Our oldest son William would have turned 48 today. I can't believe it! It's 10 years since his water bomber went down while fighting a forest fire in northern Alberta. He was described as a hero at his three memorials, and I believe it. He was looked up to by his crew as a leader.
Will decided to become a pilot and nothing stood in his way. After college he flew out of Kenora, on Fiji, out of Prince Rupert, for Wasaya Airways in northern Ontario (the big twin engine freight planes), and finally for Conair, the fire-fighting company out of Abbotsford, B.C. I've just finished reading the 96 tributes to him on the Forever Missed website, and he's uniformly described as a kind, compassionate friend. He always put safety first, and he had a dry sense of humour.
This is my favourite photo of William as a pilot, because it shows him 'living his dream'. After we passed a large forest fire on our way to the Yukon, complete with water bombers, his dream became to be a water bomber pilot himself, and after 10 years of flying he made it. His passing so young was tragic, but knowing that he had followed his dream somehow makes it a little easier.
Ten years later I think of his brother and sister and how much they have lost. I hope their memories serve them well. Here are three pictures illustrating those memories.
William and his sister Katherine, out of Twillingate, Newfoundland, 1992.
Yes, that's an iceberg in the background.
William and his brother Matt, in the meadow on Manitoulin about 1988.
It was just teeming with Monarch butterflies.
The whole family on our first trip west, at Lake Agnes in Banff National Park, 1986.
So many wonderful memories.
Cherish your wonderful memories. So tragic to loose you son at that age. You are a good looking family!
ReplyDeleteMemories to cherish.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and the family.
All the best Jan
Memories that will always live on in your hearts.
ReplyDeleteStay Safe!
Such good memories, it does not ease the loss entirely but it helps.
ReplyDeleteWe always remember the birthdays after people are gone.
ReplyDeleteMemories are wonderful. I also remember birthdays of lost loved ones.
ReplyDeleteYour pride shines through your words. While the pain of your loss may temper, your memories will last a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteI always think of your son when I see the water bombers. I say his name in remembrance.
ReplyDeleteYou can understandably be so proud of William, and remember those early days together.But if William was here today, he would be doubly proud of you and how you have tackled the surgery outcome and the disabilities you face every day. With your summer coming ahead, those water bombers will again be in thy skies, and pilots will remember William too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nancy. You always give such thoughtful comments.
DeleteI'm so sorry, I've lost two sons and its hard, but we have memories and love to hold tight.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.
It must be so hard to lose a child.
ReplyDeleteOh my, FG. I cannot begin to imagine such a loss. This is a lovely tribute to you son.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and know that the loss never goes away. A fine young man gone too soon.
ReplyDeleteI remember some of your posts about William. I think strength, fortitude and determination, are traits you both have.....
ReplyDeleteSo we share the loss of a son, Gnome. Your son sounds truly special, someone who took life by the horns and lived it fully.
ReplyDelete