Memorial service being held for Mike Denton
Posted Feb 1, 2013 7:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Family and friends will be gathering Friday afternoon at a southwest church to remember plane crash victim Mike Denton.
The 25-year-old newlywed from Calgary was killed last week when the Twin Otter plane he was co-piloting slammed into a mountain in Antarctica.
His family is remembering him as a thoughtful, honest, conscientious, hardworking young man who had a playful sense of humour.
On tribute pages, many are leaving their condolences and thoughts.
Erik Haag writes “I had the good fortune of chatting with Mike over breakfast and flying with him as a passenger this past summer in the Canadian High Arctic. It was clear through his professionalism, character, and most importantly the twinkle in his eye, that he was doing what he loved. When asked how he decided to become a pilot, he replied ‘I’ve always known I wanted to be a pilot. But not just a pilot, a Twin Otter pilot.’ Mike was excellent at what he did, and we are all indebted to him and his colleagues for their service to the scientific communities that work in our polar regions and the global community as a whole. My sincerest condolences to Mike’s family.”
Greg Bell from Christchurch, New Zealand writes “Sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of these Men. The Ice has become the final resting place of some great heroes, now it has 3 more. Rest in peace brothers, live long in the memories of those who love you.”
A source tells 660News the aircraft was about 700 kilometres away from the base when it was called back on another mission, that is when the plane hit the mountain, killing all onboard.
The memorial service begins at 2 p.m. at the Christ Church Elbow Park, 3602-8th St. SW, Calgary.
The family is asking instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance or a charity of your choice.
