peggy Crandall at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (218-759-2057, e-mail peggyc@nwmf.org).

First Scholarship to be Awarded in July

Students who intend to advance their flight training at Bemidji Aviation, have a deep passion for flying, and intend to pursue aviation as a career are invited to apply. Qualified applicants must be at least 17 years old, possess a valid 3rd Class Medical Certificate, have successfully completed the appropriate FAA written examination, and achieved solo flight. Complete eligibility requirements are included with the application materials.

If you wish to support this scholarship fund, please contact Lisa Peterson, NMF development officer (800-659-7859 or e-mail lisap@nwmf.org). Secure online contributions are accepted at http://www.nwmf.org; click Donate Now and scroll to Larry Diffley Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public community foundation that invests resources, facilitates collaboration, and promotes philanthropy to make the region a better place to live and work.