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John Badgley Landstrom

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Obituary
JOHN B. LANDSTROM
John Badgley Landstrom passed away at his home in Corona del Mar on November 3, 2013 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Rockford IL July 17, 1932, to Edgar and Annette Landstrom. He attended schools in Grand Rapids and Indianapolis, and graduated from Rockford High School. He attended Duke University and then transferred to the University of Arizona, Tucson where he graduated in 1955 with a degree in business. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
He then joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. A First Lieutenant, he was based in Okinawa and jockeyed F100 jet fighters in Korea.
After his military service John joined the Sundstrand Corp. (Rockford, Il) specializing in service/sales in constant speed drives and auxiliary power units. In the mid 1960’s he was promoted to Vice President Sales in a California facility. During this time he became interested in the 16 mm. movie systems and joined Sundstrand’s audio producers with movie systems. Out of this came the formation of Sundstrand’s Trans Com Division, with John at the head.
TransCom developed the revolutionary 8 mm movie cassettes in the late 1970’s and became the dominant player in the inflight entertainment industry (IFE) market. Later, Sony bought TransCom with John as President until his retirement.
John was instrumental in putting together the IFE industry. Under his visionary leadership, the foundation for the annual WAEA (World Airline Entertainment Association) conferences of today was laid. He was the recipient of WAEA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.
John loved spending time in Avalon on the boat “Venture” and was a member of the Catalina Island Yacht Club. The desert also beckoned him and many pleasant vacations were enjoyed in Palm Springs.
John was preceded in death by his son John Jr. “Jack” (2013) and stepson Bob Unvert (2001). He is survived by his wife Jan of 37 years; daughters Ellen Palmer (Norco), Nanette Landstrom (Tustin); daughter in law Sandy Landstrom (Tampa); stepdaughter Suzi Lyons and husband Steve (Newport Beach), stepson Tom Unvert and wife Marisa (Newport Beach); grandchildren Dakota Palmer, Henry and Lauren Lyons, and Danielle Unvert; sister Anne Anderson and husband Glenn (Dallas, TX) and their children Michael, Linda and Susan; stepsister Elizabeth Kahler and husband Karl (NYC); and cousin Betsy Edgerton (Issaquah, WA).

Per his request, a private service will take place for the family and burial will be at sea. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army of Orange County, 10200 Pioneer Road, Tustin CA 92782.

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