As you'll know if you've read this blog for long, William, our oldest son passed away in 2015 while flying over a wildfire near Cold Lake in Northern Alberta. He was doing what he loved, flying a water bomber and fighting forest fires. The investigation found that a 'fire tornado', a rare side-effect of forest fires, downed the plane.
This is one of my favourite photos of him, taken by a girlfriend at the time, Sandra Muench. I like his smile.
I find myself thinking about Will more as the years go by, mainly thinking how lucky he was to have successfully followed his dream and achieved his goal. I think few people receive that gift. And our memories are entirely positive now, blessed to have have had him for the too-short 38 years he lived.
The official memorial service was in Hinton Alberta, at the Hinton Training Centre. The memorial is located out in the grounds of the centre, under some golden Aspen trees in a very peaceful setting. It's one of my favourite memories of that year.
Rest in peace Will.
How wonderful to hear about your son, Will. I'm sad that he died so young, but as you mentioned, he was at least doing what he loved!
ReplyDeleteIt brings tears, even now all these years later. He was a true hero.
ReplyDeletePrayers for y'all and your handsome hero son in heaven
ReplyDeleteYou should be very proud of him and we should all be thankful for such brave and selfless individuals.
ReplyDeleteAww, i know that you hav death with it well, but I feel for you anyway.
ReplyDeleteA very nice tribute to your son, we can only imagine how much you miss him. There are few who will end their lives doing what they love, even if much too early; to that extent he had a privilege that few of us will share. Thinking of our son-in-law who also died much too early (at 35 of a heart attack) often brings tears to my eyes, you must frequently feel tears in your eyes William comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry. I can say anything to make it better but I can see he was a cherished young man who worked hard for the sake of others.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how much you must miss William. The memorial is in such a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I am near the national memorial I stop to see his name on the wall.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your son's death left a terrible hole in your lives and you'll always miss him.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, he was doing what he loved. That must be some consolation.
You must be so proud of your boy, FG. A life to celebrate, a true hero. A huge loss to your family and the country! Knowing he died doing what he loved must help. I can imagine the smiles he brings to your lives all these years later. You were fortunate to have had him for those few years.
ReplyDeleteWe both know that flying float planes takes a special skill. I spent many hours in float planes and will never forget it. Side note . Our GG's brother was a bush pilot and is legendary in northern Quebec. He gave me a few rides when I was there.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to read about your beloved son. It is touching.
ReplyDeleteI remember when that happened and how sad it was. I think Will looks like you. He is definitely a son to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of your son! He looks like you. Yes, not everyone gets a job that they truly love, and you can be happy your son followed his dreams.
ReplyDeleteI was working with Alberta Fire that summer, and remember that sad day well. While I did work at the Rocky Mountain House air tanker base briefly, that was not my usual job. But I found a photo I took at that base the previous year, which I believe shows Will's 'duck' 692 parked at our base along with other air tractors and an Electra bomber. Here's my post from the following year. https://roadtrip-06.blogspot.com/2016/04/getting-bombed-in-alberta.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful picture of your brave son. I, too, like the smile and he looks very much like his Dad. :) ♥
ReplyDeleteYour pride is evident and William was a very handsome young man. May the sweet memories continue to bring you comfort on the anniversary of his death.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased that your memories are all good ones now, you and Mrs FG have come a long way leaning on each other for support:)
ReplyDeleteBoth of you are blessed to have such good memories and as you said to pursue his goals is a very rich thing indeed. You can see the love in his eyes in that photo.
ReplyDeleteMay you be surrounded by the eternal love of your son, Will.
ReplyDeleteThe people who fight fires are heroes. I remember reading about this on your blog. So tragic! Thank you for his service.
ReplyDeleteFew people have had to cope with such losses as you and your wife have. I am glad that your son gave you so much to be proud and happy about while he lived. May the love that you had together in life continue to warm your heart for as long as you live.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely photograph of your son.
ReplyDeleteA very nice tribute post to him.
All the best Jan
i am always reminded of william with such a heavy heart. it is so unnatural to bury a child, i often wonder have you have managed to keep a joy filled spirit....mrs. fg also. he was a hero and i too love that picture of him!!
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