[JYO] Pilot, businessman Dan Moats dies - Loudoun Times Mirror

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Pilot, businessman Dan Moats dies 
Staff 
06/01/2004

Daniel F. Moats, a Leesburg businessman who advocated for growth of the
town's airport, died Monday after suffering a heart attack.



 
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Mr. Moats, 51, was stricken after he completed a workout at Ida Lee Park.
Two staffers failed in repeated efforts to revive him.

A native of Grafton, W.Va., Mr. Moats came to Leesburg in the early 1980s
after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was a private pilot who took an
interest in the town's airport.

He was appointed to the Airport Commission, where in two terms he led a
drive to upgrade the airport facilities. His efforts helped persuade the
town to construct the recently opened terminal building.

"He was the moving force with the brain power," said Stanley Caulkins, a
commission member who was chairman during Moats' terms. "He created the
business plan" that showed the building was an economic asset.

The new terminal carries Caulkins' name. "His name should be there beside
mine," said Caulkins.

Steve Hutchens, a commission member with Mr. Moats, said the terminal plan
idea sprouted from their travel to other airports.

"Dan had a lot of personal pride in trying to make sure the town had a very
professional and presentable entry for fliers," Hutchens said.

"We saw we needed an updated, larger terminal building that allowed us to
grow business at the airport," Hutchens said. "We wanted to create a larger
amount of rental space for tenants" at the facility.

The building opened last month and is "already full," Hutchens said. 

Mr. Moats' love of flying led to the last turn in his business career. Two
months ago, he left the corporate world of EDS to become executive vice
president of Toth Financial in Leesburg, owned by another private pilot, Tom
Toth.

"It was an absolutely perfect fit of talent, personality and passion," said
Toth, "plus the aviation kicker."

Toth said their desks were side by side. "It was his dream occupation. He
loved every second of it."

In addition to flying, Mr. Moats was involved in community activities
through Leesburg Presbyterian Church. He was a regular volunteer for
Christmas in April, where he always bought a special gift for the homeowner
where he was working. He never mentioned it.

He "was definitely an all-around good guy," Hutchens said. "He was a very
giving person."

Mr. Moats is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters Kristin and Heidi; and
mother, Helen Miller.

A memorial service will be Saturday at the Community Church on Davis Avenue,
Leesburg, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Dan Moats
Memorial Fund, c/o James Monroe Bank, 606 S. King St., Leesburg, VA 20175.

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