MAF co-founder Stuart King dies aged 98

Stuart with his 2019 Award of Honour from the Hon Co of Air Pilots (credit:Jenny Davies)

On 29 August 2020 – in MAF’s 75^th anniversary year – MAF co-founder Stuart King passed away peacefully at his home in Folkestone, Kent, at the age of 98. We celebrate Stuart’s incredible life

Stuart King – a former RAF flight lieutenant and D-Day landings veteran – was one of the early pioneers to take light aircraft from London to the remotest parts of central Africa in 1948, launching MAF’s first operation in Sudan two years later.

Highly skilled and dedicated to helping those in need, Stuart began a lifelong mission to reach the most isolated and forgotten people using aviation. This vision became MAF – a global Christian charity and the world’s largest humanitarian airline.

An award-winning veteran

Stuart was an RAF flight lieutenant during the 2nd World War (credit: MAF Archive)

During his lifetime, Stuart made an outstanding contribution to aviation and received numerous accolades spanning decades:

• 1944: Engineer Officer for 247 Fighter Squadron during D-Day Landings.
• 1945: Co-founder of Mission Aviation Fellowship in London.
• 1948: Pioneers a six-month survey across central Africa via Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya and the Congo, only using a map and compass.
• 1950: Launches MAF’s first operation in Sudan.
• 1958: Stuart and his family fly 5,000 miles in MAF’s first Cessna 180 aircraft to set up home in Sudan – the journey takes 12 days.
• 1973: Becomes MAF’s General Director for 13 years when he returns to the UK.
• 1987: Becomes President Emeritus of MAF.
• 2016: Appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur by the French Government.
• 2019: Receives the Award of Honour from the Honourable Company of Air Pilots.

(LtoR) Stuart, Murray Kendon, Jack Hemmings & Tom Banham during their 1947 UK tour (credit:MAF Archive)

On his 98^th birthday in March this year – during MAF’s 75^th anniversary year – Stuart gave thanks to all his friends and colleagues for making MAF the great organisation that it is today:

‘MAF is a family, and I am grateful to be a part of it, and for the part God has enabled me to be involved in. I want to thank my MAF family for 75 years of faithful support – we couldn’t have done it without you. May God bless you and make you a blessing to others.’

The late Stuart King FRAeS*, co-founder of MAF

*A fellowship from the Royal Aeronautical Society is the highest honour awarded to professionals in aeronautics or aerospace.

Combining family life with adventure

Stuart, Phyllis, John and Rebecca fly to Sudan in 1958 to set up home (credit: MAF Archive)

Meeting his wife Phyllis – a missionary working in Sudan in 1951 – Stuart recalled their early years of marriage in his bestselling book ‘Hope Has Wings’:

‘After our honeymoon, we planned to overhaul the Rapide (aircraft) at Khartoum Airport (Sudan). Our room doubled up as MAF’s office. Phyllis did the accounts, typed many letters to London, the Sudanese Government and various missions. She ordered spares for the plane – some had to be stored in our room including a propeller under the bed!

‘We stopped at many outlandish places along the West African coast, spending nights in strange hotels. We’d wash the children’s nappies at night and spread them over our knees during the next day’s flight, turning on the cabin’s warm air to help speed up the drying.’

An incredible legacy

As MAF expands over seven decades, remote tribes previously hidden by mountains become known, and unreached people in the midst of jungles or cut off by swamps, gradually have access to the outside world through aviation.

Thanks to MAF’s technical support and aviation experience, MAF partners with nearly 2,000 relief and mission organisations including UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, the Red Cross, Medair and Tearfund, transporting their vital supplies and personnel by air.

Since Stuart’s initial African survey in 1948, MAF has held on to its founding vision of using aviation and technology, delivering humanitarian assistance to the world’s most isolated people.

For 75 years, Stuart was at the heart of an organisation, which has grown beyond his wildest dreams.

Today, MAF operates around 130 light aircraft in over 25 low-income countries and employs over 1,300 staff.

Stuart leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Stuart King in 1947 ahead of 1st survey across central Africa to assess humanitarian needs (credit: MAF Archive)

Tributes

‘Stuart’s tremendous contribution to the founding of MAF has had a profound impact on the ministry of many people across the world and the Anglican Communion. I was saddened to hear of his death, and I pray for Stuart’s family and MAF’s staff at this time.’

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby & MAF passenger in South Sudan & Uganda

‘Stuart’s indomitable faith, compassion and professional competence created the vision of using aircraft to reach suffering people not reached by other aid organisations. MAF brings help, hope and healing to thousands of people in many countries. We could not have accomplished our work without MAF. We thank God for Stuart’s inspirational legacy.’

Rt Hon Baroness Cox, founder of HART & MAF passenger in South Sudan & Timor-Leste

‘Stuart King was there from MAF’s earliest beginnings. He shared its first exploratory flight into the heart of Africa, and experienced its triumphs, tragedies, joy and pain. MAF brings hope and help to people in extreme need and suffering. It is a vital story of faith.’

Sir Cliff Richard, MAF passenger & author of ‘Hope Has Wings’ forward

‘If ever there was a man who was inspired to turn a visionary idea into a reality, it was Stuart King. His inspiration was Christ himself, who started with just twelve followers but has changed the world. Stuart started with one aircraft but has changed the lives of so many by his passion, leadership and conviction.’

The Lord Dannatt, former British Army Chief General

‘It’s with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Stuart King. Stuart was an extraordinary and visionary man, who did so much with aviation to bring help and relief to so many of the world’s most disadvantaged people. His vision and integrity created the ethos and professionalism that is MAF today who we are proud to support.’

Paul Tacon, Clerk of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots BA, FCIS

‘Stuart had a great vision and drive, but with it a wonderful warmth, humility and great sense of fun. It has been an honour and privilege to watch a man chosen by God for such an enormous task remain faithful in the smallest things. We will miss him deeply but remain so thankful to God for such a wonderful pioneer, leader and friend.’

Ruth Whitaker, former CEO of MAF UK

‘Stuart’s vision and subsequent life-long dedication to offer support and relief to people in hard-to-reach places is inspirational. MAF continues to provide much needed services in places that are very difficult to access and is a valued partner in Tearfund’s work reaching vulnerable people in remote places.’

Nigel Harris, CEO of Tearfund

News coverage

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