Vince Dostert, co-founder of one of the oldest business aircraft operators in Michigan—Muskegon-based Executive Air Transport—passed away October 4 at the age of 94. Born July 27, 1924, Dostert was exposed to aviation at an early age, taking his first flight at the age of four in 1928, according to the Muskegon Chronicle.

He began his aviation career after graduating from Muskegon High School in 1942. Following in the footsteps of his father, William Dostert, who had served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War I, Vince Dostert joined the service during World War II flying C-46s. 

After the war, he continued with the Air National Guard, flying C-46s and C-47s, as well as flying for Francis Aviation in Lansing, Michigan. In 1959, he joined forces with friend Muriel Brown to launch Executive Air Transport, a Beechcraft dealer and charter operator. The firm has since grown to provide a range of maintenance, sales, leasing, aircraft management, and charter services.

Dostert remained with the business until it was sold in 1971. He subsequently became a chief pilot for Misco Corp., a precision casting company later acquired by Howmet, remaining there until his retirement in 1987.

Survived by four children, he was preceded in death by his wife of more than 65 years, Alma, who passed away in 2009.